How to become a real estate agent in Kentucky

Getting your real estate license in Kentucky isn’t complicated, but you need to know the specific steps. The Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC) sets the rules, and they’re pretty straightforward once you understand them.

Basic Requirements to Start

You need to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Kentucky doesn’t require a college degree for real estate licensing, which makes it accessible to more people. You also can’t have certain felony convictions on your record. The KREC will review your background during the application process. 

• You can get more info on our page:  Kentucky real estate license requirements

The 96-Hour Pre-Licensing Course

Before taking the Kentucky real estate exam, you must complete 96 hours of approved pre-licensing education. This breaks down into specific topics:

• Real Estate Principles (30 hours).
• Real Estate Law (30 hours).
• Real Estate Practice (36 hours).

You can take these courses online or in person through KREC-approved schools. Online courses cost less and let you work at your own pace. In-person classes give you more interaction with instructors and other students, which some candidates prefer.

Popular approved schools in Kentucky include Kaplan Real Estate Education, Real Estate Express, and several local community colleges. Prices typically range from $200 to $600, depending on the provider and format.

Taking the Kentucky Real Estate Exam

After finishing your coursework, you’ll get a course completion certificate. Use this to register for the state exam through PSI Services. 

The exam has two parts:

• National portion (80 questions).
• Kentucky state portion (40 questions).

You need 70% on both sections to pass. The exam costs $61, and you can take it at testing centers in Louisville, Lexington, and other locations around the state.

A piece of advice: Study the Kentucky Revised Statutes that cover real estate law. Many people fail because they don’t understand Kentucky-specific regulations. Also, take as many practice tests as you can. They help you get used to the question format and identify weak areas.

Consider using additional online prep platforms like Lexawise to supplement your required coursework and get ready to pass. These tools offer extra practice questions and interactive study tools specifically for Kentucky real estate law, which can boost your confidence before exam day. If you’re not ready for a full prep program, start with our 100 free Kentucky real estate practice questions to test your knowledge.

Remember, these are supplements to – not replacements for – your mandatory 96-hour pre-licensing education.

Getting Licensed

Once you pass the exam, you have one year to apply for your Kentucky Real Estate Sales Associate license. The application requires:

• Completed application form.
• $50 license fee.
• Fingerprints for a background check.
• Sponsorship by a licensed Kentucky real estate broker.

Finding a sponsoring broker is crucial. You can’t practice real estate in Kentucky without one. Research different brokerages in your area – some offer better training programs for new agents, while others provide higher commission splits.

After You Get Licensed

Your Kentucky real estate license is valid for three years. You’ll need 6 hours of continuing education each year to keep it active. The KREC offers online CE courses, and many are available for under $50.

New agents often struggle in their first year. Consider joining the Kentucky Association of Realtors for networking opportunities and additional resources. Local boards in Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky offer mentorship programs and training sessions.

Different Paths Forward

As a Kentucky Real Estate Sales Associate, you can work in residential sales, commercial real estate, or property management. After two years of active practice, you can pursue a broker’s license, which allows you to open your own brokerage or work independently.

Some agents specialize in specific areas like luxury homes, first-time buyers, or investment properties. Others focus on particular geographic regions where they know the market well.

Real Estate Broker vs Agent in Kentucky

Understanding the difference between a real estate agent and a broker matters for your career planning. As a Sales Associate (also known as an agent), you must work under a licensed broker’s supervision. You can’t handle client funds directly or operate independently. Your sponsoring broker holds your license and oversees your transactions.

A Kentucky real estate broker has completed additional education requirements and passed the broker exam. Brokers can:

• Supervise other agents.
• Handle earnest money and client funds.
• Open their own real estate company.
• Work independently without supervision.
• Hire and train new agents.

To become a broker in Kentucky, you need two years of active sales associate experience, complete 72 hours of additional coursework, and pass the broker exam. Many successful agents stay as Sales Associates their entire careers because they prefer focusing on sales rather than managing others.

Career Specialization Options

Some agents specialize in specific property types like luxury homes, first-time buyers, or investment properties. Others focus on particular geographic regions where they know the market well.

Residential specializations include:

• New construction sales.
• Luxury market ($500K+ properties).
• First-time homebuyer programs.
• Senior housing transitions.
• Divorce and estate sales.

Commercial real estate typically requires additional training but offers higher commission potential. You might work with office buildings, retail spaces, industrial properties, or multi-family investments.

Property management involves ongoing relationships with landlords and tenants. It provides a steady monthly income but requires different skills from sales transactions.

Geographic focus areas in Kentucky include metro markets like Louisville and Lexington, growing suburbs in Northern Kentucky near Cincinnati, lake communities, horse farms in the Bluegrass region, and rural properties throughout the state.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t rush through the pre-licensing course just to finish quickly. The material directly relates to the exam and your future work. Take notes and ask questions.

Don’t rely solely on your required coursework for exam prep. While the 96-hour pre-licensing education is essential, additional preparation is crucial for passing on your first attempt. Platforms like Lexawise provide targeted Kentucky-specific practice questions that expose gaps in your knowledge before exam day. Many candidates who skip this extra prep step end up retaking the exam.

Make sure your sponsoring broker provides good training and support. Some brokerages throw new agents into the field without proper guidance, leading to frustration and failure.

Keep track of deadlines. Missing renewal dates or continuing education requirements can result in license suspension.

Final Steps

Once you have your license, you can start showing properties and working with clients. Remember that real estate is a relationship business. Success comes from building trust with clients and other agents in your market.

The Kentucky real estate market varies significantly between Louisville, Lexington, smaller cities, and rural areas. Learn your local market conditions, pricing trends, and what buyers and sellers want in your area.

Getting your Kentucky real estate license opens doors to a flexible career with unlimited income potential. The licensing process requires dedication, but it’s achievable for anyone willing to put in the effort.