Costs, getting licensed, picking a brokerage, and starting from scratch.
I went through this exact process recently in Des Moines. This is the blueprint I wish someone had handed me on day one — real numbers, real timelines, and the questions to ask before you sign with a broker.
When you get licensed, you become an independent business owner. The brokerage you hang your license with isn't your employer — they're a service provider that you hire to support your business. You aren't asking them to hire you; you're interviewing them to see if they deserve a cut of your commission.
That single shift changes how you pick a brokerage, how you budget, and how you spend your first 90 days. The guide walks through all three.
Most people think it costs either $50 or $5,000. The truth sits in the middle — here are the first two line items.
| Category | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education | $400 – $900 |
| Background check & fingerprints | $50 – $75 |
| + 5 more line items and a total startup budget inside | |