Hey Samuel, Being an agent definitely has it's perks, however you should be working even longer hours if you want to be really successful. Also, many people do not receive business until after the first 6-8 months. I'm not trying to scare you, but be prepared for being an agent if you choose this path. You have to lead your business and pave your path, instead of your job paving the path for you. Being an agent also has it's perks, you have no ceiling of the money you can make. You are more flexible with your hours, since you are your own boss. Thanks!

@Samuel Pascal My prayers are with you. I hope your mother recovers. Let me know if I can help !

It depends entirely on your goals. If you really just want to learn about real estate investing then you'll learn faster and more by just participating on these forums, listening to all the podcasts, and perhaps joining local meet ups. The typical real estate agent learns very little about actual real estate investing in their day to day activity. Most don't know a thing about house hacking, BRRR, ROI, etc. As for some of the advantages others have mentioned above, here in prime NYC there is no MLS, and there are no lock boxes. Retail buyers get the same info at just about the same time as real estate licensees, and the listing agents are present at 99% of all showings so in most cases you're not going to getter better access to info or seeing properties. If you're planning to invest in the same market that you would be working as an agent then yes it would be helpful as you'll have more intimate knowledge of that market (prices, local trades, buyer and tenant profiles) and you could potentially save on in and out transaction costs, but there's a reason most beginner investors look outside of NYC.

Hi Samuel, Getting a real estate license is something a lot of people get just to help friends and family. I was one of those people before making the full-time switch. I would recommend that if you do get your license, you do so with the intent of using in on the side. Make connections with other local agents who have made a career of it. Attend happy hours, networking events, charity events. Real Estate is a blast, but it can be hard starting out. Prospecting to get clients will be the hardest part in my opinion. So if you start out part-time doing that, the rest will come. All that being said, you don't need a license in order to "learn how real estate works." Sure, it can help if you're talking to people to mention that you are a broker, but outside of that, you don't get any special privileges or knowledge just from earning your RE license. A lot of information can be found online, through books, your local real estate commission, other agents, investors, etc. Focus on learning and making connections. You will know when the time is right to make your move. Best of luck!

@David Michael I really appreciate your help and advise. The reason i choose not to move yet is because my mother is ill and i wish to be there for her and my father. Once i establish myself I will definitely have you in my mind. You are a great person and i see that. Thank you so much.

@Samuel Pascal Your on the right step. Never invest when indebt Do you have to live in NYC? I'm asking because if you don't have to then why not move and save money I have a two family in Rutherford for sale. I am going renovate it and put it on the market. Great start for anyone.

@David Michael I currently live in Manhattan. Trying to get out of student debt before i ever get into real estate. The costs would probably kill me becoming an agent since that means transportation costs will be on me. I am looking at duplexs in NJ to get an idea of the market. I do not want to enter real estate already being in debt.

@Samuel Pascal Where do you reside currently ? I am asking because if your close to Bergen County why not get your NJ State License ?

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Updated almost 7 years ago on 04/20/2018. Most recent reply

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Samuel PascalPoster

New to Real Estate
New York, NY

Real Estate Agent

real estate license?

Samuel PascalPoster

New to Real Estate
New York, NY

Posted April 16, 2018 11:44

Hello Bigger Pockets family, As I plow through student loan debt to get my feet into real estate debt free, do you guys think it would be a good idea to get a real estate license in NYC. I am currently working as a logistics analyst, but I want to obviously get out the 9-5. being an agent in NYC is tuff I hear so it's more that I want to use it as a way to really learn how real estate works. Your opinions will be greatly appreciated. thank you.

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Raul R.

Rental Property Investor
New York City, NY

Raul R.

Rental Property Investor
New York City, NY

Replied April 16, 2018 12:36

You don’t need a real estate license to “learn how real estate work”.
Having one will not hurt and will give you access to MLS but you don’t need one depending on your goals..
If you want to be a realtor you definitely need one if you want to be an investor it is optional..
Also keep in mind there will be fees involved.

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