Real Estate Agent · Portland, OR · Member since 2018 · 47 posts · 7 votes
I just started my RE license training through onlineed.com and am very excited. I'll be going down to part time as a physical therapist to develop myself as a RE broker. I've been told that some principal brokers will do zero desk fees, but instead charge transaction fees. Apparently this can be good for people just getting started in the field or still working other jobs. Does anybody have any leads on a good principal broker in the Portland area that might offer this? Thanks for your help!
Congrats on getting your license...it can a big step forward towards financial freedom!
One thing you probably intrinsically know and understand is that there’s a trade-off for all things in life. I’m sure there are a wide variety of physical therapist business models out there (providing different levels of support)...real estate brokerages are no different!
I’m sure you can find transaction fee only based brokers in town but I think you should ask yourself if you really want to do that? The online training doesn’t actually teach you how to be successful in real estate-it teaches you how to avoid getting in hot water with the regulators. So where are you going to learn the actual business? From building your database and different ways of expanding your client reach to tips on how to conduct a transaction to the physical paperwork-how are you going to learn it? Real estate has a MASSIVE turnover because it looks easy, but like most things, if you want to be successful it’ll take hard, focused work.
Why not consider (or maybe you have) investing in yourself and shortening your learning curve while increasing your chances of success in the business by going with a brokerage that will train you in the nuts and bolts? I’m partial to KW but by no means are we the only option-just be careful you don’t end up getting exactly what you pay for with a no-fee brokerage: zero.
You’re taking the right steps investigating your options and getting your license...let me know if you’d like to chat about lessons learned transitioning from one career into real estate!
Hey Mathew. I’m not sure how I missed this reply, but that was a very thoughtful and insightful response so thank you. I’m just finishing up my real estate coursework. It took me so long to because I’ve been rehabbing a distressed property in Milwaukie and having a lot of fun with it. I quit my job as a PT and am planning on jumping 100% into real estate. Would love to chat with you about KW and your recommendations. Have a great day!