Can I Avoid Becoming A REALTOR? (Indiana)

[Jason Eyerly]

Hello BP,

I'm not sure if it's just my area or not, but almost all the brokers require that you be a REALTOR to work with them. That's fine and all if the membership and MLS access to get started didn't cost $1,300. I've spent all of my capital on my start up marketing and direct mail, and would like to see how I do as a real estate sales person before plunging another $1,300 toward this option.

Not only that, but this would afford me the opportunity to make a few sales and generate some income so that I actually have $1,300 to spend. In the state of Indiana, you obviously have to work under a broker, and soon you will have to complete a broker transition course.

I was wondering if there was a way around the broker and being required to be a REALTOR. I've heard of the possibility of paying a broker a flat fee to "hang" your license, and I think by going this route I may be able to avoid the REALTOR requirement, and see how I do in this profession (wholesaling/listing/fix-n-flip) before throwing another $1,300 at it. Where might I find a list of these types of brokers and more information on them? Any advice and information is greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Jason Eyerly

[James Wise]

There is some confusion here about some terminology.

All Realtors ARE licensed Real Estate Agents.

Not all Licensed Real Estate Agents are Realtors.

You must be a licensed Real Estate agent working under a licensed Real Estate broker to collect a fee to help another person buy & sell real estate.

Lots of brokerages require all their agents to be Realtors. Some do not. Commercial brokerages often do not have their agents become Realtors.

MLS fee's are something that all Real estate agents have to pay. You pay for the access to use the MLS. This is where you sell and buy property. If you don't want to use the MLS them there is no point to obtaining a Real estate liscense.

There are additional fees to be a Realtor but if the brokerage your working for handles residential Real estate they will require you to become a Realtor.