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Assume for a moment that you don’t need a license to sell real estate.

By Richard Weisser

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

September 11, 2012 10:46 PM

Although the ranks of licensed agents and brokers have thinned somewhat over the last few years, there are still a lot of people engaged in the real estate profession.

And I often get the complaint that there are simply too many agents for the amount of business that is out there.

I have a standard response to that particular lament:

“Assume for a moment that you don’t need a license to sell real estate.”

“What would separate the producers from the rest of the general population?

Consumers would still seek out those agents and brokers with top-notch marketing, real estate knowledge, problem solving aplomb and negotiating skills.

A real estate license is NOT an indicator of ability. It is nothing more than a compliance requirement.

It’s what we do day in and day out that defines us as a professional!

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Doug Dawes

Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA

Your Personal Realtor®

Richard, you are correct in your assessment. Having a license simply means you passed a test. Just like being a "Realtor" is obtained by paying your dues to your Local, State & National Association of Realtors. What separates agents? It's their ethics, education, commitment and more. A license and paying dues does not have much value.

Sep 11, 2012 10:54 PM

Richard Iarossi

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD

Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Richard,

I'm amused and saddened by the new agents who just got their license...waiting for those calls to come in. I'm a firm believer in the 80/20 rule, and that would apply to your example as well.

Rich

Sep 11, 2012 10:55 PM

Arizona Home Group RE/MAX Excalibur

The Arizona Home Group - Scottsdale, AZ

Absolutely agree! It may be true there are many licensed agents. However, having a license is not any indication of an agent's knowledge, expertise, or ethics.

Sep 11, 2012 11:07 PM

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME

Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Licensed means accountable. Someone overseeing what the left and right hand are doing, up to. Keeps it out in the open, less of a shell game.

Sep 11, 2012 11:11 PM

Richard Weisser

Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA

Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Doug...

I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks.

Rich...

I try to get them to come aboard the team, but they think that I am exploiting them. In a year or so they are gone. Thanks.

TAHG...

It only means that you are legal. That's all! THX.

Andy...

Licensing boards are notorious for taking forever to sanction the bad eggs. But at least it's something. Thanks.

Sep 11, 2012 11:15 PM

Kathryn Maguire

GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA

Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

Wow, I never would think that just being licensed was all you needed to sell real estate. There is so much change in the industry that continuously updating your skills is another required.

Sep 11, 2012 11:17 PM

John McCormack, CRS

Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM

Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

True so very true... We are known by our works.

Sep 12, 2012 12:13 AM

Tim Bradley

Contour Investment Properties - Jackson Hole, WY

Commercial Real Estate Expert in Jackson Hole, WY

I figure all those less-competent licensees are good for my business. Makes it easier to shine!

Sep 12, 2012 12:27 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Richard..... this reminds me of the days when new construction was booming..... everyone with a truck and a hammer called himself/herself a builder.... they are long gone....they may maintain that license but that's the extent of their career.... the same can be said about our industry.... a small percentage actually make money in this business today compared to the number of licenses that are granted.

Sep 12, 2012 12:37 AM

Broker Patty Da Silva Da Silva

Green Realty Properties® - 954-667-7253 - Cooper City, FL

Top Listing Broker

I can't agree with you more. I feel like it's too easy to get a real estate license in Florida, but just because you have it doesn't mean you don't have to work your butt off to be successful at it.

Sep 12, 2012 01:28 AM

Tammy Lankford,

Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA

Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I wish it was a bit harder to get that license. That being said you are right, if you work at it you can get the business, if you wait for it to fall out of the sky, you are doomed.

Sep 12, 2012 04:31 AM

William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I find the older gen. that are the carefulest people wben working wifh an agent

Sep 12, 2012 04:37 AM

Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty

Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL

Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Much the same as a teacher's license is not an indicator of ability in the classroom.

Sep 12, 2012 07:13 AM

Chris Ann Cleland

Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA

Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

You are so right when you point out that a license is not an indication of ability. Amen!

Sep 13, 2012 02:40 AM

Assume for a moment that you don’t need a license to sell real estate.

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