Highlands Ranch Real Estate

                                                  Considering a Colorado Real Estate Career ?

First off, getting the license will require a couple months of full time studying, followed by fingerprints and a criminal background check. There are many Colorado real estate schools to choose from. It really depends on if you can handle an 'on-line self study' program or if you prefer traditional classroom lessons. Once you pass the state exam you will immediately have your Colorado Real Estate License. The next choice is where to hang your license.  It doesn't much matter where, as all companies provide mostly the same infrastructure services.

If you have no experience as a straight commissioned salesperson, then consider one of the local Coldwell Banker franchise locations. You will often see their ads for a Real Estate Career Night. These companies offer the training and coaching to get you comfortable with the prospecting and sales processes. However you will be forced to pay 36% to 50% of all the commissions you earn to the company. So, learn quickly. It costs almost nothing to transfer your license to a lower cost brokerage, except for re-printing your business cards.

You may get recruited into one of the new (and hopefully temporary) Multi Level Marketing real estate company programs. Companies including Keller Williams and Exit Realty will push you to 'build your down line' of recruits so that you can get some percentage of their 'potential' earned commissions. Also, you will be offered endless products and programs to 'help you sell' -which all seem to have a recurring monthly cost of $50- each. They have more interest in selling things to you than helping you sell houses. (Keller Williams real estate career training is just awful - and you will pay thousands for that 'free' training)

In the Denver Real Estate market REMAX certainly has the biggest marketing budget. Thus, hanging your real estate license at a REMAX office is quite expensive. You can expect monthly fees nearing two hundred dollars plus 36+% of your earned commissions. However, they do have the most recognized name in the Colorado market. Experienced brokers with a high transaction volume can thrive there. But don't look for much hands on training. (they will refer you to their huge library of online web seminars for beginners)

Getting a Real Estate License

Here's a typical breakdown on the costs of starting a real estate career:
Approved Colorado Real Estate school   $900- to $1,100-
Fingerprints for a background check $ 60-
State Testing $ 75-
Errors and Omissions Insurance  $230- (per year)
Fee to Colorado Real Estate Commission   $150-
Realtors fee (to get MLS access) $425- (per year)
Business Cards $100-

That's about $2,000- to get started. Plus the study time.
(Beware of companies that want to charge a 'sign-on' fee to hang your license)

I currently hang my Colorado Broker license at Prudential Colorado. Why? Because I'm experienced and independent. I don't need a coach to tell me to 'get motivated'. They offer full service and only charge 6%. That's an average of $2,000- I don't have to turn over at every closing.....

Prudential offers a very straight forward recruitment bonus. If I sign up someone I get $50-. That's it. Simple and honest. If you want to transfer your license please let me introduce you. Then I'll buy you lunch and discuss how we might be able to work together to make some good money! It really is a fun business.

bob@searchhighlandsranch.com (303) 791 7817

(For an interesting and motivational insight on all types of career changes click here for a great book on career management. It discusses how to achieve some of the best paying careers available.)