How to get my license

Question

I'm ready to take the first steps to becoming a real estate flipper and investor.  For years sitting on the sidelines I'd often wonder about getting my license.  As a computer and technology professional it always seemed odd that I'd leave the MLS searching and data analysis to someone else.  Anyway, after recently finding this site and seeing what others are saying I've decided 99% that I'm going to get my license.

So my question is: how?

I'm in Kentucky.  For years I recall seeing two real estate training companies: A-Pass Weikel and another whose name I don't remember right now.  I've searched online a little.  I'm finding a loose association of websites that offer totally online training.  I'd probably go for that vs going to a class.

http://www.kyrealestateclass.com/realestate/
http://www.realestaterenegade.org/lms/

My current understanding is that I take a course, take a test and find a broker who'll sponsor me.  Oh, and send my fingerprints off to the FBI :)

Can anyone help me navigate this maze?

Thanks!

J Scott · Answer

To add to Sandy's comment (which I completely agree with), you'll find that both in-class and online classes have the exact same curriculum, and it's mostly based around memorizing abstract terms and concepts, not about how to exactly conduct a real estate transaction.  Given that, do whichever you will find more convenient and whichever is more conducive to your particular learning style.

James Vermillion · Answer

I agree with the others.  When I took my course (online) I learned very little that has helped me as an investor.  However, it was well worth it considering the commissions we have saved over the last couple years. Keep your eye on the prize and get the course knocked out so you can get to work.

Wayne Brooks · Answer

It's not very important which course you take.  They teach you nothing about real estate markets or practices, only how to pass the test, which is mostly laws and regulations that you do need to know.

Sandy Blanton · Answer

Take the cheapest online course you can find.  You'll move through the class in half of the time the course says it takes.

David Niles · Answer

I am a huge online guy but took my license in classroom because the online wasnt offered then.  I will say though, I am glad I did, made quite a few connections with people I still talk with and use as resources today.  My wife recently got her license and I steered her towards the classroom for this reason and she also made some great network connections.

Pros and Cons for both sides of this, just wanted to toss out another thing to think about over just time/convenience.

Andrew Ferguson · Answer

I took my original classes in a classroom setting and it was worth it for me just because it held me accountable to being there and getting it done quickly. Online classes are great but you need to be sure you will commit to sitting down and not letting anything distract you.

I now take the online classes for continuing education etc. as I don't see any real benefit to taking a class other than maybe meeting some other RE people in the area. I only have the license for my own business and don't actively try to be a "realtor"

Sandy Blanton · Answer

Finding a broker is as easy as finding a WalMart or Target.

You'll learn little to nothing about investing from the course.  Off the top of my head, here are the things I can think of that I use regularly in my brokerage:  *Disclose all defects up front, *Follow escrow deposit rules to the letter, *Disclose I'm a licensee at initial contact with a seller I'm buying from, *there are 43,560 square feet in an acre.  *sigh

James Vermillion · Answer

Perhaps that is a problem that others have had, but I would just go talk to several local brokers.   Let them know you are primarily getting your license for your own investment purposes and are looking for a broker to hang your license with.  I do not know why most brokers would care that someone brings their own deals...they will still get their cut.  If this is just a fear based on what others have said I would test it out...believe me, I have done several things quite easily that others have warned me would be difficult.  It is usually just a matter of spending some time talking to some people.

Jennifer Lee · Answer

thanks rick, that is also my question and concern.

obviously it's best if I actually start to talk to the local brokers.  I have approached Keller William and Remax from a referral by my course "teacher". unfortunately the brokers have been too busy and we haven't followed up yet.

James Vermillion · Answer

Check out Thorton's Real Estate Academy.  I took the online classes and they were very well organized.  The customer service was great as well and they class did prepare me for the test...I aced it on the first attempt.

How to get my license

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