Real estate agent
I just passed my real estate exam and I’m trying to figure out the best next steps.
My goal is to eventually get into real estate investing, particularly multifamily/house hacking and building a portfolio over time. I also want to use my real estate license as a way to gain experience, build a network, and potentially create additional income while I continue working my current job.
For those of you who have been through this process, what would you recommend I focus on immediately after passing the exam?
A few things I’m specifically wondering about:
• How should I go about choosing a brokerage? What should I prioritize as a new agent/investor?
• Is it better to join a traditional brokerage with strong training, or a lower-cost brokerage where I keep more of my commission?
• Should I focus heavily on learning the sales side first, or start networking with investors, lenders, contractors, wholesalers, etc. right away?
• What should I be doing during my first 6–12 months to put myself in the best position to buy my first investment property?
• Are there specific skills or areas of real estate that you wish you had focused on earlier?
• If your ultimate goal was to become an investor, how would you use a real estate license strategically?
I’m in the Philadelphia/PA market, so I’d especially appreciate advice from people who have experience investing or working as agents in this area.
If you were starting over right after passing your exam, what would you do first?
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#5 All Forums Contributor
- Attorney
- 10451 Mill Run Cir #755 Owings Mills, MD 21117
@Eddie Germosen, if I were starting again with investing as the long term goal, I would not choose a brokerage based mainly on the commission split. I would choose the place that gives me the best chance to actually see deals from beginning to end. Early on, learning how contracts, inspections, financing, title issues, repairs, and negotiations all come together is worth a lot more than keeping a bigger percentage of very little business.
I would also start building the investor side at the same time instead of waiting until you feel like you have mastered sales. From working with investors, I’ve seen that the agents who become really valuable understand why someone would buy a property, what could kill the deal, and what the exit looks like before they ever write the offer. Even if you are not ready to buy yet, start analyzing real properties and following them all the way through closing. That experience adds up quickly. I’d be glad to stay connected and follow your progress. You’re thinking about the license the right way by looking at it as a tool to learn the business, not just a way to earn a commission.