Real Estate Career FAQ's
"Our Success is Your Success"

Q. How much training is required to get licensed and start my career in Real Estate?

A. The state of Washington requires you to log in 60 clock hours of training and pass the final exam with 70% or better prior to you being allowed to take the license test. John L Scott UPL provides an extensive program for both pre and post license training utilizing both computer and classroom training. You will find during your career that advance training will always be required for you to stay informed about the business.

Q. What type of professional sales training does your company provide?

A. We offer over 600 hours of training annually of which 90% is paid for by the company. Additionally we have advance training at each of our branch offices. Included in these classes are two that help you jumpstart your career into a fast start.

Q. What personality profile and educational background provide the best chance for success?

A. While sales experience and people skills give you a jump on the competition; we still find that people from most vocational and educational background can become very successful in real estate. We are the most diverse office in Pierce County and our agents speak over 15 different languages.

Q. Can I keep my current job during training?

A. Yes, there is a pre license period. Each branch manager will provide a tailored program for entrance into the profession depending on your current career situation.

Q. When will I know if this is the right career choice for me?

A. There is no hard and fast rule to determine success. Most people will know in 3 to 6 months if they have chosen the correct career path.

Q. How much time will it require during the first year to be a success?

A. Successful agents find the profession requires strong work habits and put in long work weeks to succeed. Newly licensed agents typically spend 50 to 60 hours a week in the first year of real estate. The flip side is that you are your own boss and can set a schedule that suits you and take time off and vacations when you choose.

Q. How much will it cost to get started?

A. Pre license training costs will be approximately $345 to $395 depending on the class you chose. The cost of taking the Washington state exam is $138.25. You will need to pre- register; the results of the exam will be given to you upon completion of the state exam.
Upon passing the state exam the license fee is $146.25 to activate your license to begin your career.

Q. Can I begin to list and sell real estate immediately after receiving my license?

A. Yes, however under the close supervision of your branch manager. Our offices also offer a mentor program that can be used during this period to help launch your new career at a faster pace. Our mentor program is the most comprehensive and complete in Pierce County.

Q. How long before I get paid?

A. Generally you should expect to have a transaction in the first 30 to 60 days; commissions are paid at closing which is 30 to 45 days after the time of the sale.

Q. How much money can I realistically expect to make the first year?

A. In recent years our top first year agents have taken home over $100,000.00. More typical is $30,000.00 to $50,000.00.

Q. Will I have a mentor?

A. Yes, all our new agents have a highly experienced agent/mentor for one on one day to day training to help you feel at home and get your career off to a fast start. Our mentors are side by side with you on your first three transactions.

Q. What are advantages and rewards of a career in Real Estate?

A. A career in Real Estate provides flexibility and freedom to set your own pace. Income directly reflects your efforts, with no limits on what astute hardworking men and women can earn. Successful people in real estate are goal orientated, persevering, self motivated, ambitions, and people orientated. The rewards of a real estate career are a potential for high earnings, status in the community, autonomy, time freedom, helping people, the intellectual challenge and the satisfaction from those accomplishments.