Marketing myself to a broker

[Mackenzie Charles]

I just passed my RE exam this week, yay! Now I need to find a broker to place my license with.  However, I only want to buy/sell for myself and family. I have two very young kids that I currently stay home with, so I dont want the long and erratic hours. I have a couple of rentals and my dad and his friend would like to start flipping houses.

I had my license a few years back (before my babies) and worked with a broker under a big franchise. Not only can I not afford to work there part time, but they do not allow part time agents. There are only 2 other agencies in town, and only one of those is not a franchise. The next agency is 40 min away, which isnt great for the part-time aspect...

So, my question is, what are some ways to convince a broker that I would be a great addition to their team when I only plan to buy/sell a handful of houses per year and do not want to take on the general public?  I really want to get on with one of the two brokers here in town, so I feel like I need to be really prepared before meeting with them. 

I would be interested to know how some of the investors on here got on with a broker. Also, did you bring ideas to them about paying E&O fees, commission splits, mls fees, flat fees per sale, etc., or did you just let them tell you what they were willing to offer a part-timer?

Thanks in advance!

Mackenzie

[James C.]

MacKenzie,

Create your own agency. Find a broker who is willing to be your designated broker and open your own agency. You don't have to worry about "fitting in" their mold, you are the mold! 

Sure, you'll have to pay,  but see what kind of deal you can strike. At the very least, you're commute will be 1.2 minutes or less. You will be in charge  (within the law) of your own dealing. In a couple of years or so,  you will get your own brokerage license and you will be your own designated broker. At that point, you can stop paying the other person. 

I suggest that you consult an attorney to make sure that everything is set up correctly for everyone's protection. Other than that, you should have minimal expenses. You are then completely in charge. 

Hope that helps. 

Good luck, 

Jim