Cheapest path towards getting California Real Estate License?

Question

I am just starting real estate investing. What is the cheapest path towards getting a California real estate license? What is the "best" path towards getting a California real estate license?

Should I take in-person courses or online courses? Does getting a degree in real estate help with getting hired by brokers or sales?

Should one just get a broker's license or settle for the salesperson license? Can a broker do everything a RE salesperson can do except more? I don't want to get a RE salesperson license only to re-test for a broker's license in the future.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Suzette Murray · Answer

Hi Account Closed

Taking an online course like this one offered by First Tuesday... http://www.firsttuesday.us/SalesLicensing.cfm?adso...  is probably the most cost effective method to obtain your agent's license. The online course, along with utilizing your local library for more free resources should put you on track to get your license.

Personally I learn better having the reading material, some people do better with a live course, you need to know what works best for you.

In California, in order to become a Real Estate Broker you must  have a minimum of two years full-time licensed salesperson experience within the last five years or the equivalent is required.  Along with a few more courses... see this site for more details. http://www.dre.ca.gov/Examinees/RequirementsBroker...

Being a broker allows you more freedom to control your career. You can operate independently  or open your own company and hire sales agents to work for you. As an independent broker you keep all of your earned fees or it may be possible to earn a greater split as a broker associate.

Best of luck to you!

Mark Pedroza · Answer

Account Closed

Salesperson exam has 150 questions. Brokers exam has 200 questions. When you pass the exam there are fee's that need to be paid.

So, there are no shortcuts..