I have a friend that is looking into this too. I believe you have to go to school and take classes for like 6 months and take a test (that is apparently really difficult). Taking this test will give you your license to sell..
It didn't sound as easy as I originally thought that it would be. But if you decide not to go back to your old job, you could do it full-time and make your own hours.. That would be nice to be able to stay home with your kids when you want to.
i spoke to my co-worker. her ex bf is a broker in nyc. he took classes but she can't remember how long it was for, but it wasn't that long of a time. and he had to take 2 tests, one for the class and one official one to get the license. however she did say that he had to find a firm/other broker to sponsor him. hth.
I think you always have to take classes (although in CA I know that if you're a lawyer, you're actually exempt from most or all of the classes; there might be similar rules for other professions) and then take a test.
And in most cases you have to work for someone first (as a salesperson) for some time to get experience and to ultimately become a broker.
I think that even if you want to be an agent, you still have to take the classes and a test and work for a broker.
I found this on the website:
"What are the qualifications for a Real Estate Salespersons license?
To qualify for a Real Estate Salespersons license you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school education or equivalency, complete a 75 hour pre-licensure course at a licensed school and pass the New Jersey examination. After passing the examination, you must apply for a license through a sponsoring Employing Broker within 1 year from the expiration of the school certificate or you must again complete all requirements. "
My parents have both been in real estate for over 20 years. It is very hard to do part time and most part timers either go full time or leave. There are a lot of barriers to entry in this job field including a lot of up front cost. If you do RE full time and want a family it can be hard to balance the two but easier than a regular 9-5 job. Just some thoughts