Do I have to work for a broker to get MLS access?

[Account Closed]

My brother is a Wholesaler and he wants me to get my license so I can join him and expand his business.

I've been following his deals and I can see how having a licensed partner will help with transactions and getting access to potential deals off market is what he wants.

How does it work when you get licensed, are you stuck in an office? I don't want to leave my current job for another "job" ..Do I have to work for a broker to get MLS access?

SF Bay Area, CA 

[Matt Lefebvre]

@Account Closed That all depends on the firm you join.  Some firms are fine with you just "hanging your license" and not doing any work there.  Keep in mind, that you'll still have to split your commission with them if you are responsible for any transactions in your brother's business.  

However, if you think you'll have access to "off-the-market" deals just because you have a real estate license, you might be thinking a bit incorrect... The only way you'll find off market deals, is by connecting and knowing the people that are selling those deals. As soon as something goes on the MLS, it becomes "on the market" and will be published within the next few days to every site imaginable. Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc.

And yes, to have access to the MLS, you generally need a real estate license. You also have to pay a fee to maintain access to it. I'm not sure what your state charges, but I have to pay $70 every quarter.