I got into this business strictly to take advantage of an area of real estate that is basically untapped. Lease with option to buy is a perfect product for the right seller.

However, in my neck of the woods and probably in most areas of the country, most sellers aren't aware that lease with option to buy is available to them. I find I am both educating the consumer as well as selling them on a great idea. I find with a systematic marketing approach such as calling and or emailing fsbo's, I do find interested sellers. As everyone knows in this forum, alot of calls need to be made to find the right prospects.(as in any business.)

I have been approached by an open minded real estate broker, with an excellent franchise name that invited me to work for him, marketing lease/purchase as well as sell homes conventionally. I am leaning towards excepting the offer because obtaining a real estate sales license is quick, cost effective and most importantly opens the door to MLS, and a whole pool of buyers that I ordinarily wouldn't get a chance to talk with and who may be perfect candidates for lease/purchase. Basically obtaining a real estate license provides more of an opportunity to connect with potential buyers. As we all know, every seller understands the function of a real estate agent. However most sellers have no idea what a L/O is.

My point is why offer one product (lease/option) when I can now offer other products through obtaining a real estate license that takes only two weeks to get? More leads will now be available to me, more clients and prospects are available to approach, and I have something that most real estate agents don't have, the understanding and ability to implement a perfect Lease Option strategy.

We all know real estate agents are trained in one way, to sell real estate the conventional way. I think thats a mistake. Its like a horse with "blinders" over their eyes. They can only see straight ahead. In most cases, offer only one product, and it might not be the best product.

I'm beginning to feel that I also have "blinders" over my eyes, where I sell and market lease/purchase only. Why not get the license, just a two week course, and offer more options for the customer. Either way is a potential for a sale, plus you get access to names and listings unavailable to an unlicensed investor.

For the more experienced Lease Option practitioners in this forum, I would like to get your open minded thoughts on this approach. In the end I think it comes down to a personal decision if one wants to specialize in a particular area, or offer more options, or the best option to the customer.

Thanks!
Alan

I think your right it is a personal choice

but, If you look at most conventional re contract it has a box to check if your willing to sell on a lease option.....Most agents just never want to wait to get there commission.

Keep in mind that as a Realtor you must disclose to all your prospects that you are a Realtor, and you also must honor the Do Not Call registry.

Best wishes,

Mike
:xevil:

Alan, you and I have discussed this on the phone recently. As I said then, it is very much a personal call. There are pros and cons to this question. And I think you have already weighed in with most of them.
Personally, I think my biggest concern would be the restrictions that the Broker would place on my investing activities. I mean, after all, he is running a business. And he would expect the guy sitting in your seat to produce. That means sales. And that could mean not enough time to pursue the investment side of the business.
Think it through, Alan, and then make an informed decision.

yeah but if they put their number in the paper (FSBO) that whole do not call thing is out the window.

You still have to state first that you are a realtor.