Studying for my real estate license

[Desiree Claudio]

Wow so I decided to get my real estate license in New York. I'm taking the 75 hour course now and I'm schedule for the exam for the end of January. This is super exciting for me and at the same time a little scary lol. What's waiting for me?

[Richard Balsam]

Having a current agent license here in my state (and had both and agent and broker's license in Florida years ago) I can tell you it's worth it if you use it. That sounds like an easy statement - but many people get their license and don't really pursue the different aspects that the license can provide. For example, most people enter the residential marketplace - since that is what they know. A few rise to the top- as in any industry, while most struggle to pay bills, or use real estate as a part time activity. Yes- there are literally millionaires selling residential properties. But the more you research the field, the broader the field becomes with your license. You can work as a listing agent ( officially called a selling agent), represent buyers ( buyers agent), work with corporate transfers only, (corporate relocation specialist), work in commercial (adding tenants to large commercial sites), work with land developers/residential home builders selling homes for them exclusively on site, etc. There are so many areas, each with their own strengths and weaknesses - depending on your goals. Next - this is important...what type of broker do you want to work for? A full time broker like Keller Williams, C21, Remax, etc or small mom and pop near you? The big guys expect bigger volumes, and have higher costs subtracted from your commissions. many smaller ones negotiate - or only have a small fee per month to keep your license active with them. This is where I keep my license, since I work for myself, and will never show another person's home again...been there, done that as they say! But...you might love it - everyone's different. I use my license to research comps and tax data, and list my own homes for sale on MLS. Starting out- I would see who has a better training program and stick with them first. You can always switch down the road. Good luck!