Questions re; Agent License in So CA

[Charlotte Moore]

Hello Veteran Real Estate Agents,

Can anyone share information regarding how to get a RE license in Southern California, including suggestions for companies that provide training and exam prep?

What are the pros and cons of in-class vs online training?

Do I need to connect with a brokers to really learn the business? If so, how do I do this?

How do I learn to complete the forms and documents required for a sale/purchase?

How do I learn how to use the MLS?

Does having a license pose any problems with being a wholesaler?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Nicholas Smith]

Hello @Charlotte Moore, welcome to the world of real estate! I love Pasadena, great area! I will attempt to elaborate one your questions individually:

Can anyone share information regarding how to get a RE license in Southern California, including suggestions for companies that provide training and exam prep? - Companies like Keller Williams, First Team and the like will provide training and exam prep in return for a promise to sign up with them. These are both great brokerages for new and upcoming agents as they provide good training throughout your career (note: I have no affiliation with KW or First Team).

What are the pros and cons of in-class vs online training? - In my opinion, in-class training is very time consuming, and all you do is go over the book with no real world application of knowledge. I advocate using an online training course such as the one provided by Kaplan RE. They provide you with all the tools you need to pass the state exam, including a great test application that goes through all the questions that you may see on the exam. 

You only need to pass the exam with 70% or higher, which is very easy once you have completed the Kaplan on-line courses. Kaplan (as well as other online schools) also offer a two day cram course on the weekends that you can sign up for right before your test. They are held in L.A. right next to LAX.

Don't get to hung up on the test and retaining knowledge on all the different areas that they cover, you well use less than 80% of it once you start your career.

Do I need to connect with a brokers to really learn the business? If so, how do I do this? - Yes, your real education well begin once you have passed the state exam. Do you due diligence and really interview brokerages in your area who provide great training. I also advocate a mentor ship program, where you can go work under one of their top performing agents. This will give you great real world experience.

To find a good brokerage, simply reach out to them, or ask other agents whom they like. Remember, you are interviewing the Broker, they are not interviewing you! A lot of new agents like Keller Williams or Realty One. They both have tons of weekly training and good company culture.

How do I learn to complete the forms and documents required for a sale/purchase? - see above. which ever brokerage you sign up with, they will teach you how to go through Listing Agreement and Purchase Contracts. In addition, if you get into a mentor ship with an agent, they will teach you a lot also.

How do I learn how to use the MLS? - Your brokerage will give you some training on this. Also, your local board will run MLS training sessions frequently.

Does having a license pose any problems with being a wholesaler? - N/A, I do not wholesale. The only advise I can give is to always disclose that you are a licensed real estate agent.

Good Luck!