Realty Agents Community

Washington State Market

2008-07-24T14:01:31Z

Is the market good enough in Washington State to justify getting a real estate license, now. (If you do not already have one?) My sister is considering this, and isn’t sure if she could break in. She lives in Vancouver, WA.

How difficult to get a license

2008-03-27T03:36:49Z

Was it difficult to obtain a license? Was it worth the time and effort to do so? I am not familiar with this and would like to know more about it.

Broker won’t pay commission

2008-03-05T22:04:12Z

My previous broker knew I was leaving as he signed my broker educational card. He told me I was fired when 2 of my listings were through escrow but I had not been paid the commission yet. I had more listings he kept.

Won’t pay me my commissions although everything in both deals was completed before he fired me.

Has anyone sued for a commission before from their previous broker (w/ a written commission agreement) that would let me know how to proceed?

To Be or Not To Be

2008-04-13T01:28:02Z

I currently live in Michigan which is one of the nation’s worst for home sales. I’m considering using the downtime in the industry to pursue my real estate license. Even if it isn’t as strong as it once was, I figure the real estate market will eventually pick up. Other than the initial investment in the education and licensing, I feel I have nothing to lose. I plan on specializing in mid-to-upper Michigan homes sales to recreation lovers, new and up-coming retirees.

Do you think this is a viable plan or should I wait to get my license until the market picks up?

Tips

2008-03-02T08:21:13Z

What are the tips that can you give those new and aspiring agents. I know being an agent is a relly tough job. You can be earning nothing if you don’t know how to sell. So for those successful agent out htere any tips to share?

12 fsbos= 2 listings?

2008-03-05T22:03:26Z

I am an active investor and was convinced to get my license. I leave all of the selling up to a realtor but I heard an interesting comment tonight at class by the guy teaching. He is a very good realtor in the area and he said he gets 2 listings/12fsbos he constantly knocks on. He will choose 12 fsbos and knock on them once every week until the house is either off the market or sold private or becomes his listing. Is that a reasonable ratio or just real estate fluff?

I don’t want to be licensed.

2008-02-27T23:14:42Z

I was wondering what is the limit of real estate activity you can be involved in short of obtaining your license. I am not opposed to getting a license, but if you are not that point, in knowledge or financially, then what type of real estate involvement can you take upon yourself to make money while you learn?

Rent vs own?

2008-03-05T22:04:51Z

I am trying to figure out the financial consequences of renting vs owning. Most rent vs own calculators are useless because they don’t take into account tax consequnces of owning (and other things). If anybody knows of a good calculator please let me know. In the meantime I am trying to do my own calculations. Some of the things to consider:

Owners expenses include mortgage interest, property taxes and regular maintenance. However mortgage interest and property taxes are tax deductible. Renters have to pay, well, rent which is not tax deductible.
Owners also have to pay insurance, HOA dues, water, sewer, garbage and heating expenses for water. For renters these are usually included in the rent.

If you purchase a home, you have to make a down payment (typically 20%). If you rent you can invest the money and earn returns on the investment. (Which may be taxable). Current 6 months CD yields are around 5.4% APY.

If you own, the value of your home increases, but keep in mind there’s typically a 6% selling expense.

Anything else I need to take into account?