How to become a real estate agent/investor in Washington State

[Wai Chun Ng]

Hello everyone,

I'm 38yrs old, after living in NYC all my life, I want to start a new career as a real estate agent and investor in Tacoma/Puyallup Washington.  I appreciate any advice on how to become an agent in Washington State.  Should I apply a job at a local broker, so I could learn more then apply for a license?  Or, should I go to real estate class then take the test?  What are the Pros and Cons.

Wai

[Andrew Hodgson]

Hi @Wai Chun Ng

In WA you must complete the classes to prep for the license test, then if you pass you must apply with a brokerage firm to activate your license. You must "hang your license" at a firm. Be sure to look online at Rockwell for your license prep classes, that program has one of the best exam pass rates in WA.

I second Jay's sentiment that you probably won't find a lot of hand holding as a new broker, at least not from other brokers. However, during the first 2 years as a new broker you are supposed to be under close supervision by your firm's designated broker, so that you learn the job and don't bring liability to the firm. After you pass the test and have your license my advice would be to interview with a lot of firms, and then choose the designated broker that you believe will invest the time with you for you to be successful. Also look for firms with a high degree of tech integration and systems in place that produce results (lead generators, marketing, CRMs, transaction management tools, etc)-- that will go a long way to getting those first few deals underway and building momentum. 

Pros: gets you plugged into the real estate scene; allows you to network with people in the industry doing the deals that you want to do; full MLS access; training on state-wide standard forms; held to a higher standard of ethics in all your real estate dealings (yes, this is a pro!)

Cons: opportunity cost of the time needed to get thru the test prep classes; start up costs for the license and then at your firm; no consistent pay at the beginning; cold-calling :)