Should I wait to start as an agent?

[Graham Rushing]

Here's my  dilemma. I'm starting RE classes next week and hope to have a license by Oct. I have a pretty good paying 8-5 m-f job and I'm wanting to do the agent thing on the side (nights and weekends) for 3-6 months to learn the game before giving up my good paying job. Also my other half is finishing up her PHD and hopefully will be making good enough money for me to go to full time agent but that's six months from now. Should I just wait six months to start or will there be opportunities to learn and make a little money before then? Also will brokers look down on this? Thanks for any advice!

[Scott Beck]

@Graham Rushing

Interesting dilemma. You have two main issues to address: (1) which state you will reside in after your "other half" finishes her PhD; and (2) how do you address the challenges of working part time as a real estate agent.

Do you plan to stay in North Carolina after your "other half" finishes her PhD? Does she already have a job lined up - if so, where? I ask this because each state has its own set of requirements and real estate laws that you will need to know to pass the state portion of the licensure exam. If you have to move to another state will that state's real estate commission accept the classes you are taking? As an example -a  friend of mine who was a real estate agent in New York recently moved here to Texas. Texas accepted his national portion of the exam, but requires him to learn about Texas laws and contracts. Once he has that education he will need to pass the Texas portion of the licensing exam.

Working part time as a real estate agent can be costly. Your main job is prospecting and developing lead. Working full time you might spend months before you get your first deal. My best advice is to talk to a variety of brokers. Brokerages all have different business models. Some offer good training packages (yes there is more to learn after you get your license) and others will throw you right in and let you sink or swim. Some will not want to work with you as a part-timer and others will. The important thing is to start talking to brokers now.

Good Luck!