Should an OBGYN have had a baby?

No.  Should a funeral director have to die before they can conduct a funeral for someone else?

Well, you can tell when they haven't. My story begins with Inman news who used to feature a real estate blogger/writer who NEVER bought a house. She used to just have this odd thought process when writing about it & then one day she wrote she purchased her first home!

Think of it - writing about real estate without selling or owning any.

If not owning, at least actively selling.

No, that will never happen. Should an agent have to go through a short sale before they can list one or represent a buyer in one?

I see no bearing on how the correlation could make any difference in any transaction.

 Interesting question, but I don't think so. There's a lot of new agents that are still renting.

It is the same as asking if a cardiologist should have surgery performed on him or her in order to perform surgery.

Absolutely not. Where would their first sale come from?

NO I don't think that is necessary.

Even though I have bought and sold many properties over the years, being a real estate agent gives you unique knowledge that wasn't available in just being the purchaser or the seller.
The education that I have had as an agent has been much, much more then my experience ever as a home owner. No I don't think it should be a prequisite to being a real estate agent. There are great writing teachers that aren't good at writing books. Great men Obgyn's that are male and we know they don't have babies.

LOL I was thinking the same thing as Richard Weeks.  And, same goes for oncologists.

As a past marketer at P&G, this question would come up often.  Could a guy work on feminine protection?  Could a woman work on Old Spice?  Could a non parent work on Diapers?  What about dentures?  Of course.  The key is to understand the consumer and their needs and solve their problems.

Absolutely not.

No

What would be the reason? 

OK, funny story: When I hired agents, I ALWAYS asked at interview how many personal transactions they had done - to me, it indicates how much empathy they may be likely to have with our clients.
I asked this Q of my now going on 14 year assistant/buyer's agent . . .
"How many transactions have you been personally involved in?"
her answer was, "ALL of them!"
I didn't know it then, but they own MANY properties, bought and sold in 3 countries. She gets it. ;)

Not a requirement but a very good idea - you have real world idea of what it's like and can better understand the issues a client must deal with. Same with relocation

I'm going to polarize myself on this one: YES! And Yes, I did. I owned 2 homes before I got licensed actually, one primary and one investment.

If not owned, than required to partner with their broker on their first 3 (buyer) sales & 3 listings, before being allowed to be on their own.

It does have a bearing on the advice, the empathy and the experience one brings to their client. Furthermore I've read the contrary arguments here and they're thin points at best. Having a minimum standard is what we're talking about here.

I'd want to know my finical adviser is worth more than me, when getting started on my portfolio too.

I like Lyn Sims post too.

It will never be a requirement, but personal experience is very educating and helpful.

I don't think that should be a requirement. Owning a home isn't for everyone. 

No, just like a doctor shouldn't be required to have surgery or a lawyer need to be sued.

Certainly not a requirement but would be beneficial! Loved Richard Weeks comment!

Corinne,

Richard Weeks has my vote for the best answer.  A

While I get your point, I dont think so.  No more than a science teacher should have to have experience as an astronaut.  

Our industry is one where you can certainly learn from experience, but personal experience isn't necessary to do a truly great job.

I no longer own real estate in my name; it is all in a company with the kids.

Not a pre-requisite, but it certainly helps. Having been through the same process your client is going through helps you better prepare them and gives you some insight into what might be going on in their minds.

Some newer agents are young, and have not put together a down payment.   I don't think so.

Corinne - No, I don't believe that. There are lots of coaches in professional and college sports who never played at that level. However is is becoming more rare.

Corinne,
Some of the most interesting answers and viewpoints any question has had in a while.

No, but it should be a pre-requisite to vote (like it used to be)! 

Should a pilot have a personal 777? Should an astronaut have a space shuttle?  Should the Pope actually talk to God?  Should a barber have hair?

Corinne Guest, Managing Broker I believe a psychiatrist has to go through therapy before practicing. Maybe, yes!

No.

I like the "devil's advocate" in this question. 

I can't say it should be a pre-requisite, but if they do own then they can empathize better with clients, IMHO.

As far as the mortgage lender goes, I'd prefer they not be burdened with the cruelty of a note hanging over their head. Then I think we would have more cheerleaders for responsible lending and borrowing on our team. Also have someone encouraging lendees to accelerate their payoff, so they'd have more cash to retire and invest in more real estate.

no to all of those questions....

when one is financially able to buy real estate, then, and only then should it happen.... that does not mean that someone who is renting is not capable of marketing and closing buyer and sellers..... 

Tammy has a good point

Not a requirement but certainly can provide a better understanding.  

Not necessarily! Many of the guru trainers out there have never sold real estate and they get by!

That makes no sense. It is a personal choice.

No, why would you require agents to own real estate?  what's the purpose and what do you think it will accomplish?

No

What Richard Weeks said!

Good morning Corinne. I don't see it as a pre-requisite, but is is certainly easier to understand the process that a prospective buyer goes through.

I do not think it is necessary, @corinne.

Absolutely, best to always walk in your clients shoes, and do it often.

I think it is helpful so that the agent can experience what their clients go through, but not necessary.

Lead by example ?