My name says it all but please take a look

[PotentialAgent]

Hello ,

My username says it all. I live in Virginia and am thinking about getting my real estate salespersons license. I hope I am posting this in the correct forum. If not please advise me as to what forum this should go into.

I am one of the lucky people that hold a decent full time job for the moment. I have done this job for the past 6 years and it pays the bills and allows me to have a little fun with my family too.

I have always been interested in real estate but never really had the time for it while I was studying for my career in IT in which I have earned credits up to the Masters level.

I have a pretty good character and think I would be a good candidate for selling homes. To be honest I am getting a little tired of my current career and wanted to try do to something new without quitting my job.

I saw come online courses located here:
(it seems I am not allowed to post links) oh well.

They seem to have good reviews and is recommended by the State Board here in Virginia.

I am headed to the library to pick up some books on the subject to get a better understanding of the types of things learned in class and potential exam material. My thinking is that this might be a good time to get into the field on a part time basis to understand and get to know the ropes.

I figure this "bubble" or whatever one wants to call it will eventually bounce back and I might be able to position myself now as an agent and maybe in a few years I could be a decent agent bringing in a good cash flow.

Maybe I am being a little ignorant or dreaming too much, hey we gotta dream something right ! I figure at the very least It can't hurt to have a better understanding of the buying and selling of a home for my personal life ( I currently rent and have never bought a home).

I fell upon the forums and thought it might be a good opportunity to meet some people in the field and that I might get a few newbie questions answered.

Other then course material and exam fees etc. What financial obligations would I have to a real estate agency to hold a job with them. Someone told me that it costs money to be part of a firm (to by your stationary and set up fees). Does that sound right? if so what are the average costs I can expect for this?

Also, are there minimum work hour requirements? I am sure it all depends on the firm but wanted to maybe get some input from you. Does an Agent make their own hours?

An agent cannot be self employed correct? One must be a broker to work for themselves. From my research it seems that agents work for brokers and agents can become brokers after executing the required course work and being an agent for 36 out of 48 months (in Virginia).

Can one be a multiple state agent? For instance I live very close to Maryland, and West Virginia. Does it just require what the state requires to become an agent? Or are agents only allowed to work a state at a time?

I have so many more questions that I am sure will come up and many will probably be answered after going to the library or doing the online course work.

Are there any of you that do this part time?

Hey thanks a lot for your time and effort in my potentially new endeavor.

Any input, tips, tricks, insight, or constructive criticisms are gratefully appreciated.

Sincerely,
Potential Agent

[Jenie0109]

Hello there, Potential Agent nice to meet you, it is a pleasure to have you here. Looking forward to hear from you. See you around.