FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Deciding If Real Estate Is Right For you
Yes. Indiana has a strong housing market, and real estate offers flexibility, independence, and unlimited earning potential.
Income varies, but most agents earn through commissions. Top performers can earn six figures, while new agents often build income over their first 1–2 years.
No. You only need a high school diploma or GED to qualify for licensing in Indiana.
Strong communication, self-motivation, persistence, and a desire to help people with major life decisions.
It can be either. Many start part-time and transition into full-time as their business grows.
Building a client base, handling inconsistent income at first, and learning to manage your time independently.
Most people complete the required course and pass the exam within 2–4 months, depending on their schedule.
It depends on the market and your effort. Agents who commit to consistent prospecting and education build long-term stability.
No. Many successful agents come from unrelated backgrounds: teaching, healthcare, customer service, and more.
Absolutely. Many people begin in their 30s, 40s, or 50s, bringing valuable life and work experience.
Agent Pre-Licensing
1 – Take & pass a 90-hour real estate pre-licensing course with a 75% or higher
2 – Pass the Indiana Real Estate Exam
3 – Find a Real Estate Brokerage to sponsor you
4 – Make your career your own!
It’s a required education covering real estate law, contracts, finance, and practice in Indiana.
At approved schools like Indiana Real Estate Institute—available online, in-person, or live virtual.
If you take one of the online courses and plan to fast-track it, you could finish the course in around 2-3 weeks. A typical in-person or virtual class takes around 12 weeks. From there, scheduling and taking the state exam can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks.
$539-$595 – 90-hour pre-licensing course with IREI
$55 – State exam
$65 – State of Indiana real estate license application
$600-$1,800+ – Local, State, National, and/or MLS Board dues (each Board has their own costs & fees)
*All amounts are estimates and can vary based on many factors.
18 years old (can start class as early as 16 years old!)
High school diploma (or equivalent)
It’s challenging but manageable with proper preparation. Schools like IREI provide study tools to boost pass rates.
Around $55 each time you take it.
You must score at least 75% to pass.
You have up to a year to pass the State test after graduating the course and you can take it as many times as needed in that year.
You will take the test here. There are multiple locations and times to choose from when scheduling your test.
In Indiana you will be able to do all things real estate related with your license provided you have free will from your Managing Broker. For example: buy, sell, property management, commercial, land, agricultural properties, wholesaling, investing, etc.
To get an accurate answer, you will need to contact Indiana Professional Licensing Agency to find out what their requirements are as Indiana only reciprocates with Illinois.
Selling real estate can be financially rewarding as well as a personally satisfying career. As a real estate professional, you will work with the public and help them achieve their housing needs. While some people are selling their current homes and buying new ones, many are first time buyers. If you like to work with people and help them, while earning a financially, psychologically and emotionally rewarding living, this may be the right career for you.
Typically, real estate agents are contractors. This gives them a lot of freedom to determine how to do their job and how to be successful. But, because real estate agents work for a broker, the agent usually receives training and guidance from the broker while working within the office policies and guidelines.
That depends on you. Real estate agents are paid a commission based on closed sales. The greater your volume in sales and listings, the higher your income will be. The smarter you use your time and efforts in your career, the more financially successful you will be.
That depends on your goals and your broker’s needs. As a real estate agent, you work with the public and make appointments at times convenient to everyone. This may be during the day, in the evening and may include weekends. The hours you work are largely up to you. It depends on what you need to succeed.
The state of Indiana requires an applicant for a real estate license to be at least 18 years of age, complete a state approved real estate pre-licensing course of 90 hours, which includes 3 exams with a passing score of 75%, and then pass the state exam, also with a passing score of 75%. Some other conditions apply – see your broker or call our office for details.
The State of Indiana requires a licensee to be a minimum of 18 years old. Some very successful agents are in their 70’s. In this business, there is no age discrimination. It is the person’s ability and desire to succeed that determine how well they will do. As long as you have determination you can do anything!
You are the only one who determines how successful you will be, but the first step for your success in this field is getting your license by calling IREI today! 317-888-3000.
Choosing The Right School
Experienced instructors, flexible learning formats, exam prep support, and strong student success rates.
IREI focuses solely on Indiana real estate, offers flexible class formats, and provides ongoing education beyond licensing.
Yes, if the school offers interactive support, live sessions, and strong study resources.
They’re active Indiana real estate professionals with decades of real-world experience.
Yes. IREI offers flexibility to fit your schedule.
Yes. Practice tests, study guides, and instructor support are included.
Through post-licensing, continuing education, and career-building workshops.
Local expertise, state-specific training, and a supportive network of Indiana real estate professionals.
Yes. All courses are fully approved by the Indiana Real Estate Commission.
Yes. The combination of expert teaching and practice tools gives students high pass rates.
Agent Post Licensing
The next step would be to schedule your state test.
In Indiana you will be able to do all things real estate related with your license provided you have free will from your Managing Broker. For example: buy, sell, property management, commercial, land, agricultural properties, wholesaling, investing, etc.
Yes, however when a student is in their last module they should begin calling brokerages to schedule interviews and if they need help narrowing down after speaking with brokerages, we can help walk them through that.
A licensed office where real estate agents work under a managing broker.
Consider training, commission structure, culture, and support for new agents.
Yes. IREI partners with Indiana brokerages and can provide guidance on choosing one.
Yes. In Indiana, new agents must affiliate with a managing broker.
Indiana requires 12 hours of CE each year to maintain your license.
Yes. From pre-licensing to post-licensing to continuing education.
As a real estate agent, you will become familiar with property values in areas where you work. You will also become aware of properties as they are first listed. This may give you an advantage over other investors who are not in the business.
Real estate licensees, typically brokers, work in different areas of the real estate industry, including property management, investment counseling, appraisal, and training. The real estate license “opens the door” to many careers in the real estate field.
Residential sales, commercial real estate, property management, investing, or even becoming a broker yourself.
Career Growth And Lifestyle
Yes. Flexibility is a key benefit, though evenings and weekends are often busy.
Not typically, you’re self-employed and responsible for your own benefits.
It often takes 3–6 months to close your first deals. Building steady income takes time and effort.
Yes. Many parents enjoy the flexibility, though it requires balancing client needs and family time.
Both options exist. Some prefer independence, others thrive in team settings.
Networking, referrals, social media, open houses, and MLS (Multiple Listing Service) access.
Yes, though full-time often leads to faster growth and higher earnings.
Helping people achieve homeownership, building your own business, and creating financial independence.
Yes. After two years as an agent, you can complete additional coursework to become a broker.
Because you’ll receive state-specific training, flexible learning, experienced instructors, and long-term career support all in one place.
