Is becoming a real estate agent worth having access to the MLS?

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Is becoming a real estate agent worth having access to the MLS?

Maxwell Milholland
Buffalo, NY · Member since 2018 · 86 posts · 30 votes
Hello everybody, I am brand new to investing. I am wondering if it makes sense to pursue getting my real estate license in order to have access to the MLS? my rationale is that 1) I don't want to be a hassle to real estate agents. GIven my personal situatIon, I may not pull the trigger on a property for 6-12 months. I don't want a real estate agent to spend time on me every week sending me properties and looking at comps, and essentially wasting their time if doesn't meet my strict criteria. 2) if I had my own access, I would be able to analyze properties at my own rate. I would not feel pressured into not wasting somebody else's time.
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Russell BrazilBusiness Member
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Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
8y

plenty of sites have all the information you need from the mls, and probably have it in a better format.

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  • Mike CumbieBusiness Member
    REALTOR® · Brockport, NY · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    8y

    As a side note, if you are just looking to see what is on the MLS and do baseline searches (certain areas/price ranges/number beds and baths/school districts etc. our area allows each agent to have a webpage setup that has public pulling from the MLS. As long as the agent set it up you can use it legally and free. In our area, Buffalo.Rochester and Syracuse all share information so using an agents page you can search on each of them.

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  • Michael MalonePro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Macomb, MI · Member since 2018 · 4 posts · 2 votes
    8y

    Hi Maxwell,

    I am getting my license as well to have my own access to MLS, but MAINLY to be able to go look at properties and make offers on my time without having to wait for an agent. I understand that if you make a relationship with an agent then this could be different, but I'm planning on looking at a lot of properties and don't want to have to waste a ton of a friends time for probably not much reward. Also, you could have advantages on finding deals since you can negotiate commissions to be in the selling agents benefit. Which would in turn motivate that selling agent to call you first on upcoming deals. Only things I've picked up from researching as I'm not a licensed agent yet and very new to the game. Good luck!

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  • Marian Smith
    Real Estate Investor · Williamson County, TX · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 961 votes
    8y
    @Maxwell Milholland Time consuming and expensive at first and to maintain, plus also requiring continuing ed. And a broker may not sponsor you if he thinks you are just shopping, not trying to make sales. I am on auto with the mls through an agent and realtor.com is about the same in notifying me. I text listing agents and ask if vacant and look in windows. Showing up by yourself to occupied properties may feel weird even if you have a license...sellers expect a realtor and a client unless you say you are previewing for a client, maybe.
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  • David NilesBusiness Member
    Property Manager · DeLand FL · Member since 2012 · 860 posts · 243 votes
    8y

    When I got my license over 10 years ago, I did so I could get instant access to the latest listings and be first to view and get offers in.  Now its not the same, way too much competition for ML deals.  Are there still some out there? Sure, but nothing that a regular agent couldnt get you set up with on auto search to see and find.  

    Other things I didnt see mentioned, your yearly license and MLS access is going to be about $1,000. You will be required to do 22 1/2 hours of CE ( continuing education ) every 2 years. You will also need a broker who is willing to work with you because if your not a truly active agent, you cost them money because of E&O insurance which is required to be carried in NY on all agents.

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