Each state makes it's own laws for real estate agent education requirements. In my state, minimum education requirements to become licensed or certified in some selected professions:
Hair Stylist-------Must complete 1500 hours of education, pass State written and practical exam.
Manicurist -------Must complete 600 hours of education, pass a State written exam.
Real Estate Agent- Must complete 80 hours of education, pass the licensing exam.
Any high school graduates can be so call "real estate agents"
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how low the bar is for someone to become a real estate agent.
ANYBODY can take a 2 week class and get their license which is why there are so many boneheads that don't have a clue that make the real estate agent profession's reputation is so bad. According to survey, real estate agents' reputation is one of the lowest among all professions in US. Dishonesty, bragging, misleading and greed are most commons among their profession..
I know some friends who have been housewives for 10 years. After couble of weeks of education, they become "expert" in house market and brag how many houses they sold. I know a Chinese woman who married an American. She never had a decent or regular job since she came to America. Last time, she was seen to work as a baby sitter. Suddenly, she spreads her real estate business card to every Chinese she comes across. Wow, she is state licensed real estate agent now. Can you trust her as your buyer or seller agent?
I cannot believe how stupid some of the realtors I have met are...I mean dumb as a bag of rocks! Then you meet the really successful ones and you can't figure out how they've lasted as long as they have dealing with other agents who don't have a clue.