Should I get my real estate license before I start college?

Question

Hello, so today I was talking to one of my instructor about real estate. She recently received her real estate license as a hobby and extra source of income as we all know educaters don't get paid much. To tell a little about me, I am a senior in high school and I have been accepted into a few colleges, but before I start my college journey I was looking for some advice on whether I should get my real estate license or not. In Ohio (where I live), you must obtain 120 hours of class time and pass your final. I have money saved up to cover the fees which I've read are roughly $1,000-$1,500 but I want to get the license in the summer of 2017 before I start college in fall of 2017. Is it a good idea? With a real estate license before college, I can use the commission fee to help pay for college instead of student loans if and when I make a sale, I know its a lot of work but i think I can do it since I've always been hard working (I currently have 2 part time Jobs and I go to school of course). I just need some advice because I think eventually once I learn a little more about the housing market and contracts and all the paperwork that goes into buying a home and selling a home, I can start early on investing and hopefully live life debt free from college after I begin my investing journey. Thanks!

Michael Johnson · Answer

Im going to be lazy and say reread what @Harry Gamble said. But I'll add to it.

College is going to be great, you will learn about yourself more than your classes (given time). Youll be distracted, you'll drink, party, study, test, text, crash, starve, argue, love.. My point is it goes everywhere at all times.  And it gets really easy to take care of the most time sensitive situations at hand (exams, studying, meeting that girl at the whatever).

You are young and it seems like you have your head on straight. My advice is this, Have a good time in college and experience it. (because you should) However, don't become disillusioned. Its transient. Remember what you are after! because when you subject yourself to everyone else it affects you, at least a little. bottom line.

"we are the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with" - not me.

Most of the people/students you meet, will want nothing more than what they are doing (its all they think they can handle) these people will dissipate one day. (to the rat race or wherever). Find people to ignite /already "on fire". and stay around them.

Lastly, You are young, and some people will be averse to that with good reason. Its YOUR job to show that you are not the 99% and then your youth turns into one of your biggest assets and self promotion. When you get something cool under your belt. Stay humble, "Well I got my start at .... doing .... and move on" Let your accomplishments speak for themselves. and build your mindset so that it shines. LEARN LEARN LEARN LEARN.

Melroy D'Souza · Answer

Besides the cost of the classes, you have to spend some money to maintain your license. Also you have to work with a broker, cannot be independent. Most brokers are members of the Board of realtors. That is your biggest expense, approx $1100-$1200 a year. Many brokers might even have a monthly desk fee. Just keep these in mind when making your decision.

Not sure where you are going to college, you could look into the Columbus State (CSCC) Real estate program, you'll end up with an Associates degree for a little more than the classes will cost. You can probably transfer to a 4 year degree. Go talk to the student councilors at CSCC if this is possible.

Good luck, its very refreshing to see high school kids taking a proactive step towards their success in life.

Stephon Broughton · Answer

Here in Ohio you must obtain a license at a 2 year university or community college or online, there is 120 hours of classes you must take and then you have to pass the final exam of course. But I plan on going to college for Marketing. So it fits in as you have to Market yourself as an agent. It'll be easier to get my license half way through college since I'll have more knowledge about the Market and the terminology used but real estate is something I want to learn before I start investing in real estate property which is something I plan on doing after I have settled comfortably in my career if all goes as planned. I could easily get a real estate license in a month. I'm willing to work hard but I'm not sure if it's going to affect my life in college as being busy because I'm not exactly sure it'll work going into the business part time. As I said my instructor has been doing it part time for 2 months and she is close to making her first sale and has two clients that are ready to buy a home, so for her part time is going well, but she also has also mentor so I'm not sure if I'll be able to have one to assist like she has.

Nick C. · Answer

What are you going to study in college? Why not get a degree in real estate if that's what you plan on doing? I don't know how it is in Ohio, but here in Florida if you major in real estate you can skip the pre and post licensing courses.

Tom Ott · Answer

It couldn't hurt! Also, they just changed the law so you can do your pre-license class online now starting next month! Much easier!

Cesar Rebolledo · Answer

It's not a bad idea.  You can always market yourself to your friends and family as well.  Let me ask, what are your future plans?  Where do you see yourself, RE or other?

Corey R. · Answer

I think getting your real estate license is a great idea while in college. I got my license my sophomore year in college and have had a great experience working while in school. I will say it does require a lot of time to make it worth it, so if you are willing to sacrifice nights, weekends, and time in between classes, go for it. Getting my license while in college has not only provided me with decent financials, but also given a leg up with professional experience when comparing myself to other students applying for jobs post graduation. I feel the experiences I have had and the connections I have made, will really put me in a good position when I graduate this May. If you have any questions, feel free to message me. Best of Luck!

Stephon Broughton · Answer

Of course knowledge is never a bad thing haha! I always find ways to expand my knowledge, especially on something that can potentially create wealth. I just was seeing if this knowledge will be useful, and in a timely manner. I don't believe in get rich quick schemes to often (some cases it works, but for the very few) and I don't expect to just make a sale a month after I get my real estate license, but I want to know is it worth getting before going to college? Is it a good investment before I find myself with $30,000 in college debt? I just want to make sure the investment in myself is a right decision.

Should I get my real estate license before I start college?

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