Iowa’s largest brokerage has launched a program to help veterans become real estate agents by covering startup costs including licensing classes and multiple listing service dues.
Startup costs can reach up to $3,000 for the average agent, according to Iowa Realty, a Des Moines-based subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway affiliate HomeServices of America Inc.
"Because Veterans are hard working, highly disciplined and accustomed to overcoming obstacles, we believe a career in real estate will be a great fit," said Brennan Buckley, a vice president with Iowa Realty.
Launched on July 8, the Iowa Realty Veterans to Realtors program already has generated 18 inquiries and currently serves three veterans who are in licensing classes now, Buckley said.
"We’ve been pleasantly overwhelmed," he said.
Iowa Realty has more than 65 offices and 1,000 agents in Iowa.
Last month, Golden Circle Real Estate Group LLC, a brokerage that affiliated with Keller Williams in March, sued Iowa Realty over the company’s policy of refusing to split commissions with Keller Williams’ buyer’s agents.
