Failed my real estate exam twice — what am I missing in my study approach?
I'm at my wit's end. I've taken the state licensing exam twice now and failed both times by like 5-7 points. I'm not bombing it — I'm just barely missing the cut, which almost feels worse? First attempt I scored a 68 when I needed a 75, second time a 71. I've been using a study guide from my pre-licensing course but honestly I think it's too surface-level.
The sections killing me are property ownership and rights (I always mix up the different types of deeds and easements) and property management stuff around landlord-tenant law. I tried the Real Estate Property Ownership & Rights practice test last week and realized I had some real gaps I didn't even know about — like I thought I understood fee simple but the nuanced questions tripped me up completely.
For those who passed on a second or third attempt — what finally clicked? Did you change your study method, focus on specific exam tips, or just grind more practice tests? My third attempt is in 6 weeks and I really can't afford another $100 retake fee.
Related Discussions
- "NY Real Estate Exam" — how important is this for the NY Real Estate Exam exam?5 replies
- Best free resources for Arizona Real Estate License prep in 2026 — compiled list5 replies
- How long does it realistically take to study for the NY Real Estate Exam?5 replies
- Failed the REM — what to do differently the second time5 replies
- Which section of the NAR is hardest? My breakdown after taking it5 replies