Arizona’s real estate industry is under scrutiny as experts point out that the state’s requirements for becoming a licensed real estate agent haven’t changed since 1962. Currently, applicants need only a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a background check, and complete a 90-hour pre-licensing course. Critics argue that these minimum standards may be outdated and could put both buyers and sellers at risk, suggesting that the state should reevaluate and possibly raise the bar for who can represent clients in such significant financial transactions.
With Arizona’s booming housing market and more people buying homes than ever before, calls to strengthen agent qualifications are growing. Some industry professionals believe that updated education requirements, mandatory apprenticeship or mentorship programs, and ongoing training could help ensure new agents are better prepared for the complexities of modern real estate transactions. The debate underscores the importance of consumer protection in an evolving marketplace.
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