Should I get licensed?

Should I get licensed?

Accountant · Orange, CA · Member since 2009 · 27 posts · 16 votes

I am just getting started in Real Estate investing, flipping and wholesaling. Do you think it would be advantageous to get licensed?

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Real Estate Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2009 · 161 posts · 46 votes
17y

If you have the time and think it will help your business then yes. If you have access to the MLS and just want to "invest" then no.

I have access to the MLS so I did not see the benefit in going through the course to get licenced. Though some have a differnet view it is a personal choice...

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  • Real Estate Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2009 · 161 posts · 46 votes
    17y

    If you have the time and think it will help your business then yes. If you have access to the MLS and just want to "invest" then no.

    I have access to the MLS so I did not see the benefit in going through the course to get licenced. Though some have a differnet view it is a personal choice...

  • Will BarnardPro Member
    Moderator
    Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    17y

    Getting a RE slaes licnese has the good and the bad.
    The good: access to MLS without a third party, ability to get commissions on your own transactions and on referral transactions.
    The bad: the time, and costs involved, the disclosures you must give, and the limitations it puts on you as a licensed agent. Investors can do some things that agents can not.

    Your call from there.

    My advice, don't get one, be an investor not a sales person, and have your wife (if you have one) get a license - best of both worlds.

  • Real Estate Investor · Portland, OR · Member since 2009 · 660 posts · 244 votes
    17y
  • Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    17y
    Originally posted by nationwidepi:
    ...ability to get commissions on your own transactions and on referral transactions.
    ...


    And many / most REO listings have something like "agent who is principal in the transaction receives no commission" or something like that. Basically, you get paid a commission, or you profit on the purchase - but not both; exact wording probably differs from what I wrote, but you should get the gist.
  • Real Estate Investor · Springfield, MA · Member since 2009 · 142 posts · 103 votes
    17y

    I think having a RE license is a definite plus. Access to the MLS is key.... plus you can get commissions when you buy and sell your own stuff, and get referral fees from other agents for dead leads that you can't buy.

    I always disclose it when I'm dealing with a seller and have never once had an issue. Usually it adds some credibilty.

  • Real Estate Investor · Woodbridge, VA · Member since 2009 · 48 posts · 70 votes
    17y

    What benefit will the license give you? That is the real question. Because to invest in real estate, all you need is to be a principal in the transaction. You don't need a license.

  • Real Estate Investor · Dearborn, MI · Member since 2009 · 56 posts · 40 votes
    16y

    Dustin

    How do you have access to the MLS? Is there a third party you can use to gain access?

  • Will BarnardPro Member
    Moderator
    Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    16y
    Of course. You can use a number of team members such as an agent or title company contact. There are also websites out there to pull comps from such as Realtor.com
    You can also get them from Zillow, but never go by zestimates, only the sold comps at actual sold prices.
  • Involved In Real Estate · Anderson, SC · Member since 2008 · 350 posts · 70 votes
    16y

    Remember that all the expenses involved with getting your license can be a tax write off. The classes involved with getting your license can help you, but can you afford the time to go to class, take the tests etc?

    To me, the main question is whether or not being licensed will interfere with your method of doing business.

  • Rental Property Investor · Oshkosh, WI · Member since 2009 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    16y

    I have found simply getting access to the MLS is far better than becoming a Realtor for the same benefit. My partner is a Realtor and to me the only benefit is he has a bargaining chip with his commission when dealing with other Realtor's. He always lets them have both sides of the deal and that can be very helpful with getting offers accepted!

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