Just got my RE license - am I required to join an MLS?

[Jaime Richichi]

Hi guys! I am new to real estate. I have a full time job and want to break into real estate but I want to try it on the side before I take the leap out of the corporate world. I passed the test and found a sponsoring broker (a friend). The great news is that she is not taking any commission for me...The challenging part is that she is in Long Island, NY while I live in Brooklyn and would be practicing in Brooklyn/NYC. She wants me to join the LI MLS however I am cautious about this as it is very expensive and would not help me with searches in Brooklyn or NYC - I find streeteasy to be much more effective in this market. She says in order to show buyers properties that I have to be a member of the MLS...is this true? Any feedback would be very much appreciated. Thanks so much! Jaime

[Damon Bodine]

Hi @Jaime Richichi

If you're practicing in NYC/Brooklyn I would highly advise you to join a REBNY brokerage as opposed to MLSLI . You will have a very challenging time in these areas if you're not affiliated with a REBNY brokerage. Many agents will not co-broke with you and it can be a serious uphill climb. Unlike many areas of the country NYC is not dominated by MLS. For more information on REBNY i would advise looking here for affiliated brokerages.

https://www.rebny.com/content/rebny/en/directory/m...

However if you're doing business in Long Island/Queens it may make sense to join one of the MLS system. Really depends on where you want to focus your business.

Hope this helps.