I will be taking state test next week. I plan on passing...the dues are a bit higher for starting in dec (it seems I will be paying for the entire month of dec though it will be mid month) Is there really a lot of business during the holidays? It seems it will help my broker for me to start sin December...So may be a good reason to go ahead...

no, and you probably won't get anything going for a few months, unless you already have listings/sales lined up for relatives/friends.

"It seems it will help my broker for me to start in December...So may be a good reason to go ahead..."

so? you're not in the business to help your broker, you're in it to make money for yourself, first and foremost. when you make money, your broker makes money. sounds like you are new to commissioned sales, and are a bit naive. real estate sales is a ruthless business. here's a bit of advice...when you're working on leads and sales, do not tell anyone, including your broker and office agents, who you are dealing with until AFTER you have a signed listing agreement or purchase contract, because invariably someone will try to steal your client from you. good luck.

No actually. I have over 25 years in commissioned sales (but usually salary plus). My strategy in 'helping' my new broker is similar to what I found is true in the corporate world -that if you are of help to your Boss (or broker in this case) it may pay off threefold or even tenfold.

Thanks for the advice about the backstabbing. Selling advertising the last 18 years has taught me about that but a reminder is probably due before I start this new endeavor.

But again ... Is it worth paying a full month worth of dues for a half month at the holidays time of year?

If you start on January 1st then 2012 will be your first year as a licensed Realtor...if you start this year then you are not in your rookie year in 2012 and can truthfully say that 2012 will be your second year as a Realtor.
If it is not a huge amount to start now and you 100% plan on starting January 1st I say go for it.

May as well use the slow time to get familiar with the MLS, office, etc. Start now and get moving. There is no better time to network than the Holiday Season.

Please don't mislead people and tell them you're in your second year when you're actually really only in your second month, ok? That's so smarmy and it gives us a bad name.

I like the idea of getting acquainted with the MLS, etc., over the holidays. Gives you some down time to know everything before you really get rolling on prospecting and whatnot.

I also agree with Artiste. Don't be misleading about your experience; it'll only come back and bite you later. It's rather surprising how few prospective clients have actually asked me how long I've been in the real estate business. Besides, we're all smarmy enough as it is.

Thanks guys, I passed my state exam and am going into the office in the morning for my first weekly sales meeting as an agent. Turns out I can activate now and have up to 45 days to pay my dues. (which is good as thus company has mandatory training for 2 wks that starts Jan 6 th or so.

On my way home thursday from passing the exam I stopped to talk to a Neighbor who is ready to sell his house. He's a bit upside down but we may go ahead for me to get the exposure here in my neighborhood. And for them to test the waters.

Any thoughts on me taking the listing for that reason? I think I saw it mentioned as 'zombie listings...' here on this site.

Well this is a good time to talk with your new Broker office and see if someone can mentor you on your first deal. You will have to give a part of your commission to them, but it will also be a learning experience. Be sure to ask questions throughout the process and make sure you understand all the steps along the way. Also taking the listing is a good idea. It will give you a chance to work a short sale and see that side of the business. Right now in a lot of markets it is either REO or Short Sales. Either way good luck in your new profession.