Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Level up your investing with Pro
Explore exclusive tools and resources to start, grow, or optimize your portfolio.
10+ investment analysis calculators
$1,000+/yr savings on landlord software
Lawyer-reviewed lease forms (annual only)
Unlimited access to the Forums

Let's keep in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter for timely insights and actionable tips on your real estate journey.

By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions
Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
Real Estate Agent
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 11 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

387
Posts
82
Votes
Jason Eyerly
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Charleston, SC
82
Votes |
387
Posts

Can I Avoid Becoming A REALTOR? (Indiana)

Jason Eyerly
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Charleston, SC
Posted

Hello BP,

I'm not sure if it's just my area or not, but almost all the brokers require that you be a REALTOR to work with them. That's fine and all if the membership and MLS access to get started didn't cost $1,300. I've spent all of my capital on my start up marketing and direct mail, and would like to see how I do as a real estate sales person before plunging another $1,300 toward this option.

Not only that, but this would afford me the opportunity to make a few sales and generate some income so that I actually have $1,300 to spend. In the state of Indiana, you obviously have to work under a broker, and soon you will have to complete a broker transition course.

I was wondering if there was a way around the broker and being required to be a REALTOR. I've heard of the possibility of paying a broker a flat fee to "hang" your license, and I think by going this route I may be able to avoid the REALTOR requirement, and see how I do in this profession (wholesaling/listing/fix-n-flip) before throwing another $1,300 at it. Where might I find a list of these types of brokers and more information on them? Any advice and information is greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Jason Eyerly

  • Jason Eyerly
  • Most Popular Reply

    User Stats

    29,322
    Posts
    20,220
    Votes
    James Wise#4 All Forums Contributor
    • Real Estate Broker
    • Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH
    20,220
    Votes |
    29,322
    Posts
    James Wise#4 All Forums Contributor
    • Real Estate Broker
    • Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH
    Replied

    There is some confusion here about some terminology.

    All Realtors ARE licensed Real Estate Agents.

    Not all Licensed Real Estate Agents are Realtors.

    You must be a licensed Real Estate agent working under a licensed Real Estate broker to collect a fee to help another person buy & sell real estate.

    Lots of brokerages require all their agents to be Realtors. Some do not. Commercial brokerages often do not have their agents become Realtors.

    MLS fee's are something that all Real estate agents have to pay. You pay for the access to use the MLS. This is where you sell and buy property. If you don't want to use the MLS them there is no point to obtaining a Real estate liscense.

    There are additional fees to be a Realtor but if the brokerage your working for handles residential Real estate they will require you to become a Realtor.

    Loading replies...