Starting Your Career in Real Estate
Real estate offers flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to help clients achieve their goals—but success requires time, persistence, and careful financial planning. The Mid-Missouri Board of REALTORS® (MMBOR) provides training, tools, and support to help members build successful careers.
For Missouri licensing requirements, contact the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) at 573-751-2628.
Step 1: Decide if Real Estate Is Right for You
Real estate involves much more than showing homes. Agents find clients, market properties, negotiate contracts, coordinate inspections and financing, and resolve issues through closing.
Most agents are independent contractors responsible for their own marketing, accounting, taxes, and business expenses. Before getting started, talk with experienced agents about their routines, income expectations, and financial preparation.
Step 2: Obtain Your Missouri Salesperson License
Missouri applicants must complete:
- A 48-hour Missouri Salesperson Pre-Examination Course
- A 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course
- The Missouri real estate licensing examination
- Fingerprinting and a background check
Missouri REALTORS® offers the required courses online, along with optional exam-preparation resources. Visit MREC’s website for current eligibility requirements, examination scheduling, and application instructions.
Applicants who hold an active real estate license in another state may qualify to complete only the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice Course and the state portion of the licensing examination.
Step 3: Join a Brokerage
After becoming licensed, you must affiliate with a brokerage. Your supervising broker will activate your license with MREC before you may practice.
When comparing brokerages, consider:
- Training and mentorship
- Transaction and legal support
- Marketing, technology, and lead resources
- Commission splits and fees
- Ownership of client data and leads
- Company culture
Choose a brokerage that supports your goals and learning style.
Step 4: Become a REALTOR®
A real estate agent is licensed by the state to assist clients with real estate transactions. A REALTOR® is a licensed agent or broker who belongs to a REALTOR® association and agrees to follow the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics.
By joining the Mid-Missouri Board of REALTORS® (MMBOR), you also become a member of Missouri REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Membership benefits include:
- Local, state, and national advocacy
- Ethics and dispute-resolution services
- Standardized contracts and legal resources
- Professional education and development
- Industry tools, technology, and data resources
- Use of the REALTOR® brand
Learn more about state and national benefits at missourirealtor.org/member-benefits.
Learn more about MMBOR membership benefits at midmobor.com/membership-benefits.
Once you are licensed in Missouri, contact Maline Davis at maline@midmobor.com to begin your journey as an MMBOR REALTOR® member.
The REALTOR® Network
Membership works through a three-way structure — local, state, and national.
Your local membership with the Mid-Missouri Board of REALTORS® (MMBOR) automatically connects you to Missouri REALTORS® and NAR, giving you access to tools, advocacy, and professional development at every level.
Member Benefits Include:
- Legislative and legal advocacy
- Dispute resolution and ethics support
- Standardized contracts and legal resources
- Industry technology and data standards
- Use of the trusted REALTOR® brand
Learn more about state and national benefits at: missourirealtor.org/member-benefits
Learn more about local MMBOR membership benefits: https://www.cbormls.com/membership-benefits/
Once licensed in Missouri, contact Maline Davis at maline@cbormls.com to start your journey as a REALTOR® Member with MMBOR!