Can i receve a real estate license w/o being a realtor?

[Brian Sullivan]

I want to start a property management company in Charlotte NC. I need to have a real estate license in order to collect rent and engage in leasing activities. Can I obtain a real estate license without working as a realtor or work for a real estate group/company?

[Debra Thomson]

You will have to “hang your license” with a broker and that usually involves monthly fees.  The broker is responsible for making sure you are operating ethically and legally.  Large property management firms have brokers so their agents are covered that way.  

[Christopher Phillips]

@Brian Sullivan

No. You can not. To do property management for hire on property you do not own you need to be either a broker or under direct supervision of a broker engaged in property management.

Fairhousing and ethics violations are a high risk when dealing with rental management. You don't want to be out there trying to management properties without property supervisions and training. You get fined first, and then spend a fortune trying to defend yourself in court.

[Miranda Simon]

@Brian Sullivan I'm not an attorney so I'm by no means speaking from a legal perspective and I'm of course not in NC, but from basic knowledge, if you have a real estate license; equivalent to being just an agent, you would need to work under a RE Broker, however if you have a RE Broker license then you can work independent of anyone else. For what you're wanting to do a local attorney would be a great place to seek a legal answer and eliminate any error. 

-all the best to you in your new endeavor

[Sam Shueh]

Most brokers clearly stay away from property management because fair housing, and lawsuits are so common the normal E&O insurance for real estate will not cover it. One can manage his own properties but agents are not allowed to manage other people properties without a property management broker who also need special credentials required here in CA.

[Tracy Streich]

Realtor is a designation by the National Association of Realtors. If you are not a member of NAR you cannot be called a realtor. However. This is kind of like calling all tissue a Kleenex.

You have to have your license in most states to act as a PM. There is no short cut around this.

Can I practice as doctor without my medical license? Same thing. Agree or disagree on the need for the license for this activity that is the law.

[Matt J.]

@Brian Sullivan I want to add clarification. You’ve really asked two questions. Based on others comments in your state you’re required to have a real estate license to work as a property management company. This is the same in WA state. However you don’t have to be a Realtor. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors and is not a requirement to operate as a property management company (at least in WA). Good luck.

[Jonathan Breton]

As others have said it is also my understanding that you must obtain, or work under a Broker to start the property management company. 

[Russell Brazil]

No you do not need to be a realtor. However if you join a brokerage that is a Realtor member, then you must also become a member. Most brokerages are members, but not all. Also as far as I am aware, all MLS systems are owned by Realtor associations. Most allow non-realtor licensees to join, but for a higher fee. There is however I believe some MLS systems that still only allpw you to join of you are a realtor.

[Levi Bennett]

I don't know if anyone mentioned this or not, but if you OWN the properties, you do not need a license to manage them. But only if you own them, or have some equitable interest in them.