Getting a real estate agent license without a sponsoring broker?

[Brendon K.]

Hi!

On the BP podcast I've heard several people saying that one person out of a power-couple husband/wife team gets their real estate license so they can have access to the MLS, have better networking capabilities, and potentially save costs. I haven't yet heard of that person actually working as a real estate agent under someone after they get that license. They sound like they get the license and immediately go right back to flipping a house or some other activity that has nothing to do with a broker.

What is going on here? Or is there some kind of broker arrangement that means you don't have to work for a company or report to some broker? How do they get to do their own thing after they get their license?

This comes from the perspective of getting it in Michigan (because the person I'm speaking to about this is in MI).
To be licensed, you must first be associated with a current and active Michigan sponsoring broker. It's important to find the right broker to work with since this person will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.