Hi all:

I have spent the past day or so reading through the archives on this board. I have gotten some GREAT insight into this business. However, I am still left with some specific questions.

I am a California attorney interested in a career in real estate. To my knowledge, by virtue of being a licensed attorney, I am permitted to take either the sales or broker's exam in California (although I do plan to take Real Estate Principals, regardless).

I'd like to take the broker's exam, to have that credential, with the full intent of starting as a sales agent. That said, does the broker's exam also include the material in the sales exam? Meaning, it is inclusive of the sales exam. I just don't want to miss out on important knowledge.

Also, how much money would you save before starting a real estate career in Los Angeles?

And, how long would it take to make enough money to live on?

How would I find the top producers in my area?
I searched luxuryhomes.com and found a few in the Beverly Hills area and emailed them earlier today. I have not yet heard back, but imagine they are very busy. Any other ideas?

I'm open to any and all advice!

Thanks,
Aimee

....Looks like my first post did not post.

I just obtained my California Broker's license. I am also a California Attorney. I studied the http://www.retrainers.com/ materials and passed on the first try. I don't believe there is a need to take the principals class as the study materials do a good job covering it.

If you haven't done so, check out the DRE website and call the DRE reps, they are great, although getting connected with them is a pain. Check out the website and call their reps they are a great source of information, even if you decide not to take their course.

As I have a child I have not taken the next step in starting my own business or going on as a salesperson.

Good luck to you and let us know how you wish to proceed.

Thanks for getting back to me. It's comforting to know that I am not the only attorney desperately wanting to get out of the law.

How did you choose RETrainers? Did you consider Anthony's (owned by Kaplan)? I only ask, bc I used Kaplan to study for the LSAT (long ago). You think a weekend crash couse is enough? Wow!!

The two brokers I contacted earlier today both got back to me. Very nice of them. Both had good advice.

What sort of information should I seek from DRE?

Thanks again,
Aimee

An agent took Anthony's and told me she would have preferred taking Retrainers. I looked at both websites and found Retrainers easier to follow. I only contacted Retrainers and liked the representives there. This one guy name Jeremy was great and was truthful as to why an attorney did not need to take all the classes, in a nutshell he made you feel confident and able to do it...and you know what, he was right. According to my agent friend, she did not feel that positive vibe with Anthony. I personally never contacted Anthony though.

In terms of studying, a crash course is never enough...in my opinion. First you need to study, I would say for 4 months, following their instructions (which) they provide, take the tests and then take the crash course. The crash course is a refresher of what you have studied and if you attend the class without studying (which many did)you will feel dumb...(according to what people told me). Since I have a two year old, I took a long time studying, because I wanted to pass the first time and I attended two crash courses which they recommend.

Let me tell you: The outlines and questions you get on their prep materials are the same as the actual DRE questions (at least when I took the test a couple of months ago). You are given two and a half hours to complete each section, but if you master the practice questions you can finish each section with time to spare (it was ridiculous..in the positive sense).

You should contact DRE if you want more information on the difference between the licenses and the exam process...but it seems that you don't need to worry about this as you are somewhat knowledgeable.

I hope this information helps. I still wish to pursue law...I left to raise my son and as soon as the kid(s) are in school, I will return to law and/or maybe do RE on a part-time thing. Will see.

An agent took Anthony's and told me she would have preferred taking Retrainers. I looked at both websites and found Retrainers easier to follow. I only contacted Retrainers and liked the representives there. This one guy name Jeremy was great and was truthful as to why an attorney did not need to take all the classes, in a nutshell he made you feel confident and able to do it...and you know what, he was right. According to my agent friend, she did not feel that positive vibe with Anthony. I personally never contacted Anthony though.

In terms of studying, a crash course is never enough...in my opinion. First you need to study, I would say for 4 months, following their instructions (which) they provide, take the tests and then take the crash course. The crash course is a refresher of what you have studied and if you attend the class without studying (which many did)you will feel dumb...(according to what people told me). Since I have a two year old, I took a long time studying, because I wanted to pass the first time and I attended two crash courses which they recommend.

Let me tell you: The outlines and questions you get on their prep materials are the same as the actual DRE questions (at least when I took the test a couple of months ago). You are given two and a half hours to complete each section, but if you master the practice questions you can finish each section with time to spare (it was ridiculous..in the positive sense).

You should contact DRE if you want more information on the difference between the licenses and the exam process...but it seems that you don't need to worry about as you are somewhat knowledgeable.

I hope this information helps. I still wish to pursue law...I left to raise my son and as soon as the kids are in school, I will return to law and/or maybe do RE on a part-time thing. Will see.

Thanks for all of the info.

Are you saying to sign up for the class with RETrainers 4 months in advance of taking the crash course, to get the preparation materials?

You can sign up at anytime as they have continous crash courses...talk to them if you want an idea on dates and how often as you live in Los Angeles. Good Luck.