To Current Real Estate Agents

I am a mom with 4 kids and a real estate license. It will depend on the agency you work for and how you run your business. I would suggest before you actually get licensed that you shadow some one like me who has kids and does RE to see what it is really like and you can get an idea of where you would invest your money.

I love my work and it gives me flexibility that is incredible. With that said, it is also a very challenging job and not exactly low in overhead. I would be glad to discuss further with you or even meet a few times, it is not just as uncomplicated as what will I spend. What I have spent has been very different each year I have been a realtor. I will say I have learned alot and would be glad to share more.

I would suggest the book the Millionaire Real Estate Agent. It has a section on budgets that would give you a good idea where your money would go. I would also suggest that if you are a mom that you join a team, with out team work I would never be able to give both my family and my clients what they need.

You will be responsible for Realtor fees, licensing fees, desk fees, and advertising (business cards, post cards, etc and all advertising supporting your listing-newspapers, trade magazines, signage, etc). Some companies require you to pay your fees up front and reimburse you through the commissions you earn.

If you are earning no commissions, this is an expensive hobby.

The classes you must take to become licensed were fun and easy and didn't take much time. You will need to study. The school tests you then the state will test you. There is a cost to take the test or to retest. They give you the pass or fail right at the test sight.

I love the business but the business doesn't love me which is why I turned in my license. It became and expensive and emotionally draining hobby but that is another story. I still have an affiliation with the real estate company and we are in New Jersey.

HI~ I am not currently active in my lisence and I live in OR, so not sure how differen things are.. Here is what I expirenced here as a Realtor. You have to pay RMLS fees, realtor board fees, you have to buy everything you use. Your own cards, you own signs, you pay the advertising for your clients. You are usually on your own for everything, you also have to share the commission with your principle broker, which is negotable. Also, look at the housing market where are you at? Is is a buyers market or a sellars market? Most of the US is in a sellar's market. LOTS of inventory and no buyers. So, it is a hard time to get into if that is also what is going on in your area. Clients will call you are all times of the day and night, so turn your cell phone off when you are done for the night.,Which is hard because you want the sale!!! It can be a very good job and you can have a great career. What I actually found the hardest is working with the other realtors. They can be so so so mean!!!! You have to have a thick skin. At least that is how is was for me. I am a super nice person who really wants the best for everyone in the deal and believe that can be achieved, but lots of the realtors don't care. And often times people think realtors are overpaid and clients will usually try and negotiate smaller commissions, but honestly, we don't get paid too much. You also have to pay for your own gas and that can be a lot, especially if they are looking for the country!!! Good luck. I did like a lot. It is a lot of work, but it is nice to get a check for $10,000 in a month.

Hello, being a SAHM is very rewarding, many are involved in Home Based Businesses, myself included. There is a company which allows freedom to do your business without having to sell, collect money, deliver, take orders or stock inventory. Totally ligitimate, International, multi-award winning, and so much more. Wekipedia: Melaleuca The Wellness Co. to learn more about this Billion Dollar Co. Your time is your own. Nothing to lose, everything to gain.
Good luck, msg. ____@____.com.
V. C.

Hi M. - Be in touch with me ____@____.com and we can talk some more. Best, I.

This is for Colorado...fees vary by state :)
Realtor school: $1500 or more
Realtor Test: 320
Realtor License/initial: 500
Realtor Insurance/annual: 300
Realtor License/renewal: 300
Board Fees/annual: 200
Continuing Ed classes to maintain license: $200-300/annual
MLS Fees/monthly: 40
Advertising (I use zillow mainly): 100/mo (I don't advertise much)
+gas, car expenses, cards, folders, printers, contracts, computers, faxing/scanning, and, and, and....

I hang my license with a very small shop that doesn't charge a monthly fee. Here, Re/Max is upwards of $1500/month and others range from nothing to $300...but will take a commission split from you. Someone like Keller Williams will take 30% from new agents, 10% from seasoned ones. The cap is roughly $2.5 million in transactions.

Yes, it's flexible. Being 100% commission based is very tough as the paychecks can be far and few. But when its good, it's good!

Hi M.,
I am in Trumbull, CT...think you are too? I do not practice real estate, but do have my own Tupperware business - for over 2 years now - and have been very successful. It only costs $79.99 + tax to get started, and this business could help you pay for your real estate license, etc.! I apologize in advance for sending this to you when it isn't specifically about real estate, but I just had to respond! I absolutely LOVE what I'm doing and like to share this opportunity with others. Please feel free to email me at ____@____.com with questions! All the best, K.