First time poster. To answer your questions (since I had the same one when I started):
1) I'm an agent. I'd be a broker but in Texas it's not just a matter of classes and tests. You have to be an agent for several years.
2) I work for my own company, however (as required by law) my licence hangs with a random broker. B
3) Pros of being an agent are numerous. But the bigger ones are access to forms, access to MLS, and often when I buy I'll put myself down as the selling agent and use the commission to lower my down payment. Another big advantage, frankly, is as an agent you have to deal with other agents less. Meaning if I see a property I want, I can contact the seller/agent myself and view (via supra or other) without having to have another agent set it up for me. If I like a place I fire off a contract that's filled out and ready to be signed and don't have to have someone else do it.
The only "negative" really is that when you deal with a buyer/seller directly (that doesn't have an agent) you need to be sure to disclose you're an agent. There are also small costs and time (continuing education) but they're pretty small given the advantages
4) Zero time taken away, with the exception of the random classes you might have to take every year or so. They're done online (or can be) and are pretty easy to knock out.
5) Never lost a deal, but gained countless because of being an agent.
6) I found a broker who, honestly, does nothing. And that's what I wanted. There are no marketing, classes, etc. with him. I've never met him in person (I hope that's okay to admit?) I pay him a fee to work under him and pretty much do my own thing. I pay him $80 or so each time I close a deal (to cover E/O, doc review, etc.) and $100 or so a year. That situation works perfect for me as I'd shoot myself if I worked for a big brokerage and had to follow their rules. But that's me. I need to do my own thing to do well.
