Real Estate Licensing
I want to pursue a license in Real Estate and currently have NO experience in this field. I am contemplating signing up with Century 21 Real Estate School (in MD) to prepare for the state exam. Should this be my approach or should I pursue the license in another way? Another school? Studying on my own is not an option, as I learn better in a group setting. Secondly, I only want to sell houses as a side hobby, not my main source of income. Suggestions? 
Hi Skee,
Getting a real estate license can be a very good experience, even if you decide not to take the final state exam. You will probably find all of the preliminary classes very helpful. In the initial classes there is usually homework every night, and many small tests throughout.
You can take the license class at many JR colleges, and also you may find that many local firms offer the classes at their location. I would determine what company I would consider selling for and why, and then take the classes through them. A lot of the times, you will get to know other agents with the firm while you are in classes, and you might ask an agent or two if you can spend a day with or a couple of hours with them to see how they work their business.
Sometimes if you go with a local firm for classes, they will offer to pay for your classes, if you sign 1 year agreement with them that when you pass the state test that you will come back and be an agent with them.
One thing that you should know in advance is that if you are a realtor selling only on a part time basis, it could cost you more to be in business than you will make in income. You should check with the firm of your choice and ask them what your offices expenses will be, how much the MLS monthly fee is, what is the set up fee to become a member of the board of realtors, and also add in how much you plan to spend in advertising to get contacts.
After you know this information, find out how much your split with the firm will be. Sometimes you get %65, and they get 30%. But on top of your 65%, sometimes you have to pay a 5%-7% franchise fee out of that amount. If you start producing a lot of sales, you can visit with your broker for a larger split and sometimes they will consider it.
Hope this helps, and Best of Success!