Jeremy Serwer ⋅ Woodstock, CT The Serwer Company, LLC ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Joshua --

You already have some great answers, but I'll add this: in most states you'll need a sales agent's license to practice real estate, and you have to work for a broker. If you Google your state's real estate licensing board, you'll probably find a lot of information there, including perhaps a list of broker offices to canvas.

Licensing usually requires taking a course, then an exam, both for sales agent and ultimately for Broker. Again, real estate laws may vary from state to state (they are not regulated at a Federal level), but they often are quite similar.

Taking the required courses and then going to work for a broker is a long established way of getting into real estate -- dog-eat-dog competition notwithstanding. And remember, too, in addition to residential there's also commercial brokerage -- office, industrial, warehouse, and retail shopping centers.

Good luck, and many thanks to you and your generation for a superb commitment to military service: we do appreciate being protected!

Best, Jeremy Serwer

Ralph LoVuolo ⋅ Boynton Beach, FL self employed ⋅ 50 years experience

you need to get training in sales, networking, time management, marketing, I can help you if you like. everyone who goes into sales think that the business they went to work at is the business they are "in", when in fact, you need to be a self employed marketing machine.
let me know a good time to call. text or call me at 917 576 1230. ralph Lovuolo

Neil Serafin ⋅ Easthampton, MA Telecommunications ⋅ 40 years experience

I just sold my house in Denver without an agent in 4 days. I am not typical. Most all sellers use an agent. In Denver, there are too many agents selling houses and not enough houses for sale. The agents fight for listings. The issue for you is how to position yourself as an agent. First, I would not choose Colorado Springs as the market. Move to Denver. Colorado Springs is too much dependent on the military. With RIF's (Reduction In Force) now in force, the market is questionable. It may go lower. If Denver is an option for you, work the urban in-fill market. This in-fill market is City of Denver with yuppies willing to pay $400+ a square foot for walking neighborhoods. As an agent in Denver , I would walk the streets asking home owners if they want to sell. Good luck.