Commercial Real Estate News / Marketing / How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Delaware

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Delaware

Published: 09-10-24 Category: Marketing

Specializes in providing actionable insights into the commercial real estate space for investors, brokers, lessors, and lessees. He covers quarterly market data reports, investment strategies, how-to guides, and top-down perspectives on market movements.

Pedestrians walking down a sidewalk in Delaware.

Considering a real estate career in the First State?

Whether you're interested in residential or commercial properties, you'll need to learn how to become a real estate agent in Delaware.

Here, we'll walk you through the requirements for and other important information about the Delaware real estate licensing process.

Understanding Delaware Real Estate Licensing

Each state has its own real estate licensing requirements, with the Delaware Real Estate Commission overseeing the licensing of real estate professionals.

If you're undecided about whether to assist clients in the residential or commercial sector, here's some good news: Delaware does not distinguish between residential and commercial real estate licenses.

If you're moving to Delaware and already hold a real estate license issued by another state, you'll want to learn about the state's reciprocity agreement.

#1 – Meet the Basic Requirements

All real estate salesperson applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 18 years old;
Have a high school diploma or equivalent;
Possess a valid Social Security number; and
Have a clean criminal record.

If you do NOT have a real estate license issued in another state, you need to find a school that offers a real estate pre-licensing course.

You can choose between attending traditional classes in person or taking the required course online.

You'll find a list of Delaware-approved pre-licensing providers here, although you may find others online.

If you DO have an active real estate license issued in another state, you may qualify by following the terms of Delaware's reciprocity agreement.

Details of Delaware Reciprocity

The state of Delaware allows you to apply for reciprocity if you hold a current and active license in any other US jurisdiction, including territories and the District of Columbia.

Here are the steps to follow to obtain your Delaware Real Estate License through reciprocity.

Submit one of the following documents to Delaware's Division of Professional Regulation online.

A copy of the certificate received when you completed the Delaware law portion of the Salesperson Pre-Licensing Course;
A copy of the certificate received when you completed another jurisdiction's Pre-Licensing Salesperson's course of at least 99 hours; or
A Certificate of Licensure History. This will show that you have been licensed continuously for the past three years. Be sure to attach a completed, signed Sales or Lease Transaction Listing form(s) that contains details of 20 sales or lease transactions you've handled/closed during the past three years.

Next, you'll be required to pass the DE portion of the Salesperson exam with a minimum 70% passing score.

#2 – Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education

Delaware requires aspiring real estate professionals to complete 99 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider.

This coursework covers:

Real estate principles and practices;
Real estate laws;
Real estate mathematics; and
Delaware real estate laws and regulations.

After you've completed your pre-licensing education, you may want to check out the various exam prep services offered online before taking the Salesperson Exam.

#3 – Pass the Delaware Real Estate Salesperson Exam

After completing pre-licensing education, you'll be ready to take the Delaware Real Estate Salesperson Exam.

PearsonVUE currently administers Delaware's state licensing exam. You may schedule your exam appointment online. New users will create an account.

You'll need your certificate of pre-licensing education, contact information, and examination date to register.

As part of the state's reciprocity guidelines, applicants licensed in another state must only pass the Delaware law portion of the Salesperson's Pre-Licensing Course with a minimum score of 70%.

After you pass (congrats!), it's time to apply for your license.

#4 – Apply for Your License

You may submit your application for a Delaware Real Estate Salesperson License online via the online system DELPROS (Division of Professional Regulation).

To create a DELPROS (Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services) user account:

Go to the DELPROS homepage.
Click GO on the Apply/Manage a License and Service Requests tile.
If you do not have a DELPROS user account, click the REGISTER button on the left side of the page for NEW USERS.

#5 – Find a Sponsoring Broker

In Delaware, you must work under a licensed real estate broker. Start researching brokers in your area while you're still in your pre-licensing education phase.

#6 – Submit Your License Application

Once you've passed the exam and found a sponsoring broker, submit your license application to the Delaware Real Estate Commission via DELPROS, together with the required fees.

You may be required to add some or all of the following documents:

A copy of a legal document showing reasons for a name change (e.g., marriage license, divorce decree) if the name on any document differs from the name on the application you submitted.
The Statement of Current Broker of Record form signed by your employing broker of record for the office where you will be employed.
If the office where you will be employed is in Delaware, the office must have an active office permit.
State/Jurisdiction License Verification sent directly to the Board office from each state or jurisdiction where you currently hold or have ever held a license or registration (active or expired).

#7 – Complete the New Licensee Orientation

Within 30 days of receiving your license, you must attend a New Licensee Orientation session provided by the Delaware Association of REALTORS®.

When you've completed all six steps outlined above, you're well on your way to a career in real estate.

If you haven't yet decided to work with residential or commercial properties and clients, here are some things to consider.

Residential or Commercial?

While Delaware doesn't require separate licenses for residential and commercial real estate, there are key differences to consider when choosing your focus.

Residential Real Estate:

Typically involves properties where people live (houses, apartments, condos).
These are often more emotionally driven transactions than commercial purchases or leases.
Residential leases are generally shorter than commercial leases.

Commercial Real Estate:

Involves properties used for business purposes. These include office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial properties.
Longer, more complex sales cycles.
Often requires more specialized knowledge, such as zoning laws.