Comments on: Should Commercial Agents Have a Separate License?

By: real estate marketing

real estate marketing — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:56:39 +0000

That's really a good question… but do you think having a separate licenses will be the solution for this..??

By: real estate marketing

real estate marketing — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:56:39 +0000

That's really a good question… but do you think having a separate licenses will be the solution for this..??

By: Single Pointe Realty

Single Pointe Realty — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:12:52 +0000

This is a great question and one I have pondered before. Here in Austin, the commercial AND residential market are booming (bubble? what bubble?). That is great for REALTORS, but means that there are a lot of newbies on the scene. Sure, everyone starts out somewhere, but the phenomena here (and in any good market) is that of the agent who does EVERYTHING.

For example, there is a small firm here that started last year in leasing, then grew to home sales and has now grown to commercial lots. I would say good for them, but I hear a lot of badmouthing about them because, let’s face it, you can only wear so many hats and have ANY clue what you’re talking about. Stretching yourself too thin leads to poor service (not to mention looking stupid for your limited knowledge).

Naturally, these types will be weeded out as the market stabilizes, but the problem still exists. HOWEVER, your point about questioning government regulation is a good one. The bar for entrance into the commercial industry is set pretty high (as Jeff noted), but the bar for residential is set relatively low (per Jeff’s “candy from a baby”).

I don’t think the answer is separate licensing, it lies in setting the bar higher for entrance into ANY and ALL Real Estate licensing situations.

By: Apella

Apella — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 03:29:41 +0000

I am not sure if two licenses is the answer. In the appraisal industry it is teired so that you have to have a level that allows for commercial work over a dollar amount. You are more then welcome to contact me should you like more information on the subject. Good Post and Great Topic because it relates to change.

By: Jeff Brown

Jeff Brown — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 01:05:13 +0000

Daniel – I completed the CCIM courses in 1980 in a whirlwind nine month span. Their teachings have been crucial to my ability to not only understand most aspects of investment real estate, but to competently analyze it as well.

I definitely don’t want two licenses. Why? Because then I wouldn’t be able to massacre home agents masquerading as ‘income property’ agents. It’s like taking candy from a baby.

Seriously though, if you continue with their courses to completion you won’t be sorry. It’s mostly hard and usable info, and very valuable in practice. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Period.

By the way, the fail rate for their first course, 101, is about half. No pressure though.