Pursuing a Real Estate License

[Maria Nicole]

I am new in the investing world and am starting to research the possibility of obtaining a real estate license. More for the access of the MLS. I am planning on buying my first investment this summer with the help of my boyfriend who already has a few investments.

I know I do not need a license to start investing, but is it worth getting or is better to save my money and research on my own? 

[Mindy Jensen]

Welcome to BiggerPockets, @Maria Nicole.

I am licensed in Colorado, which is one of the strictest licensing states. I didn't know a lot of what was involved, both to be an agent and to just get your license.

Of course it varies by state, but it cost me almost $2,000 to get my license, with all the fees, coursework, fees, fees and fees. 

Also, you have to hang your license under a more experienced agent for at least two years before you can go out on your own. 

I have written a series of posts for the BiggerPockets blog about getting your license.

Should I Get My Real Estate License looks at the costs involved.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent looks at the steps involved.

Becoming a Real Estate Agent talks about the duties involved in being an agent. It's a lot more involved than it appears from the retail buyer perspective.

I don't share these articles to scare you off - I love being a real estate agent! But it does involve a lot more than you think. And I believe your license must be in active status in order to have MLS access - at least my MLS requires it.