I will always remember getting my Broker's License in CA back in 1985. I studied a long time, put in 4 long years in RE just to be able to take the exam, and waited many weeks for the results. It was a hard exam (with questions like what is the Treaty of Hidalgo Guadalupe, and what is a riparian right or an aluevian fan?). I did this not for any real reason, other than just wanting to be the best I could be in my chosen field. In the 25 years since then, I may have been asked 3 or 4 times by clients if I was a Broker or not, and I certainly cannot say it has earned me any more money. But knowing I was in a smaller category of Realtors, and also that I could practice RE without any one else overseeing me, has given me a bit of satisfaction over the years.
When I moved to WA state, I got my Broker license right away. Now as of July 7th, every licensed realtor in WA state is a Broker. If you already had a Broker's license, you are now a Managing Broker. Makes no difference to me, as I have no one to manage, because it's enough taking care of my self, and my own business. As far as I can tell, the purpose was to keep teams from running amok! So if there is a team, one person has to take control of paperwork and overseeing the transaction. Also to oversee the actions of assistants. So now we have Brokers, Managing Brokers, and Designated Brokers, but no sales agents! Weird if you ask me. But no one did.
Sandra,
Delightful read, there are so many things we feel are weird, but then no one asks us! Being a broker makes everyone equal, we guess. All the best and wishing you continued success.
Sandra,
I'm going to take the exam because it will fulfill my cue requirements and give my the ability to work on my own if I choose to do so. For me it's a practical decision. Thanks for your comments on this topic.
Carol West
Carol, Good luck, and I would think OR will soon follow WA in changing the titles.