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I am becoming a licensed Massachusetts real estate broker--The "method in my madness"

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Topkins & Bevans-etopkins@topbev.com

In the category of "I never thought this would happen to me", nothing stands out as firmly to me as the New life I have found by becoming an almost daily participant in the blogging experience on ActiveRain. I started out by just wanting to "give back" to the community some of the knowledge and experience I have accumulated while acting as a Massacusetts real estate attorney for more than 40 years. Because I have written a lot, and commented on posts I have found interesting a lot, I have built a network of friends and relationships that I did not expect.

More than just building up relationships, many of you have contacted me not only to do legal work for people who are purchasing, or selling, in Massachusetts, but also for referrals to real estate salespeople in particular markets. I have done the best I can in trying to match people up with the "best and the brightest" with whom I have worked. Many of the people I have found referrals for have said they would like to pay me a referral fee. I politely said "no"

By becoming a broker, I can now say "yes". That is the long and short of it. I have no intention of abandoning the legal career I have worked so hard to establish, and which I think I finally understand. My main thrust in becoming a broker is to continue to do what I have been doing, but, from time to time, to be compensated for these efforts. I can also receive a referral fee if i get business for you in your jurisdictions. Sounds like a "win-win", and I hope you will consider me as "one-stop" shopping for your next Massachusetts transaction

Comments (9)

Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Elliot - I thought you were grandfathered as a real estate agent because you are an attorney?

Apr 23, 2011 09:59 AM
Elliott S. Topkins
Topkins & Bevans-etopkins@topbev.com - Boston, MA
Massachusetts Real Estate and Title Atty

Conrad--Not exactly. I am exempt from taking the test, nothing more. I needed to demonstrate that I was in good standing with the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, that I had no suspensions of other licenses, then wait [it seemed like forever] for a $50,000 Bond. It has all been submitted, and I expect to get my license soon. You and I have struck up a relationship through your comments, and, rest assured, if I got a West of Worcester referral, it would go to you.

Have a good Easter.

Best,

Elliott

 

Apr 23, 2011 10:19 AM
J. Philip Faranda
Howard Hanna Rand Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY
Associate Broker / Office Manager

Elliott-

Frankly, I don't know why more attorneys don't do exactly that. In New York attorneys are real estate brokers by statute, with a few formalities before they join the board. Some take the course anyway, but in any event it is a smart move from where I sit. 

Apr 23, 2011 01:29 PM
Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Elliott, very good idea! Why not? And if all you have to do is file a bit of paperwork, wow! Congratulations are certainly in order!

Now aren't we lucky that it doesn't work the other way around?

Apr 23, 2011 03:36 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Elliot best of luck to you. I am sure it will be a help getting a little extra supplemental income as well:)

Apr 24, 2011 12:55 AM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Elliot - Thank you for your answers.  You need a $50,000 bond and we have a $1,000 bond.  That seems kind of strange.  It is interesting how AR has giving me referral options besides the Re/Max community.  You would be my first choice as a referral outside of Worcester County.

Apr 27, 2011 01:14 PM
Deborah "Dee Dee" Garvin
C2 Financial - San Diego, CA
C2 Financial

Elliot,  You absolutely have my referrals!!  You have generously educated all of us in your posts!

Apr 27, 2011 01:46 PM
Leslie Ebersole
Swanepoel T3 Group - Saint Charles, IL
I help brokers build businesses they love.

Not a bad idea, just don't get stuck with buyers who want to see the houses....maybe you can work out a deal with a relative or two?

Apr 28, 2011 06:12 PM
Mitchell J Hall
Manhattan, NY
Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn

Hi Elliot, In NY a lawyer only needs a broker license if they have salespeople working under them. Good luck. It's good to have the license.... it is a win -win. Let me know if I can help you or any of your kids living in NYC.

Apr 29, 2011 02:08 PM