Buying and Selling my Own Properties

[Karen K.]

My husband and I are starting our Investing business and I recently passed my MD real estate exam. I have yet to chose a broker because I am torn on what I want to do. My primary purpose for getting my license is for the MLS access and ability to view houses without an agent. I don't intend to make a career out of being a Realtor, at least not at this point. If worth wild, I would like to purchase and sell my own houses. I know of the agent disclosure that is necessary in buying and selling my own houses. What I don't know is how to "really" buy and sell homes. My dilemma is that I don't know if I should just hang my license with a investor friendly broker where I can pay a flat fee-low fee/ high-full commission, no help company and "figure it out" along the way (if that's realistic). Or go with a company who offers lots of education, learn to ropes and then maybe switch over later. With these companies, I am wondering if the fees are worth it for my situation.

[Patrick Britton]

@Karen K.  Personally, and this is only my humble but professional opinion, is that you should go with a broker that can provide as much training and support as possible. You can pay for this with either monthly fees or at a commission split to a certain point.

There is massive risk with "figuring it out along the way." Most of us learn by making mistakes and when practicing a very narrow form of real estate law, which is exactly what your license is for, it's best to make as few mistakes as possible.

It seems like you are focused more on the cost than on the benefits. I think that perhaps you don't know or have not been made aware of the value that really good at managing brokers can bring to the table. Therefore, I would suggest interviewing as many you can and being as straightforward and honest as possible. Don't say you're going to focus on brokerage services when in reality you're just going to do your own investing.  

Hopefully, you'll meet some really great managing brokers who can outline their specific value add which will help you make a more informed decision. Whichever way you go doesn't matter really, so long as you made the best choice given all available information at the time.