Licensee while working a full-time job?

Question

Hi there!

I am about to take my RE exam. My boyfriend and I have saved up enough for a down payment to start our RE investing business! I plan to get my license with the primary purpose to save on agent costs, access to the MLS, and gain more experience in the real estate industry. I am also very interested in the property management side of things!

Here is my question: I currently have a full-time job that I genuinely love! It provides me a great salary. One day, I would like to leave my job to focus on real estate full time, but like I said I love what I do so I don't want to leave just yet! How can I go about getting hired by a brokerage even though I will not be full-time? I am more than happy to put in hours and do real work! I am not looking for a free ride. But I am new to this industry, so am unsure how common it is to be hired by a brokerage, but not working many hours in the office.

Mason Weiss · Answer

Hey Caroline, I actually did just this back in 2020-2021 and now I have transitioned to full time Real Estate. If you want to chat further I am happy to help anyway I can, just shoot me a message!

Drew Sygit · Answer

Most brokerages will hire you - because they don't pay you ANYTHING unless you close a transaction.

In fact, many will charge you monthly fees for desk space (now usually optional), office access, phones, copies, etc..

Jen Turrell · Answer

Hi Caroline, I'm a newbie agent with another job too. I'm in the East Valley. You're in the PHX area too? I'm sending you a connect request in case we can find some ways to support/help each other.

Abel Curiel · Answer

Hey Caroline!

Congrats on entering the RE Investment and RE Sales spaces.

Its great that you have a fulfilling FT job BUT this could hinder you as time goes on.

I say this because to find success as an agent, entrepreneur, business owner, etc. you'll need to 'burn the boats' at some point.

As time progresses, you'll be faced with some decisions:- is this the year I decide to go 'all-in' on Real Estate?- do I want to continue paying Broker desk fees/dues, licensing renewal fees, MLS dues, etc.?

That said, you could make a nice 2nd income just from helping friends, family members, local investors, co-workers, neighbors, etc.

Your earning potential is correlated with the effort you put in.

I started as a part-time agent and quit my FT job after about 18 months in the business.

If you're not in a rush to quit your job, sell properties, and earn a 2nd income, thats OK and most brokerages will open their doors.

All the best!

Abel

Adam Bartomeo · Answer

If you are breathing and have a RE license then 98% of the brokerages will bring you on board. There are very few that actually care if you are qualified. Personally, I rarely bring on agents that aren't FT and experienced. Therefore, I only have a handful of agents. This give them a lot of personal attention, and I am not bogged down with a million questions about minor issues.

John Bellotti · Answer

Possible with the right work ethic. I recommend joining a brokerage with educational training and a broker that can coach you. Real estate is a self-starter business, so you get out what you put in!

Caroline Silberglitt · Answer

Thank you so much Michelle! This definitely has me feeling more confident about going into it part-time as a newbie!

Licensee while working a full-time job?

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