Understand What It Takes

• Professional attitude
• Desire to make the commitment to having your own business
• Willingness and ability to commit the hours necessary
• Awareness of what Independent Contractor status means
• Comprehension of what commission-based means
• Financial resources for start-up costs and to live on while getting started

Obtain Your Real Estate License

• Review the state's licensing requirements
• Find an approved real estate school and complete the required courses
• Pass the state exam
• Submit your fingerprints for a criminal history check
• Purchase errors and omissions insurance (E&O)
• Apply for a real estate license (concurrent with Step 3)
  
  Lessons can be satisfied on-line or in a classroom. Be sure to choose the right learning environment for yourself based on your own honest evaluation of your study habits.
  
  $ = course cost, exam fee, annual e&o insurance premium, license application fee; maintaining a license also requires an associated license renewal fee and continuing education.
  

Join A Real Estate Firm

• Interview with several companies
• Choose a working environment that's right for you
• Read, understand and sign the company Independent Contractor Agreement
• Read, understand and sign the company Office Policy
• Fill out a W-9 tax form
  
  $ = all firms have different negotiated commission splits, desk fees and other costs, training opportunities, etc.
  

Become A REALTOR®

• Join the local Association of REALTORS® of which your Broker is a member
• Attend the required Ethics Course
  
  Local membership automatically enrolls the member with the Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
  
  $ = application fee, annual dues, fee for mandatory ethics class (every 4 years).
  

Join A Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

• Join the Multiple Listing Service of which your Broker is a member
  Denver Metro: Metrolist
  Boulder & northern areas: IRES
  
• Schedule training sessions (attend classes or train on-line)
  
  $ = initial processing fee, monthly fee, time-share per minute fee
  (training is usually free and may count toward CE credit)
  

Jumpstart Your Career With Real Estate Broker Buddy Systems

• Check out Work-Smart Jumpstart For Real Estate Rookies and confidently launch your exciting new career where the sky's no limit!