How to become a Michigan real estate agent

Getting your real estate license in Michigan isn’t complicated, but it does require following specific steps. Here’s what you need to know to start your career selling homes in the Great Lakes State.

The Basic Requirements

Michigan keeps things straightforward. So, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. That’s it for the basic qualifications. No college degrees are required, and you don’t need previous sales experience. Pretty good, right?

The state does run a background check, though, so any criminal history might affect your application. If you’re concerned about this, it’s worth checking the full Michigan agent license requirements before you start the process.

Complete Your Pre-Licensing Education

First, you’re going to need to complete 40 hours of approved pre-licensing education. Michigan keeps this requirement consistent across the board. You can take these courses online or in person—whatever fits your schedule better.

The coursework covers:

• Michigan real estate law and regulations.
• Property ownership and land use.
• Contracts and agency relationships.
• Fair housing laws.
• Financing and appraisal basics.

Most people finish this in 1-2 weeks if they’re studying full-time, or a few months if they’re fitting it around a current job.

Pass the State Exam

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll take the PSI real estate exam. This test has two parts: a national portion and a Michigan-specific section. You need to pass both on the same day.

The exam includes 115 questions total, and you’ll have about 3 hours to complete it. You need a 70% or higher to pass.

Preparing for the PSI Exam

Here’s the most important part. The exam tests more than just memorization—it asks you to apply concepts to real situations. Many people find practice exams helpful because they show you exactly how questions will be worded.

Using quality Michigan real estate salesperson exam prep materials makes a difference. So, focus on understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing definitions, especially for topics like calculating prorations, understanding agency relationships, and knowing the differences between Michigan and federal law.

After You Pass

Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to find a sponsoring broker before you can activate your license. In Michigan, you can’t practice real estate independently right away—you need to work under a licensed broker for at least three years.

Your broker provides training, oversight, and typically takes a percentage of your commission. Shop around and interview with several brokerages. Different firms offer different splits, training programs, and company cultures.

Getting Started With Your Career

Your first year will involve a lot of learning. Most successful agents recommend:

• Building your network early. Tell everyone you know that you’ve gotten your license. Your first clients often come from personal connections.
• Learning your local market. Spend time driving around neighborhoods, attending open houses, and understanding what homes actually sell for in different areas.
• Setting up your systems. You’ll need a CRM, a way to track leads, and a marketing plan. Don’t wait until you have clients to figure this out.
• Committing to continued education. The real estate market changes constantly. Successful agents never stop learning about new laws, financing options, and marketing strategies.

 Get these things right early, and you’ll be ahead of most new agents in your first year.

Timeline and Costs

From start to finish, most people get licensed in 2-3 months. If you’re motivated and studying full-time, you could do it faster.

Expect to spend:

• $200-400 for pre-licensing courses.
• $79 for the exam fee.
• $102 for your initial license.
• Additional costs for fingerprinting and background checks.

You’ll also want to budget for business cards, a professional headshot, possibly a website, and MLS fees once you join a brokerage.

Is It Worth It?

So far so good, right? Real estate can be a rewarding career, but it’s not a guaranteed paycheck. Your first year will likely be slow as you build your client base. Most agents work evenings and weekends because that’s when clients are available.

But if you like working with people, have some financial cushion to get through the startup phase, and don’t mind the uncertainty of commission-based income, it’s a career with real potential. Successful agents in Michigan can make a comfortable living, and you have control over your own schedule and income ceiling.

Your Next Step

If you’re ready to move forward, start with your 40-hour pre-licensing course. Choose a school that offers good support and updated materials that reflect current Michigan law. The sooner you start, the sooner you can begin building your real estate career.

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll want solid exam prep to make sure you pass on the first try. Lexawise offers comprehensive Michigan real estate salesperson exam prep with over 4,500 practice questions, unlimited practice tests, and detailed explanations that teach you the “why” behind each answer.

The sooner you start, the sooner you can begin building your real estate career.