Guess what? I became a licensed real estate broker!! After several months and lots of expense, I have officially passed the Maryland and National broker test, said good bye to my former broker, opened up my escrow trust account, transferred my membership with the appropriate agencies, ordered my signs, stationary, cards and still have more to do. So, don't go looking for my website just yet, I am still working on that.  Here's my other blog.

Why Did I Decide to Become a Broker? I love the independence, I love being my own boss, the challenge, I love keeping my own pace, making my own decisions and most of all I get to keep all of my commission. I realize there will be times, when I will have to stay in touch with my attorney for guidance, and there will be issues that will be complex. But we have a cornucopia of resources to turn to and my online friends at ActiveRain are incredibly knowledgeable. Thanks Guys.

What Was I Thinking? People say I am brave to make a change in this market and others seem to tilt their head and give me that, "Are you kidding look?" I think what people don't know about me, is where I have been, what I have mastered and accomplished and what I am made of.

The Making of a Broker Today It does take confidence, stability, conscientiousness and strong work ethics to become your own broker and boss. In fact, most entrepreneurs are very hard on themselves, work harder and longer hours and thrive in seeking new ventures.

Business Experience? I have had my own business in the past; so I do have some knowledge and experience of what it is like swimming in the big sea as a goldfish amongst sharks, jellyfish, thieves and crooks. We are in volatile times, and my theory is, if I make it as a broker and can still be standing five years from now- I will have beat the odds!!

Do You Plan to Hire Agents? Ahhhh, I have seen how other brokerages are set up and I am not keen on the responsibilities and risks involved when agencies have many agents. So, for now I am staying small, I really don't want to take the risks. Although, I am recruiting a couple of my family members to acquire their RE license, so I can offer dual agency. Besides, there are so many benefits to being your own broker, even if it's for your own personal real estate investments.

Where's Your Office? For now, I have renovated a room in my house as my office in Queenstown, Md. I have a temporary sign designating my agency and can't wait to see the sandblasted sign I am having made. One day, I will move my office to a commercial location, but there are advantages to working at home. And who knows, since the big change in real estate transferred over to the internet, most customers and clients hardly ever go into a real estate office. Everything is done online and I am very comfortable and tech savvy. But, just in case, I will have a satellite office if I need to meet clients for whatever reason.

Well, gotta go, I have a settlement in ten days and I am busy working with my buyers on the eastern shore and across the Bay Bridge. Please pass on any comments, suggestions, lessons to be learned and anything else.