As an agent in southeastern Pennsylvania, I have access to a wide variety of properties on the local market. I also have access to the properties that have recently been withdrawn from the market as well.

Click on my avatar to send me an email. Start with your search criterea and the area in which you are looking and I’ll try to get you some solid information to go on.

If I can’t help you, I’ll find you someone who can.

Buyer’s agent. There are virtual tours available AND if you can get really specific, an agent, esp. now with SLOW market, probably would go shoot some stuff for you. Then you’d need to isolate the most reasonable ones–maybe 3 in a small area–fly out and look them over.
Consider rentals as well–sure you’re going to take the job AND live there? If not, be smart to rent and not buy.
IF you’re convinced you’d live there and will sell (not rent out your house while you decide), then also you NEED a homeowner’s inspection before you buy. Some of the cheapest insurance you’ll ever get AND possibly can be used to negotiate price down if warranted.

1) You must spend at least 750 hours per year in real estate activities; and,
2) You must spend at least as much time in real estate activities as you do in any other income producing activity. If you already have a full-time job, this one is next to impossible to meet.

Someone I know is being audited by the IRS for just this reason. His CPA in California either ignored or forgot about the passive loss limitation rule and he claimed a substantial loss over the past few years. My aquintance is a doctor so he is well over $150k income limit for claiming any losses. He will have to get out his checkbook. As you see, this is something the IRS does check on.

I am not sure what courses are like through franchises, however, here, the courses with regular real estate schools are very good.

When you are looking to find an agency to work for, consider the following:

- do they regularly pay for training for their employees? what kind of training and how frequently?
- does management get regular training and upgrade their knowledge on changes in legislation etc (here we have special annual education to attend to stay in the know)
- what internal systems and procedures do they have that will assist people who are just starting out? for example, a good computer software and training resources in the office for when you get stuck on something.
- is there someone more experienced in the office that can mentor you?

I believe that a franchise is not necessarily the best, often all the training that they attend is in house, and they are not open to external training providers (which can be very beneficial).

You need to look at the individual operator of the office to decide if it will be a good environment to start your career or not.

Yes, the larger franchises do offer in-house training. I belong to an ERA Franchise (owned by Realogy who also owns C-21 and Coldwell Banker). I’ve found the online courses they offer to be excellent as well as convenient since you can do them in the comfort of your own home. Some are webinar formats which are also nice because you have an opportunity to answer questions.

As far as getting your license…I would stay with an Independent Program for your Principles…recommend Anthony’s or Allied for that. You don’t want to contractually obligate yourself to a franchise for your initial schooling.

The best way to find a good office is to talk to the local agents. It is really important to find an office that isn’t too large and with a broker that is very informed and involved in the day-to-day business. Find an agent who LOVES their office and their broker. How active are they in their community? Are they up-to-speed on the newest technologies available?

It is more important for you to find a place where you feel supported, and comfortable but challenged. Take your time so you don’t office hop. Commission split is not the most important so don’t be tempted by 90% commission splits because 90% of the time you will have NO support from your broker. Most beginners start out in the 50-60% range and work up to 70-75% as they gain experience.

You may want to look into a good coaching program such as Mike Ferry or Tim & Julie Harris. Both are excellent.

Best of luck to you! This is not a seller’s market…not a buyer’s market….it is a Realtor’s market!