Any Realtors here? (Tucson, Pima: real estate, foreclosed, health insurance)

[DaynesWife]

I have taken my classes to take my real estate license test here in Pennsylvania. I am currently studying to take the test.

I've looked at the Arizona Real Estate Commission website a few times, and I am not really finding the info I'm looking for. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places....

If I am able to relocate my family to Tucson, will I have to take my classes over again? Will I have to take the national test & the state test? Or just the state? (This is all assuming I will get my license here first)

I know the housing market in Arizona has been hit pretty hard. Is it even a good idea for me to try to get my family out there possibly being dependent on my job as a realtor? My hubby will be working, and has been trying to find a job in Tucson for almost 2 years. I'm thinking he might find something if he was actually there..and not here in PA.

Any thoughts on new realtors in this housing market? Are they struggling? Are established realtors struggling?

Anything else you can tell me is greatly appreciated!!

[TAGS70]

As far as getting your license from Arizona, I believe you are going to have to go to school again to take your Arizona test. Since you are taking your Pa. test along with the national, you should be good with not having to take the national.

I have been a licensed Realtor for almost 3 years now and mostly all realtors are struggling. I have some months where I sell 2-3 and some where I don't. The newer agents are struggling due to them trying to find their clients and finding a good system which works. Most established Realtors already have their circle of where to find clients.

I do have some investors clients that buy foreclosed homes, but I sell mostly new home sales.

Good luck with your decision to move to Tucson.

Michael

[TAGS70]

By the way, I am originally from Philly, which city are you from?

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by DaynesWife

Is it even a good idea for me to try to get my family out there possibly being dependent on my job as a realtor?

I don't think so.

[DaynesWife]

TAGS70- I am close to Pittsburgh.

SierraAZ-Thanks for your reply.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by DaynesWife

SierraAZ-Thanks for your reply.

Sorry it's not good news, but that's the reality...

[DaynesWife]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Sorry it's not good news, but that's the reality...

That's why I'm asking. I don't want to move my whole family and fall flat on my face! Thanks for being brutally honest.

[Jukesgrrl]

I moved to Tucson from Pittsburgh four years ago when we all still believed the economic was in reasonable shape. Everyone told me my resume was outstanding -- in addition to holding a responsible corporate position in Pittsburgh, I have also lived and worked in Washington, DC, suburban Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Washington State. "Surely," the locals told me, I would have "no trouble" getting a job in "fast-growing" Pima County.

In fact, it took me one whole year, during which time I was in residence in Tucson, to find a job that was a significant step down from what I was doing in Pittsburgh. It was, however, the only thing I was offered that was a living wage (although only 50% of the salary I was making in Pittsburgh) and full-time so I would get benefits. I held that job for two years and enjoyed it very much -- up until the day the owners declared bankruptcy and every one of the more than 100 people who worked there was sent packing with no severance pay whatsoever. That was a year ago. I have yet to find another position that would get me some health insurance. And I don't mean a fun job, or a job in my field, I mean ANY full-time job.

My financial downfall is compounded by the fact that the lovely home I bought in Tucson has depreciated in value between $75,000 and $100,000, depending on whom is estimating. I know that the wonderful and very experienced Tucson Realtor who helped me acquire said house is still in business, but she has had to take on a second job since she is the sole support of her family.

So you tell me: does moving from Pennsylvania to Arizona to sell real estate when you have no experience here sound like a good idea? I'm really sorry to be such a downer, but this is the truth from someone who has lived the experience. At present, the day-to-day economy is better in Pittsburgh than it is in Tucson (not to mention that the schools are a lot better) and the cost of living is lower where you are in everything except the gas utility bill. (Don't believe me, believe Fortune magazine and the Places Rated Almanac, among other sources.) The weather is much nicer in Tucson, of course, but unfortunately banks don't take sunny days as a mortgage payment.

If your kids are grown, you're a retiree, and you're bringing your money (or self-employment) with you, Tucson is a great idea. Otherwise you're better off deferring your plan for better days.