Get Real estate license or not?

[Jennifer Umbaugh]

I am trying to decide whether or not it makes sense to spend the time money and effort to obtain and maintain a real estate brokers license. I only plan to flip three or four houses a year. I understand about all the commitments which would be required of me to obtain and then maintain my license. Including but not limited to working under a broker for three years and continuing education classes along with expensive fees. I have a great real estate broker I have already done two deals with. It seems like it may be a waste of time to go through all that is necessary to obtain and maintain your license when your only goal would be having access to the MLS and listing your own property to save some commission. Taking the class will be delaying me from starting my first flip into 2016 for two months. The class is only $399. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has some thoughts about the importance or lack of importance of having a real estate brokers license to flip houses.

[Polar Prutaseranee]

Is it needed to invest? No. Does it help? I think so. I'm currently getting my license and I don't see how it can hurt. Sure, there's disclosure, but that's fine with me. You get access to MLS, plus you can call listing agents right away and check out homes faster. I'm not sure about your market, but where I am (Orange County), you really need to be quick for some of these distressed homes to flip.

I'd recommend checking out Groupon. You can usually find a bunch of online programs that'll cost you a lot less. But I would definitely not postpone your next deal because of it. Having a great investor-friendly agent works just as well sometimes, but it's really about how much effort you want to put into this venture. You've already done two flips..so did it work out for you? Was the agent part of your power team or just working for you? Keep in mind all the paperwork and researching and all the other stuff they do for you..does that seem like something you'd want to take on? Everyone has their own opinion, and I can see both sides of the debate..but I for one think it can't hurt.