How to Become a REALTOR®

Choosing to become a REALTOR® offers a unique blend of entrepreneurial freedom, the potential for high income, and the fulfillment that comes from helping people achieve their homeownership dreams.

It’s a dynamic career with diverse opportunities, continuous learning, and the ability to make a positive impact on communities—all while allowing you to build a flexible and independent professional life.

To become a REALTOR® in New Mexico, follow these steps:
  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the U.S.
  2. Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Enroll in a state-approved real estate pre-licensing course. In New Mexico, there is a requirement to complete 90 hours, including real estate principles and practice, New Mexico real estate law, and a broker basics course (all pre-licensing requirements must be completed 3-years prior to taking the licensing exam).
  3. Pass the Licensing Exam: After completing the pre-licensing education, you must pass the New Mexico and National Real Real Estate Broker's Exam. These exam tests your state specific and nationwide industry knowledge of real estate practices, laws, and regulations. Once you have passed the Broker’s exam, you have 6-months in which to apply for a NM Associate Broker’s license.
  4. Submit Your Application: Once you pass the exam, you need to submit a license application to the New Mexico Real Estate Commission (NMREC). This includes paying the required fees and providing proof of your education, exam results, and submittal of fingerprints for a federal background check..
  5. Find a Supervising Qualifying Broker:  You are required to have a sponsoring broker who will supervise your activities as a newly licensed Associate Broker. You must have errors & omissions insurance and an active supervisory Qualifying Broker in order to activate your license.
  6. Become a REALTOR® Member: Licensed brokers may join the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® (GAAR) and the Southwest Multiple Listing Service (SWMLS) by paying REALTOR® membership dues and SWMLS fees.  By joining GAAR you automatically become a member of the New Mexico Association of REALTOR® (NMAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). All REALTOR® members must hold an active real estate license, adhere to the NAR Code of Ethics, and annually pay membership dues.  Learn more here.

Once these steps are completed, you can start practicing as a REALTOR® in New Mexico.

Complete Post-Licensing Education: NAR requires all new members to take a Code of Ethics class and New Mexico requires new licensees to complete an additional 30-hours of post-licensing education within their first year of licensure.

New Mexico Real Estate Schools (not a full list)

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered trademark owned by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to distinguish its members from other real estate professionals. The trademark is protected by federal law and is a valuable membership benefit.  

The trademark indicates that a member adheres to a strict code of ethics that protects clients, the public, and other real estate agents. The term should always be capitalized and use the registered trademark symbol, ®.

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