After Getting Your License
Obtaining your real estate license is just the first step of your new career in North Carolina. You’ll need to invest time and money to maintain your license and be competitive on the real estate market.
Still, it’s a small price to pay when you consider how lucrative a career in real estate can be. Remember, you’re essentially launching your own business and it obviously involves some fees. Most of these expenses are tax-deductible. Moreover, all of your initial expenses will pay for themselves when you close your first deal.
Here are some of the most common expenses as a active real estate agent in North Carolina:
Real Estate License Cost in North Carolina (2026 Update)
How much does it cost to get a real estate broker license in North Carolina.
To obtain your real estate license in North Carolina in 2026, you should expect to spend between $473 and $1,138. The total cost varies significantly depending on the format of the pre-licensing course you choose (self-paced vs. classroom) and the complexity of your criminal background check (based on your residency history).
This estimate covers the NC real estate license course, background check, application fee, and the state examination. Candidates generally take from 12 to 24 weeks to complete the whole process. After activating your license with a broker-in-charge, you will be able to launch your real estate career and start earning commissions.
Here is a breakdown of the costs to obtain your North Carolina real estate license:
Pre-Licensing Education
You must complete a state-approved 75-hour pre-licensing course. Tuition ranges from $275 for basic self-paced online courses to $900 for premium classroom or livestream packages with exam prep included.
Cost: $275—$900
Criminal Background Check
Cost: $35—$75
You must order your background check through the NCREC’s exclusive vendor, CriminalRecordCheck.com. The cost varies based on where you have lived over the past seven years. For applicants who have only lived in North Carolina, the fee is $35. If you have lived in other states or countries, or have used other names, the fees will be higher.
License Application
Cost: $100
Submit your application through the NCREC website. Once the Commission receives your application, background check, and course completion record (sent by your school), approval typically takes up to 10 days. You will then receive a Notice of Exam Eligibility via email.
Real Estate License Cost Estimate: NC (2026)
1. Pre-Licensing Course
$275—$900
2. Background Check
$35—$75
3. Application
$100
4. State Examination
$63
Total Cost
$473—$1,138
Realtors® Membership
Estimated Cost: $250 per Year
There are many benefits of becoming a member of your local Realtor® association. In doing so, real estate agents are included in the National Association of Realtors listing and given access to useful tools and information such as the multiple listings service (MLS).
Post-Licensing Education
Estimated Cost: $350—$700
You can expect to pay between $350 and $700 total for your post-licensing education in North Carolina. Because the state requires 90 hours of post-licensing education (broken into three 30-hour courses), most schools offer a discount if you buy all three at once as a "bundle." You have 18 months from the date you get your license to finish all three courses.
Business Expenses
Estimated Cost: $900 per Year
There are several business expenses real estate agents should expect to pay to maintain regular operations in North Carolina. These may include the cost of office space, phone, internet, computer, client meetings, and more. Essentially, business expenses refer to anything you need to spend to be efficient and competitive as a real estate agent. These costs may vary depending on your business plan and location.
Marketing Costs
Estimated Cost: $1,000 per Year
Marketing yourself as a real estate agent is the most important aspect of a successful career. This means getting the word out about how you can help potential clients. A few costs to consider include business cards, a website and various types of advertisements (social media, flyers, boards, etc.).
Professional Liability Insurance
Estimated Cost: $1,100 per Year
Many potential clients require proof of professional liability insurance before contracting with a real estate agent. This policy, also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O), can help cover legal expenses if a real estate agent is sued for unsatisfactory performance or a work mistake.
Continuing Education
Estimated Cost: $150 Every Years
Continuing education will be required for the rest of your real estate career. North Carolina real estate agent must complete 8 hours of continuing education every year by June 10.
