Looking for a promo code for The CE Shop? Use this link for 35% off your first purchase! (https://share.theceshop.com/x/aW0msp)
I first passed my real estate exams after four months of self-study with an online real estate school and got my Associate Level Real Estate Broker’s license in 2022. I then went straight to “inactive” status as I didn’t have an employing broker. I work full-time in technology consulting, have a digital health startup, too, and didn’t have space to take on a third career in real estate.
But after three years of being inactive, when license renewal comes around, the paths forward are yucky if I ever want to make use of this in the future: redo the Colorado state portion of the exam or take 48 Hours in Colorado Contracts & Regulations and 24 hours in Real Estate Closings (for a total of 72 hours).
I was fortunate to pass both parts of the broker exam on the first try, but the Colorado portion was significantly more difficult and not something I want to do again.
As the end of each year has passed, I’ve mourned the possibility that I’d lose those four months of work.
Last weekend, I decided to do some AI-assisted research to see what my options are.
I asked Claude, “my real estate license in colorado is about to expire and i’ve never worked for an employing broker. what are some creative ways to maintain my licensure?”
Claude: “Here are some creative approaches to maintain your Colorado real estate license without traditional brokerage employment:
Independent Broker Option Once you have your required experience (or if rules allow), you could become an independent broker. This lets you maintain your license while doing minimal transactions—maybe just helping friends/family occasionally or doing a deal or two per year to stay active. NOT POSSIBLE
Property Management Companies Some property management firms hire licensed agents specifically for leasing and tenant-related work. This can be less demanding than traditional sales while keeping you licensed and learning valuable skills.
Real Estate Tech/Adjacent Companies Companies like Zillow, Redfin, or local PropTech startups sometimes need licensed agents for compliance, customer service, or advisory roles. You’d be employed but not doing traditional brokerage work.
Part-Time/Flexible Brokerages Some brokerages specifically cater to part-time agents or those with other careers. They might have minimal desk fees or only charge when you transact. Worth asking around about low-commitment options.
Team Assistant Position Join a successful agent’s team as a licensed assistant. You’d help with paperwork, showings, and client coordination while maintaining your license with less pressure to produce.
Commercial or Niche Specialization Commercial real estate, land sales, or vacation rentals often move slower than residential, allowing you to maintain licensure with fewer deals.
Important: Colorado requires continuing education regardless of your path, and you’ll need an employing broker to activate your license. Even if you’re not actively selling, you’d need a broker willing to hang your license (some charge minimal monthly fees for inactive agents).
What’s preventing you from working with a broker currently? That might help me suggest more specific solutions.”
Human: i have a full time job. i need an employing broker to activate my license.
Claude: “Ah, that makes sense! Here are some practical options for finding an employing broker that accommodates your full-time job:
Low-Cost “Parking” Brokerages Some brokerages specialize in holding licenses for inactive or part-time agents. They charge minimal monthly fees ($25-100/month) just to keep your license active. You’re not expected to produce, and there’s little to no oversight. Search for “license parking” or “inactive agent” programs in Colorado.
100% Commission Brokerages Companies like eXp Realty, Real Broker, or Fathom allow you to join with no desk fees or monthly costs in some cases—you only pay when you close a deal. They’re designed for flexibility and remote work, perfect for someone with another career.
Boutique/Solo Brokers Small independent brokers sometimes let agents hang their license for a nominal fee with zero production requirements. They benefit from having more agents under their umbrella. Network on local real estate Facebook groups or ask around.
Your Original Training Brokerage If you got licensed through a particular school or brokerage, reach out to them. Many will let former students keep their license active for a small fee even if you’re not actively working.
Referral-Only Arrangements Some brokers will take you on if you occasionally refer clients you can’t help (from your day job network). You’d split the referral fee, and they’re happy to have you.”
I reached out to the CO Division of Real Estate to ask if sites like Park and Refer are legit.
And I continued with exploring some of the other recommendations, like cloud brokerages. I researched Fathom, eXp, and Real, as suggested. I chose Real based on its fee structure and focus on tech-enabled benefits.
Read the fine print when you sign up. While the fees to onboard with the brokerage itself aren’t exorbitant, where things can quickly add up is in the brokerage requirements to join a local realtor association and MLS.
When I get through the application process, I’m going to be looking at more than $1000 in startup costs for the next year just to effectively activate my license. And those fees can be significantly higher in resort areas of the state.
While I won’t be pursuing a full-time career in real estate any time soon, I do plan to recoup some costs, whether that’s in referrals, or in making use of MLS data to build prototype applications I might be able to monetize.
Time to revisit Thoughts on a Colorado Real Estate School, Test Prep, and Broker Licensure, A Data-Driven, Climate Change-Aware Approach to Home Buying and Business Relocation, and Remote Employee Relocation: Finding Where to Live Based on High-Speed Internet Access.
