I think your number 1 priority should be to complete you course work and pass your state exam.

Too soon. You don't know what you don't know. Plus you're not licensed, you don't have a broker and you're not ready. However, what you can do is set up your CRM, start to organize contacts in your sphere of influence. You can also start to gather information about homes in your area, create a contact list for lenders, HOAs, city and county contacts. Your enthusiasm is awesome, but you need your feet planted so you don't find yourself in over your head.

It's too soon. Finish your coursework and get licensed and hired by a broker. But you could let people know, especially people you know, that you are working on your real estate license. Candice A. Donofrio  has some great ideas!

"talking to people about working with me"

"we should talk about selling your house then"

Based on those two comments the answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT!

There however is no prohibition against you sharing with those you know about the new direction of your life. You could add that by the first of January 2017 you will be officially licensed and affiliated with a broker and then can be of value to them regarding their real estate questions and  needs. Your goal is to hear them say, "Seana, call me then and we can talk,"

Hopefully in six weeks you can create a gigantic list of folks eager to start their new year with the dream of a new address and they ignore the 4,000 current agents in your area.

Do not offer real estate advise along side your 'gonna be' status.

Seana Johnson This is practicing real estate without a license.

You're not truly licensed so do not solicit people. Good luck on your exam.

When you are 100% licensed and that license is with your new Broker (the one who will manage you as a licensee.  

The issue with talking about selling real property without having that license in had is that one question will lead to others that you can't talk about.  That's where the issues begin.  

There is nothing wrong with casually telling people you know that you are in the process of studying in preparation for taking the real estate exam and you are looking forward to your new career in this great profession.  

Until then I would keep studying.  

It would depend on the laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

I applaud your enthusiasm - but refrain until license is earned...

What you describe here is what feels like a slippery slope to me. That is not they way I would be engaging with people.  I wish you all the best with your coursework and passing the exam.

Good for you Seana Johnson !  My advice is to learn what is required in your area.  Are you going to become a Realtor or remain an agent?  No one has asked what business experience you have or what you're bringing to the party?   Your entrepreneurial skills will be what sets you apart.  Good luck and hit 2017 running!

Like Candice A. Donofrio said, you don't know what you don't know. Classes are designed to help you pass the test.  It does nothing to prepare you for the complicated process of actually being an agent and selling real estate.  You have so much to learn AFTER the test is over and the license is hung.  Once you are affiliated with an office, you will have access to the mentoring, training and information you need to be productive.  

As Candice suggested, do some of the behind the scenes organizational stuff now and worry about the rest later.  You could be setting yourself up for embarrassment if you get ahead of yourself in the process.  Step-by-step. Patience is a virtue at this point.

What Richard Weeks said. You are no where near ready to begin soliciting business (unless maybe it's from your Mom).

I believe it's too soon but while going through the process of becoming licensed, I would mention it to others and start collecting names, address, phone, email, etc for when you are settled and ready. There is so much to learn just starting out but you can do this! I've been licensed 18 years and when I first started I was part time my first 4 months, didn't sell anything. Then I just leaped out in faith (in December) and sold 5 homes my first full-time week! So thankful my Broker helped me! 

Learn as much as you can about real estate, marketing, and processing ... it's fine to share your soon-to-be status with people -- but refrain from any solicitation until you have the license ... then hit the pavement, put out ads, start that website and get active in social media.

I would just keep it to ....You're going to Real Estate School..... for now, until you pass your exam and have a broker.

You have some great advice from experienced agents.

It is okay to let people know you are getting into the business but don't solicit business until you are licensed.

What Michael Setunsky said - you cannot conduct real estate business without a license.  Let everyone know you're working on getting your license but, definitely don't begin soliciting for business.  That's a big no-no!  Best of luck on your exams! 

After you pass the exam and affiliate with a broker.

I think you should limit the conversation to working on your license; not appropriate to start soliciting yet.

Finish the class.  Then shout it out!

I don't see anything wrong in letting people know you are studying to get your license and what your plans are. And as long as you don't do anything for which you need a license, you are fine. But don't hand out cards, have your website go live, or put other marketing out to the public until you have that RE license number and are working for a broker. On the other hand, walking into a broker's office with a few listings potentially in your pocket is a good thing!!

I'd wait until licensed before doing anything --- saying "wait for me" puts you ahead of your potential clients before you 're even able to truly work.

With 80% to go, what if there's a hold up?  You'll look foolish.  Best to let people know what you're working on without mentioning working with you.  It's not too early to start blogging about your local area/businesses and the like, but it's too early to be trying to get a pipeline of clients.

you can certainly share with people that you are completing the course and will be taking the exam....and then you'll be beating the pavement....

If you don't pass your exam, get a good broker, and then keep working on education since a real estate course is like kindergarten on your way to a college degree then, tell people you are working on getting licensed and then get licensed.

I would start putting some feelers out and get the word out.

I'd let my friends & family know I'm working towards my license.  I wouldn't do the "I'll have it by year's end, let's list your place next year" unless they say "oh great, when can I list/buy with you?"

AS an x-agent you should know not put the horse in front of the cart...

Why not. The more people know about your new license, the better. 

Seana,

Congratulations on your career decision.  Obviously the most important thing is to study for and pass your exams to get licensed but absolutely I would be letting everyone you know what you are doing.  In my case, I already had a brokerage that wanted me to come work for them (Re/max) when I got my license and I would be joining a team.  That gave me the opportunity to meet the broker, the owner, the team leader, etc.  I was able to go to listing appointments with the team leader and I was introduced as someone obtaining my license to be the newest addition to the team.  You can definitely work on your website - just dont take it live yet.  You wont be able to have an IDX feed until you get licensed and complete any paperwork your brokerage requires but you can have your site ready to go when you are ready to go.  You can't reach out to people you dont know and solicit their business but if you have a conversation with someone just tell them you are working towards your license and you would be happy to reach out to them once you have it.  Build you contacts (your database), let your SOI know you are ready to help them when the time [yours] is right.  Good Luck!

I know most brokers are not even interested in talking to anyone until one has passed the test. Even become a full fledged realtor home owners want to know your track record and stats on homes $ you sold more than experienced agents.  

Many new agents have problem convincing their friends or relatives that they can represent others.  99% newer realtors are buyer agents until their past clients are ready to sell. 

My suggestion is to complete your education first.

Good luck.

One thing at a time.  

Study hard.  Take lots of practice tests.  Good luck with your license examination.

When you pass and are properly affiliated - let everyone know.  

Here's to a successful career.    

Pass the exam before soliciting business. You should be interviewing with potential managing brokers!

Sounds like you have the right attitude, but get the basics done first

IMO your examples would be considered practising real estate without a license - a big BOZO NO NO and very illegal - at least in my state it is

Start filling your database with your contacts but defer real estate conversations until you have a license.

Richard Weeks nailed this one!

Good question and one I have wondered about as well.

Seana Johnson - why not? Start building your database. Everyone will tell you the same thing.

Learn the relevant real estate statutes/rules and ethical expectations. Then abide by them and follow Candice's advice.

Seana Johnson First you need to complete your education.

Barbara Todaro said it well

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 has a great response for you. 

Coming soon is the way I would start it.

Be careful what you say.