Posted by Martina on February 08, 2002 at 19:09:33:
Thanks! I’ll definitely look into this.
Dealer license question…need help! (long) - Posted by Martina Dalton
Posted by Martina Dalton on February 08, 2002 at 09:57:41:
I need help! I read Lonnie’s two books (great, by the way!)and now I’m ready to jump in. However, I called the WA Department of vehicle licensing to find out how many deals I can do in this state before I have to buy a license. They said, “You can’t do any deals without a dealer’s license.” I read on their website that you can do 5, but it was kind of ambiguous, so I thought I’d call. The lady that I talked to said, “Well, I didn’t write the website. If you get caught doing any deals without a license, you will be fined.”
So, I sent for a dealer’s license application. (The license costs $500.) In the packet of information, it clearly states that a dealer must have a commercial building with a permanent sign. What? I’m not buying a building so that I can do Lonnie deals…these people are crazy. Can any of you fellow Washington state people help me? Have you run into this as well?
Thanks!
Martina (WA)
just to let you know PA has same ridiculous rules - Posted by kt
Posted by kt on February 09, 2002 at 09:15:09:
same here, deflated my enthusiasm for lonnie deals
Re: Dealer license question…need help! (long) - Posted by lyal
Posted by lyal on February 08, 2002 at 19:46:46:
Martina,
I would encourage you to read the statutes yourself instead of relying on a “clerk at the counter” to interpret them. Most states have them online now. Do a Yahoo search for “WA statutes” to start. Also, Bill Bronchick has a “legal sites” link at this web site that leads to a wealth of legal information.
We have very restrictive dealer licensing requirements in my state (MN) also. First you need to work as a salesperson for a licensed dealer for 2 years (can you say “dealer’s lobby”??). BUT if you read the statutes, anyone with a real estate license can close deals. Not too hard to find a realtor that will spend an hour for a 150 bucks or so.
Certainly not a sure thing that you can find a similar work-around but it’s a good exercise to become familiar with the statutes.
All the best, Lyal
Re: Dealer license question…need help! (long) - Posted by Sean (WA)
Posted by Sean (WA) on February 08, 2002 at 13:38:05:
Unfortunatly this is correct info that you recieved from the DOL. You don’t have to buy a building however, you can rent a office space from an office building and meet all the county requirements that way. But the dealers licence is somewhat of a pain in the booty to go through, be prepared to have your patience tested as you work with the state. Where are you in Wash by the way? There may be some alternatives to get you started.
Let me know if I can help!
Sean (WA)
Re: Dealer license question…need help! (long) - Posted by LeeJ-MN
Posted by LeeJ-MN on March 10, 2004 at 24:50:09:
Hi,
Finally I found someone from Minnesota. I live in the eastern sub of the Twin Cities. I just read once Lonnie’s book. I will get things like new cell phone and biz card setup soon. I have visited a number of parks.
But I am very shy to start my first deal. The dealer license issue bothers me too. How have you been in the MH deals? If you are not far away, would you mind mentoring me? Of course, I will compensate you. As for the license issue, how have you dealt with so far? Does the way of using a realtor work?
Anyway, I appreciate if you can give me some help. Thanks
Re: Dealer license question…need help! (long) - Posted by Wendell Miller
Posted by Wendell Miller on February 10, 2002 at 11:44:25:
What all does it take to get a dealer license in northern Ky.
Re: Dealer license question…need help! (long) - Posted by Martina
Posted by Martina on February 08, 2002 at 13:55:21:
Hi Sean! Thanks for posting the followup. Wow, I wonder where I can rent office space for a minimal amount of money? I’m located across the lake from Seattle, between Bellevue and Renton. What was your solution? Did you rent office space? Build a shack in your backyard, maybe?
This news has kind of taken the wind out of my sails, but I’m still determined to make it work. I’d love to hear some options on how to get around it or any ideas that you may have.
Thanks!
Martina (WA)
Re: Dealer license question…need help! (long) - Posted by investorrob (WA)
Posted by investorrob (WA) on February 08, 2002 at 15:23:39:
Martian
There are building all around greater seattle that will rent you just a mail box in the building and along with that you can meet something like 1 time free each month with a buyer or seller in a room set a side for this type of thing in the building. After the first time it might cost a small fee.
Bellveue area would be higher, but I think you could get something like this for around $50.00 to $100.00 per month.
They also have additional services where the central desk for this would answer ph numbers but I would use my cell phone for you office phone.
The very best of investing to you.
investorrob WA