All Forum Posts by: Andrew Smith

Belated thanks for your responses, guys! Much appreciated.

I obtained my California Real Estate Salesperson License in June 2017. At that time, my understanding was that the license was valid for 2 years, and then I would need to take another test to obtain the California Broker's License. But while researching this subject a few minutes ago, it looks like the license may actually be valid for 4 years, not 2 as I had thought?

I have not been working as a broker since June 2017, but am probably going to accept an offer to work as a junior broker at a reputable commercial brokerage firm in the very near future.

My questions:

1) Is my California Real Estate Salesperson License valid for 2 years or 4 years?

2) If it is only valid for 2 years, do I need to take the California Broker's test by June 2017 in order to work as a junior broker? Or can I just pay a fee and renew my Salesperson license? What other steps do I need to take in order be properly licensed after the 2 year mark passes in June?

Since my previous posts from 2017, I've been earning a steady paycheck working in property management here in Los Angeles. 

I've remained interested in becoming a commercial real estate broker, though, and just received an offer from a reputable commercial real estate brokerage firm to become a Junior Broker. I am very intrigued by the long term earnings potential, plus I believe that I would enjoy being a broker more than my current duties in property management.

I've saved a fair amount over the past few years but am still a little bit wary of having no safety net in a commission-only job with no health or dental benefits.

I may have to ask my parents for some financial assistance and/or get a side job with flexible hours and health/dental benefits.

Thanks for your response, and please let me know if there is anything else I should keep in mind before taking the plunge into becoming a commercial real estate broker.

Thanks Nabil, I really appreciate the insight.

I'm thinking of accepting a job offer to become a commercial real estate broker in a major city (Los Angeles).  The thing that worries me is the lack of income and health benefits when starting out.

For those of you who are established commercial real estate brokers, how did you stay afloat financially while beginning your career? Did you take a side job with flexible hours that also offered health benefits? Or did you dip into your savings and pay for health insurance out of pocket?

How long did it take before you earned your first commission, and how long before you started earning reliable income?

Thanks in advance.

 Thanks Quan, appreciate the quick response!

Once you've taken the California real estate licensing exam, how long do you have to wait before finding out if you passed? Is your score calculated right after completing the test, or is there a lengthy waiting period?

The reason I ask is because I have to fly to CA from out of state to take the exam, and if my score is given as soon as the test is over (or at least within a week or so), I could immediately start interviewing for real estate jobs in the area. But if I won't be finding out right away, then I'll have to fly back home and wait for my score before returning to CA so that I can go on job interviews and look for a place to live.

Thanks in advance.

 Cool, appreciate your input.

 Thanks, I'll look into it!

 Thanks, appreciate the feedback and the well wishes!