Can anyone tell me what it takes to become a realtor in PA? (real estate market)

[merrlane]

I have a one yr old so I am not looking to start working ASAP but I would like to start the process shortly after we get to PA.

Also............ if anyone out there IS a realtor........ could you tell me if real estate companies are open to someone who "works" periodically (until my baby is old enough to go to pre school) or if they insist that someone who hangs their licence with them be in the office daily or out with clients?

I guess what I am asking if companies will let someone join their company & work part time or at their leisure.

Thanks for the info.

[PAGA]

Check out www.polleyassociates.com/ for answers about required courses and the realtor exam.

Most agents in PA select their own hours, so part-time such be fine. Just note that the real estate market is kind of slow in some areas. This may be a good thing (so that ou can learn the ropes while things are slow).

Also check out realtor.com and talk to some listing agents for more info.

Good luck!

[andreaspercheron]

Merrlane,

About two years ago I got my real estate license here in PA. It took a bit of money out of pocket for school (went to Tristate Real Estate school before they closed their doors after being open for 30 yrs) the school was great, second choice would have been Polley Assoc which I think now is the only school around you CAN go to.
Anyway, I love real estate, always have, found myself laid off and collecting unemployment so I decided to pursue my dream.
UFORTUNATELY, I decided to pursue that dream at the beginning of the downfall of real estate.
I spent a lot of money to go to school, getting licensed, paying for insurance, paying fees for everything you belong to (which you have to and every one of those associations has fees). Lots of time, money and nothing to show for it.
I worked for a company that frowned upon part timers and so when I needed to get back to work and make some money, and asked to go part time, I got lectured.
Finally I decided to put my license into a referral status which means it stays active but I'm off the hook from paying all of my fees.
If you are looking to do this and you have a financially secure partner who can foot the bills while you pursue, then I say go for it.
If you cannot afford to do it and you can't afford the time you are required to put into it, then don't.
I did open houses almost every single weekend and spent every single day in the office trying to drum up business for myself.
It's a big committment and if you have a new baby at home, you may want to reconsider.
Good luck though, I still love real estate but am working on other interests until the market starts looking up again.
Even though I may sound like I'm trying to talk you out of it, no one warned me what I was getting myself into.

[toobusytoday]

Another cautionary tale. I have a friend who has been a realtor for about 15 years but with the downturn in business felt she had to take another job to help pay the bills and get healthcare benefits.