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5 Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in NC

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Oct 27, 2015 6 min read
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5 Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in NC
Chapters
01
Decide to Start a Career in Real Estate 
02
Register with a Pre-Licensing Real Estate School In NC
03
Passing the NC Real Estate Exams
04
What Happens After you Pass the NC Real Estate Exam?
05
After you Join a Real Estate Brokerage
06
Final Thoughts on Becoming a Real Estate Agent in NC

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in NC

This post contains the steps, and information on how to obtain your Real Estate License in NC. It also contains some valuable information for those who are thinking of becoming a Realtor and how to have success early in your career! 

If you want to obtain your Real Estate License in North Carolina here is how to do it.

Decide to Start a Career in Real Estate 

The first step in your journey to becoming a Real Estate Agent in North Carolina begins with making a decision. If you want to become a Real Estate Agent my recommendation is to go do it! Depending on your current situation it probably makes sense to keep your current job until you really get going. Selling homes in Raleigh isn't as easy as it sounds because it's one of the most competitive markets in the country. If you want to learn more about how to have success early in your career, check out this video interview I did to help you accomplish that:

You can view the full article here 

When you decide to start a career in Real Estate set the expectation that it's going to take a year or two to really get going. Some of the most successful Agents had difficult first year's and after that things started to take off for them. Get ready to grind.

The second you decide to start a Real Estate Career start generating leads! Don't wait!

If you want to start a Real Estate Career in Raleigh, let us know! We are happy to answer any questions you may have that aren't answered in this article.

Register with a Pre-Licensing Real Estate School In NC

Ask the Real Estate Agents you know what the best schools are for pre-licensing in Real Estate. As with anything in the world some schools are better than others, and it's important you find a great one to help you the most. The North Carolina Real Estate Exam is one of the harder tests comparatively to other states, study hard.

The schools you study at will prepare you for not only future exams, it will prepare you for the 'field'. You want to go into the field ready to go with enough knowledge to be confident in the decisions you make, and a lot of this will come from understanding the rules of the game.

Homes for Sale Raleigh, NC

The homes for sale in Raleigh NC are selling fast so you may even want to practice filling out real estate contracts before your first deal. If you set up a lot of 'pretend' scenarios, whether you're filling out the offer to purchase and contract, or a listing agreement put yourself through these scenarios. 

Pretend to take a seller from beginning to close with an experienced Agent in your office, or even your Broker-in-Charge. After that, pretend to take a buyer from beginning to close. 

If you have a close relationship with any local Real Estate Agents ask to shadow them!

Passing the NC Real Estate Exams

There are a few exams you're going to have to pass in order to obtain your real estate license in NC, and these don't include all the practice tests you'll take along the way. Statistics show that around 50-60% actually pass the first time. Make sure you're prepared to pass the test because if you don't you will need to start all over again.

The tests you will need to pass to become a Realtor®:
  • Real Estate School Test
  • National Test
  • State Test

For anyone who values time, studying for a couple hours per day is better than having to take the class all over again. If you want your real estate license, study, study, study.

In other states there are passing rates far higher than the one's in North Carolina.

What Happens After you Pass the NC Real Estate Exam?

It's time to find a brokerage to join. You should be doing this prior to obtaining your license as well. Study the best brokerages in the local area and figure out what makes some better than others. Putting together a list of pros and cons will help you decide what makes the most sense for you.

Assuming you're not an investor and making Real Estate your Career you'll have to join a company that will help you grow as a Realtor. Find a brokerage that will teach you to be a self-sufficient Agent. Don't go join the first brokerage you walk into just because you're excited you passed the test and you're eager to get going.

Have questions about which brokerage is right for you? Feel free to email me with questions!

After you Join a Real Estate Brokerage

After you pass the North Carolina Real Estate Exams, and join a Real Estate Brokerage, it's time to join your local Realtor® organization. Here in Raleigh, you'll join the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors® and this will give you access to the local Triangle MLS.

Now it's time to start training and work to build your skill set. Work with other new Agents and experienced Agents. Practice makes perfect so the more you practice your scripts the better off you will be when you're in the field.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Real Estate Agent in NC

Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent and Selling Homes in Raleigh, NC

Don't get down on yourself if you don't sell homes immediately after obtaining your license. Some of the best Agents in the world didn't sell a home for the first 6-9 months as a Realtor. This is why it makes sense to keep your job while you're starting out, and it makes sense to grab a part-time job if you don't already have one!

Those who want to become a Real Estate Agent will need to set a proper mindset. You will need to be a grinder, especially in your first year. When I first started Raleigh Realty it was an absolute roller coaster ride in which I put all of my chips on the table, I was 'all-in' on Real Estate. 

My goal in the beginning was to build the best Real Estate website in Raleigh and I'm well on my way to accomplishing that. There is a lot more time, effort, and money that needs to be invested in my site for it to help people.

Decide early on your top 3 lead generation strategies in Real Estate. This will help you learn what will work for you instead of being overwhelmed. Check out some tools every real estate agent should be using when you start out. 

If you need any help on things like how to sell a home OR how to buy a home we have articles to help you! As a new Real Estate Agent you'll probably be looking for more information on how to help sellers and buyers to the best of your ability. Please use our website as a resource and feel free to share the information you find. Below you will find an infographic that teaches you the process of buying a home. 

If we can help you on your quest to becoming a Real Estate Agent in North Carolina let us know in the comments section below!

Here is some great advice from TOP Real Estate Agents around the world on becoming an Agent!

How to buy a home in the Raleigh, North Carolina Real Estate Market

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Decide to Start a Career in Real Estate 
02
Register with a Pre-Licensing Real Estate School In NC
03
Passing the NC Real Estate Exams
04
What Happens After you Pass the NC Real Estate Exam?
05
After you Join a Real Estate Brokerage
06
Final Thoughts on Becoming a Real Estate Agent in NC
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