All Forum Posts by: Candice Gold

i do not believe it is required, but recommended.

Living in Texas (South Texas at that), firearms are a very common occurrence around here. I also live in the fourth largest city in the world and as a female agent who will be alone at most showings, I will definitely be concealed carrying. I only have a good amount of experience with rifles and shotguns (skeet shooting) so I'll be taking a class or two to brush up with a pistol. I also believe in being 'smart' (usong your insticts about a house/neighborhood/customer and constantly aware if your surroundings. Taking a self defense/martial arts class isn't a bad idea as well; if the gun gets knocked out of my hand I'd like to be able to squeeze my self out of an attackers arms. I know you've gotten all your answers here, just throwing in my two cents. Additionally, I'd have no issue with an open carrying agent, but I know it is not the norm to be comfortable with it so I would not do it myself. 

Fred, that's a bummer to hear. I assumed they wouldn't be too keen with an investor/investor friendly agent in the mix but I was hoping I could at least get a few investments under my belt without care from them. I guess we'll see. I'm solid at every thing I do and a very quick learner so I may not have to stay there too long to catch on. Plus, I don't really want to give away 36% of my commission for too long, either.

@Santos Collantes I'm doing it online through The Austin Institute of Real Estate.

@Jeff Wallace, thank you for the insight! What you said is exactly what I've been thinking for the last couple of months. I've heard their training program is excellent as well and they sure made it seem like the bees knees during the business meeting I had with them. They do take a decent chunk; 30% capped at $18k in one calendar year, 6% capped at $3k in one calendar year and $60.00 E & O each transaction. Although, like you said, it will be worth it if I can get a couple good years of excellent training. 

Houstonites, 

I'll soon be a licensed agent and looking for a sponsoring broker and office. I've already interviewed with Keller Williams, and will probably set something up with Heritage Texas Properties to meet. 

Are there any other agencies you would recommend? Do you know someone who is looking for an EXTREMELY motivated agent they are willing to take under their wing? I want to be with a broker/agency who will train/guide/mentor me in the beginning. I do plan on diving into investing (I'm thinking fix and flips will have my heart) soon after I get the feel for residential real estate. 

I'm open to the thought of commercial if the position is right, but I'll be honest when I say I know nothing about it. 

Thank you in advance for any insight! I'm on the north side (Tomball/Woodlands) but willing to go "as far" as downtown. 

Candice Gold

Commenting to mark my place for any updates; I'm so sad/mad/wanna fly to Cali and kick this guy square in the.. You know, for you. Nothing worse than a thief who wreaks havoc on the good guys. I'll buy your drinks the day you finally see a resolution! 

@Heather Roy, we are in Tomball as well. I'm currently getting my agents license, I'd love to meet up and just chat. Always nice to know someone close to you who shares your same passion.

@Ray A. I'm in Tomball

@Ray A., at the rate i'm going I would not be surprised if I am ready to take the national and state exam at the end of this year, very beginning of January. (I just started last week and I'm already almost halfway done). I am MOTIVATED to get out there and make money. 

@Steve Rozenberg, thanks for the tip. I will most definitely check them out.