Okay, I took my calif state exam on Oct 23rd, I found out I passed on the 29th (online). I'm still waiting for them to send me the application thru the mail. I called a couple of days ago and was told that I should get it any day.

I really want to get out there and start talking with brokers, but I know I won't have my license for atleast, probably, another month?!!?!?!? Do I need the license in hand to start feeling the brokers out? Or do I just say I'm waiting for all the paperwork to be done???

Lucy,

First, Congrats!

Second, you will not be able to obtain your license until you have already signed on with a broker. So you should be out interviewing different companies to see which one best suits you. You have to have a place to hang your license or you real estate division won't send it to you. You cannot hold your own license, it must be under a broker.

Third, find a company that has great training. This should be your first priority when starting out as a new agent. The biggest mistake many new agents make is choosing a company just because they may have higher commission split, but no training. If necessary, take the lower split if their is great training involved. Some companies offer a 100% commission with no training at all. This won't help you. Other companies offer a 50% commission split with tons of training involved. Good trainnig will last a lifetime, so it is well worth it. Usually the split will increase with your level of production too. Most companies that have ongoing training also have great management support, which can also be helpful when you are a new agent. Just some things to think about. Hope this helps.

I would agree. Get out there as soon as you can to start interviewing various real estate brokers in your area. Find a company that you like that will offer some training on how to work with clients buying and selling homes. Also, find a company that will help you learn real estate in a very practical manner.

Here in Minnesota, we have a number of great real estate companies of course. And with such a strong buyer's market (lots and lots of homes for sale on the MLS), real estate agents really make it a strong focus to find buyers in this market. I'm sure as you start up, you will want to seek out some buyers in your market as well.

I hope this helps! Welcome to this business!

Don't wait, go out and start interviewing brokers. You don't need papers to start.

Ask these brokers as many questions as you can.

Particularly ask them if they have hired any new agents in the past year. If so, how many are still with the office, and what are there sales numbers.

Don't be scared, this is your business--make sure you're with a Team who is expanding!

That's what I did, and it's been great this first year.

Congratulations;

When interviewing, make sure the broker has an advancement program that you can live with. 50% is about what you will get in this market. I was lucky started out at 80% and after 3 sales in one month was placed at the top 85%. After one year I went 100% and paid a desk fee. You want to make sure that if you are full of energy, resourceful at getting your own leads, and a motivated dude that you can be rewarded with advancement. Learn it all. You can not join the local board yet, however they will allow you to attend some trainings and pay the non-member fee, (usually 10 or 15 bucks) that way you can get trained on alot of the ethics and standards in the industry. you may even take the MLS trainings since the system will take some time to learn to navigate through it.

Be cautious of some of the companies that will try and get you to sign up for trainings that cost. There is one particular company that I know of that is charging alot for trainings, I have seen new agents go $5,000+ in the hole for trainings. You are making money for the broker, they should be willing train you to get there without breaking you. There's plenty of free and minimal charge trainings out there, don't fall for the high powered montly payment arranged trainings!!!

You made a great choice of a lifetime.
Also:
Whatever you do, don't be intimidated to do anything that requires a license before you are actually licensed. That's the best way to make sure you still get licensed!

I have found a fantastic broker and have been working out of the office for the last couple of months. I've found a renter for one of our rental properties, but haven't had a listing yet. I sent out an announcement letter a couple of weeks ago, and have talked to a few people here and there about listing at "some point". I think people are a bit hesitant right now, but I'll keep plugging away at them....

So far, I feel a bit lost, like I'm not sure what to do next. But I go to the office everyday and listen to what is going on. Everyone has been great about helping me and giving me advice.

Thanks for all the advice,
Lucy

Look up Brian Rodgers........