Hi Jeff
Depending how much you are buying the property for, you can make from $3,000 to who knows what.
I did the courses in three months and passed the exam the second time. So in total I did it in 5 months. But, it is difficult and need to study as much as possible. I know of ex-coworkers that have been trying complete the cources for 2 years or failed the test 6 times. If you fail, you have to wait for almost a month before you retake it.

Keep us posted on your progress if you decide to join our profession.

Best Regards,

Jes Sierra, B.Sc.
Realtor®

Dear Jeff:

Passing the test is one thing. The test is largely theoretical and has very little to do with the day-to-day reality of practicing real estate. I'll take you at your word that you can pass the test. But as Patrick said, that's an awful lot of trouble to go through to earn roughly 50% of commission and to practice your way through locating and negotiating for your dream home.

There's also the issue of start-up costs. You have to pay to take your classes and take the test. And passing the test is only the beginning. You still have to pay for fingerprinting with the state.

And, depending on the price range you're buying in, you'd spend a lot of your commission on set-up fees like board membership, MLS membership, lockbox key subscriptions, errors and omissions insurance, equipment insurance, etc.

And finally, there's the issue of liability. Since you'll be brand new, if you mess up the paperwork, or lose your deposit money, or the deal just gets super-hairy ... it's kinda hard to go after yourself. Unless you truly want to learn about and get into the real estate business, I'd suggest you use a knowledgeable Realtor.

Either way, congrats on being close to homeownership and best wishes!

ANGIE
909.248.4224

What would be the reason for getting your license? Would it be to arm yourself with information on the process of buying a home or is it to save money because you would get paid the commission on the buy side?

Couple of things to consider here. You could self educate yourself on the process without having to take the time and spend the money on classes required to get a license. Will this mean that you will know what you are doing? Maybe, most likely not, but you will have at least have some concept of what is involved.

You will have to spend money on the classes, license fees and sign will a broker since the only way you could get paid is through a licensed broker. And since you would be a new agent you will most likely be at the bottom of the commission scale which in all likelyhood would be a 50/50 split. That's half the commission to you.

So is the time, money and effort involved worth the money that you may save by being licensed. You could just work with an experienced agent and end up with the same results.

By the way don't be too sure about that test. It's harder than a lot of people think. Good Luck