I am an associate broker, glad I did because I can provide a higher level of service to my clients but I wouldn't want to be a broker - I don't like paperwork! 

I was a broker for years associated with a brokerage.  I went out on my own after 9 years and never looked back.  100% commission splits and reduced expenses by working from my home office.  Heaven. 

I've always had a broker's license. North Carolina is an all-broker state--you have two years from the time you get a provisional broker's license to take your classes for full broker status.

Keep in mind, you might not split commissions if you go off on your own, but there will be cost to doing business that could offset those "savings."

 I have my brokers license but have no desire to open an office.  I have a real estate team and have built built a business within my present office.

Establish your own brokerage asap; it's easier than you might think, but be sure to cover all the legal and admin angles. Good luck!

I gained my Broker's License in 2010.  I still affiliate with my same brokerage.  Ultimately, I don't want the added responsibility and expense of running my own business.  However, my business has doubled after getting it.  Hard to not hire me when I tell sellers and buyers that I took a year's worth of education that sales people in real estate didn't take and part of that was intense contract and appraisal work.  

Jacqui Rum Advertise that you are a Broker/Associate Broker. Although not a designation, it is the one title that consumers know and understand. As far as wanting to be your own broker, good for you. Keep in mind there is a lot of overhead when owning your own business. Splitting a commission might not be so bad.

Broker's test should be easy -- you've been working in the field and have studied to acquire the recordkeeping skills and such. Whether or not you become an owner-broker or managing broker or just have the license as an associate broker is up to you. It's empowering either way. One licensee who took 14 tries on the salesperson exam shocked everyone by passing her broker's test the first time. It's just not THAT different and it's definitely not hard enough.

There are lots of extra responsibilites to being a broker. I could do it, but not sure I would want to. I would need a good managing broker and a organized office manager, among other things.

i got my brokers license so i could do my own creative marketing, control my business model, and not pay a split that went to expenses that I didn't always wish to pay.   Owning your own brokerage puts you in complete control, the only real negative is the increased responsibility and paperwork, which can be easily hired out for less than what you pay in a split usually.

Congratulations!  Most of us have (minimally) a broker's license and many managing broker licenses.  A Managing Broker's license is a great education and will be most helpful to you. I would suggest you begin at a busy office to get experience for a few years, as an agent, so you know the ropes, before you go off on your own.  May be helpful experience.  Get as much training as possible!  Best wishes on your future endeavors!

I opened my own company.  However you still "split commissions" with stuff like "brokerage license fees" "E&O insurance for brokerages" "additional business licenses" etc.  Overhead of your own firm can be pricey

Jacqui Rum - I have still not gone that far - though would love to do that, soon.

I got my broker's license 31 years ago and so glad I did. It opens up many doors for you.

I had my brokers for about qa year before i went on my own.  You don't ahve to split commissions, but you have all the other costs that Brokers have to pay and paperwork to contend with.  it is not all glamour

Good luck with your test. 

In Colorado we have single licensing. So I started off as a broker, but if you want to have your own company, you have to be with a broker for a minimum of two years and pass another 24 hours of courses ( I think it's 24 hours). 

Without a split comes higher overhead --- I think the broker license will open up your options and show your experience and knowledge, which is certainly a value.  I know many brokers who work at someone else's office, and some that do their own thing - pros and cons to both sides

Yes I did.  I use it in accordance with the laws and regulations of my jurisdiction.

Hi neighbor, I think you showed my Lander listing last year.  I'm going to be sitting for mine later this year or early next year.  My father has had his for over 20 years and has his own brokerage.  You definitely have a lot more flexibility when you have your own company.

P.S.  Welcome to Active Rain!

Illinois has done away with Sales Agents License. We are all Brokers. You either are a Broker Manager or a Broker Associate. Broker Owners can work for themselves while Broker Associates work for Broker Owners.

Good for you, Have a goal and a game plan.  You will do good at it!

I'm not but considering it.  However, no desire to be a managing broker.  

Good luck.

Initially I opened my own commercial brokerage. A key partner left the business and I changed focus to residential. The REMAX structure made working under their umbrella economically better and the power of a brand synonymous with real estate.

Today, having 'broker' appended to my name actually conveys a meaning the consumer understands. A bunch of letters the homeowner does not understand does not create trust or confidence.

I am currently studying for my broker's license. I have opened my own shop and hired a broker. I will obtain my broker's license for backup and for credentials.

It does allow more latitude when it comes to making decisions.

There are many brokerages out here that do not have huge commission splits. Unless you are going into management, or starting your own brokerage (with all the piles of bookkeeping) why bother?

I've had mine for 38 years and I did that just in case the challenge of hanging my own shingle surfaced..... I had many opportunities, but I thought the position of managing an office was a better option.... I didn't trust the abilities of any other agent other than myself to work as I work....so I'd be a one woman office....no thanks.

It sits on my desk since I'm not the broker of record

We have had our Broker's licenses for years never with the intention of having our own...no split but lots of other liability, expense...not our choice.

Have a brokers license in Illinois and Florida. Have been a sponsoring broker in both states.

Yes.

Became an Associate Broker - still align ourselves with a Designated Broker - they handle all the back office, etc.

I have a brokers license.  I have been the sponsoring for companies, and I have worked for other companies as an Associate Broker.  I guess it is a personal decision.

Good luck.

Congratulations on completing you study, good luck on the exam!

Buy a RE/MAX franchise and open your own office.