To become a RE agent or just invest?

Question

I am at an important stage in my life where I have the option to obtain my RE agent license and begin selling within the next 6 months OR get another full time job while finishing school to save capital to invest within the next 2-3 years. I am curious to know the benefits of getting my license and selling vs solely being an investor. Pros and cons of each?

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

show off... LOL   I have a plug in my garage for my Tesla  !!!

Brandon Rush · Answer

Hey Brett,

Unless you "want" to be an agent, I would say don't waste your time. If it is not something you desire or really want to do, then it will be just another job. I would say do what you enjoy for your full time work and invest the money back into real estate.

If you want to try out being a realtor but not 100% sure, you can always pick up the license, do it on the side next to your full time and see how you feel after a year. But I would not go 100% as a realtor unless you truly want it.

I know that's not really a pro and cons list but its something to think about.

Good luck!

Account Closed · Answer

That one is worth doing.

Most people don't know the difference between a 34.5kV 600amp 25KAIC CAPACITOR switcher and a 12kV 4MVAR metal enclosure with breaker and reactor.

If a CME hits (and it eventually will) or an EMP is set off (and it's likely) we'll need your type to get civilization back up and running.

Account Closed · Answer

1. What do you want to be when you grow up? (Engineer, Doctor, Scientist, Dentist, Lawyer, Chemist, Nurse - sure then you need a degree) but if it's MBA, Psychology, Art, Music, Philosophy, etc - forgetta about it. Those are "feel good" degrees that don't get you jobs they just burden you with debt and the wrong way of thinking.

2. How will going to school get you where you want to be  or is it actually in the way? (School costs money, usually doesn't pay off and stops you from investing sooner.) Once your investments are in place you can go to school for as much as you care to.

Yes, I have an advanced degree (from a time when it was actually worth something) and I would advise people to seriously consider the burden the debt places on you. It prevents most people from investing or even buying a home until they can pay off the debt or at least pay it down to a reasonable portion of their Debt To Income Ratio which banks use to determine if they will even give you financing.

Chris Allen · Answer

I have contemplated getting my license as well. As other have said, you don't really need your license to invest, but this is where I stand on the subject.

Getting your license has the potential to do you more good than bad, so getting your license I don't think is a bad idea. As someone else has said, if you get it and really like it, you can go full time into selling real estate while learning to invest as well, and if not, you just continue to do what you plan to do anyways and let your license laps or just continue to pay the dues.

If you only sell one house a year for family or friends you can at least cover the expenses to hold a license, though you probably won't become very good at buying/selling real estate from that alone.

Joe Aiola · Answer

@Brett Bowers I think it should largely depend on how much you're looking to invest. If you're just looking to pick up a rental every year or two, for example, then I would advise not getting your license. If you want to flip a few homes a year, then getting your license might make more sense - it will help build relationships within the business and you can save on commissions.

You don't need your license either way, but it could certainly help if used properly. Definitely don't just get the license just to get it, though - it should be viewed as an investment of time and money.

Best of luck!

Brett Bowers · Answer

@John Farady

I have an associates degree in Electric Utility Substation and Relay Technician which allows me to work for a utility or be a contractor servicing industrial computers that monitor and control the power grid in addition to many other things like testing transformers, circuit breakers, capacitor banks, etc. I am now about 6 months away from graduating with a BS in Global Studies from a 4 year university. I’ve had much experience with high voltage work, residential/commercial electric, drywall, painting, construction, etc. So, I have a few options regarding career. I would love to work in the electric industry full time until I can become a full time investor in both residential and commercial property.

I have been blessed enough to be able to receive grants and scholarships as well as work to pay for school with no debt at all. I will finish my degree because I will not incur any debt.

Juan Chavez · Answer

Having a real estate license will help you be a better investor.

Brett Bowers · Answer

@Brandon Rush

That is very helpful! Thank you Brandon. I will take it into much consideration.

To become a RE agent or just invest?

Most Popular Reply