Realtor · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2017 · 7 posts · 1 vote
Hey everyone! I just passed my real estate salesperson license exam in Pennsylvania. I am currently living in Pittsburgh and mainly got my license for the purposes of being able to do my own deals on investment properties. Any recommendations on brokers? Looking for minimal fees and requirements as I have another full-time job and am not looking to be a full-time agent, but rather just use my license for personal investment needs.
Real Estate Consultant · Madison, NJ · Member since 2016 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
9y
@Emily Fraser - don't go with a big brokerage as they will charge you higher fees for things you won't use. Look for a small brokerage that lists investment properties. The best way to do this is to see what signs you see when you are driving for dollars. If you see those signs on properties in need of work, reach out to that brokerage. For what you are planning to do, you can find a 100% brokerage who will just charge you a fee per transaction closed and minimal other fees. You don't need the cache of the name of the brokerage since you are just doing it for MLS access. Hope this helps.
Real Estate Consultant · Madison, NJ · Member since 2016 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
9y
@Emily Fraser - don't go with a big brokerage as they will charge you higher fees for things you won't use. Look for a small brokerage that lists investment properties. The best way to do this is to see what signs you see when you are driving for dollars. If you see those signs on properties in need of work, reach out to that brokerage. For what you are planning to do, you can find a 100% brokerage who will just charge you a fee per transaction closed and minimal other fees. You don't need the cache of the name of the brokerage since you are just doing it for MLS access. Hope this helps.
Real Estate Agent · Media, PA · Member since 2017 · 361 posts · 250 votes
9y
I agree with @Jonathan Greene, not necessary to go for a big name. Might also look into any local REIAs and see if there are any agents/brokers with the investment mindset. There can be a big difference between a typical retail agent and investor agent. Also, congrats on becoming (soon) an agent and welcome!
Real Estate Agent · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2014 · 850 posts · 646 votes
9y
@Anthony Angotti mind sending me that same message? haha. I'm in the process of getting my license/interviewing brokers now too. I'm planning on going full-time into being an agent though.
Investor · Malvern, PA · Member since 2014 · 108 posts · 42 votes
9y
Interesting responses about big brokers. I choose one of the biggest, Berkshire Hathaway, in my area they have the lowest fees. My commission may not be as high but it works for my business model, which is similar to Emily's. Emily go to open houses and ask the agents who they are with and why are they there. You will find the right one this way. Also, ask how it works to be on a team rather then by yourself. It normally pays better commission.
Silver Spring, MD · Member since 2014 · 2 posts · 0 votes
7y
I'm with Real as well - the process to get started (once you have your license) is pretty quick; figure 1-2 weeks to get started and onboarded. (longer with the holidays, and if the state board drags its feet)