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Should I consider getting my real estate license as a construction management student ?

I'm passionate about transforming neglected houses into quality homes. My goal is to buy, rebuild, and sell properties, creating value through design and smart construction. A real estate license could give me direct access to deals, deeper market insight, and more control over the process but I need to know if it’s the right move while I’m still in school. This decision could shape how I combine construction and real estate to build a hands on, impactful career.

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Oleg’s Answer

Weighing the pros and cons as a business owner is important. Having a real estate license is a big advantage. It can save you 1-3% on selling costs (for example, a $250,000 sale could save you $5,000). Plus, you can earn extra money by handling sales or purchases for friends, family, or online contacts. Each house you buy and sell adds valuable savings and profit to a "flip" deal.

However, a real estate license comes with a downside. It has an annual membership fee starting at $1,500. If you're not yet actively buying, selling, or remodeling, this is an extra cost that might not be worth it.

As Keith suggested, it's often better to work with local realtors or experts in REO if you're aiming to flip bank-owned properties. Start slowly and build a solid foundation before moving to the next step.
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Daniel’s Answer

As a veteran home inspector I'd like to say that this can be a very rewarding but also challenging area to pursue. I've inspected hundreds of 'flipper' sales and they are almost always 'lipstick on a pig' homes with nice looking finishes and horrible HVAC, insulation, and general building performance conditions. I hope that you do a better job in renovating the homes to modern standards of energy efficiency, comfort, durability, and safety.
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Keith’s Answer

It's always a good idea to give yourself more choices to increase your chances of success. It seems like there's a give-and-take in construction and real estate. Just keep in mind, you can't do it all by yourself. Look for experts who can help you and work together to reach your goals. You might discover a special area that fits you well, and once you do, you'll be on your way!
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Laura’s Answer

Yes — pursuing a real estate license as a construction management student can be a smart move, depending on your long-term goals. Here's a simple guide to help you decide:

Reasons to Consider Getting Your License
1. Gain a Complete View of Development
You'll learn about land acquisition, property evaluation, and deal structuring.

This knowledge gives you a developer’s mindset — a huge plus if you aim to run your own construction business in the future.

2. More Career Opportunities
You could explore real estate development, property flipping, or become a design-build contractor.

Having your license opens doors to managing builds and brokering deals.

3. Build a Strong Network
You'll connect with agents, investors, and gain access to real estate data — valuable for pitching construction services.

4. Earn Extra Income
Even a few deals a year (like helping friends or family buy/sell) could bring in money during school or while growing your construction career.

Things to Think About First
1. Time Commitment
Getting licensed usually involves 60–100 hours of study plus an exam (varies by state). Can you manage this without affecting your main construction goals?

2. Not a Necessity
You don’t need a real estate license to succeed in construction management or start a company. It’s a nice bonus, not a must-have.

3. Your True Interest
If you’re genuinely interested in deals, property valuation, and real estate law — go for it. But don’t do it just because it sounds impressive.

Verdict
If you dream of owning projects, getting into development, or offering complete design/build services — it's worth considering. If you're focused solely on construction management or field operations, it might not be necessary.
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