Education and start up costs: How much are they?

[Account Closed]

I recently decided that once I educate myself that I would like to obtain a salesperson license and become a real estate agent. I know the classes I will need to take will be a few hundred dollars and the exam itself will be about sixty, but what about the costs associated with working with a brokerage? How much does it cost to hang your license in a brokerage and what are the fees? I am also hearing that I should have at least six months of cash reserves when I start out. Is that because I probably won't be closing many deals right away and I'll need money to be able to pay the bills and also for marketing? So as far as classes, the exam, and working with a broker how much will that all cost? Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

[Chris Martin]

From this 4/9/11 post on this other BP topic, the local MLS where I am was/is $150 per quarter. MLS where I am requires that you are a Realtor. In my state RE agents are licensed by the state and independent of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Brokers can pay to be Realtors. NAR membership fees were $416/yr and there was a $300 orientation fee. I don't know if the numbers changed since then or not.

My cost is $0 because I am unlicensed;)