Real Estate News And Views

Realestatelicense.com has created this blog to keep you informed on recent real estate news, views, and topics. Real estate is a very dynamic field. Everyday there's something new and exciting happening in the world of real estate. Use this blog to stay on top of current real estate events, news, and views and support your real estate license and career. As a licensed real estate professional, you need to know this information.

Visit the New Real Estate Wiki

Once you obtain a real estate agent license, home sellers and seekers will look to you for guidance. So, beef up your trusty list of resources and visit the latest Real Estate Wiki.

Like Wikipedia.com, RealEstateWiki.com is an extensive, user-generated, online encyclopedia - except Real Estate Wiki is everything real estate.

RealSure, a real estate consulting and publishing services company, launched the site earlier this year with approximately 3,000 real estate terms, 1,000 Q & A's, 500 real estate acronyms, 400 biography pages and more. Around the beginning of June, there were over 19,000 entries on the site. This latest Real Estate Wiki follows the likes of wikis on Zillow.com and Inman.com.

RealEstateWiki.com has approxiamtely 70 user friendly categories that cater to a variety of interests. For example, if you're an agent who needs to renew your real estate license online, simply check out the Government, Associations and Organizations section and click on Real Estate Schools and Colleges. If your buyers need a certified home inspector or want to work with a licensed real estate appraiser, check out the Real Estate Companies section.

Other perks include a glossary of terms, local market reports, blogs, social networks, marketing services and so much more.

Real estate professionals, and anyone interested in real estate, is encouraged to sign up and contribute relevant data to the free site. Log on, check it out and maybe even add your own entry.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com

Labels: Real Estate Agent License, real estate agent training, Real Estate Wiki

more>>

Experts Say Texas Real Estate Looks Good

With affordable housing, a high quality of life and continuous population growth, Texas is an ideal place to get your Texas real estate license.

According to Dr. Mark Dotzour, chief economist for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M, "Texas has the best tax structure for business and will continue to outperform other states in attracting relocating companies and job growth."

With a healthy job economy, Texas' growing population will not only require housing, but assistance from licensed professionals with a Texas real estate license.

"The job markets in Texas are strong," said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors. "They (Texas consumers) are going to go out and buy homes because home prices are affordable."

Texas real estate agents have the opportunity to prosper while helping others realize their dreams of home ownership.

"There are ample opportunities in the current market for buyers who have good jobs and good credit," said Virginia Cook, chief executive officer of Virginia Cook Realtors in Texas. "Conventional loans are available, rates are reasonable and FHA-insured mortgage applications have been rising as low and moderate-income buyers seek alternatives to subprime loans. In the next 15 years, enough people will move to Texas to create a new Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio."

Now is the perfect time to start your real estate course and get your Texas real estate license. Learn more about licensing requirements by visiting The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) website at www.trec.state.tx.us/.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com

Labels: real estate agent training, Texas Real Estate, Texas Real Estate License

more>>

Check out the New Realtor.com Beta Release

Do you have a real estate agent license? Check out the new Realtor.com beta release. It's packed with exciting, new features that promise to enhance the visibility of your listings.

The Realtor.com phased transformation started with the "Alpha" release in December of 2007. The beta release will be followed by the "General Audience" release in July of 2008. The beta release includes improvements to the home page, search results page and listing details page.

Here's just a few of the ways agents can benefit:

- All listings now include helpful neighborhood and school information
- A map is integrated into the listing page layout
- Lure buyers with stellar photos-basic listings show four photos
- Showcase listings display agent contact info in a business card format
- Showcase listings can show up to five open houses in the Realtor.com control panel
- Listing details are updated several time a day
- A new video tab on the listing detail page can be viewed full screen
- New listings will be posted with a "new" or "new this week" notation

According to Realtor.com, extensive testing confirms the new changes greatly improve the consumer experience and enhance the effectiveness of the real estate agent's advertising.

Take a peek for yourself and see how your real estate career can benefit by visiting www.beta.realtor.com.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com

Labels: Florida Association of Realtors, Real Estate Agent License

more>>

Prepare for Your California Real Estate Exam

Are you ready to get your California real estate license? Pass your state exam and begin a California real estate career quickly by preparing with effective exam prep tools.

Not all California real estate exam prep tools are equal. For example, some prep kits have more than 30 hours of review. Do you have that kind of time? Instead, choose a prep program that zones in on important review topics, like real estate practice and valuation, in half the time. Here's what to look for so you pass the first time with ease:

Professional Instruction

Don't just memorize definitions, learn real estate agent skills from professionals who've mastered them. Look for materials that include instruction from an accomplished individual in the industry.

DVDs

It's the perfect addition to your real estate license course. Sit back in the comfort of your home and enjoy instant instruction on key California real estate principles.

Workbooks

Your workbooks should summarize all main key points and include comprehensive review exercises that help you retain each key point.

Practice Questions and Exams

Your California real estate exam prep kit must have a variety of practice questions and exams that closely mirror the state exam. This is a powerful way to prepare.

Math Emphasis

You can bet the California real estate exam will have a math emphasis, so look for prep kits that help you sharpen forgotten arithmetic skills.

Study Tips

You've armed yourself with all the recommended tools for passing your state exam, but do you know how to use them? Look for an exam prep kit with an instructional study guide and test taking tips that will help you pass the exam.

With the right real estate exam prep tools, you can take your California real estate license exam with confidence and easily move on to an exciting career change.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com

Labels: California real estate, California real estate license, california real estate license requirements, Real Estate Degree

more>>

Good News Thanks to Fannie Mae

Agents have a new way to beat housing market challenges, while buyers and homeowners alike have a good reason to smile. Fannie Mae, the nation's largest source of financing for home mortgages, announced in May of 2008 four positive changes to their policies and procedures.

Changes:

1. Homeowners can now refinance up to 120% of their home value as long as they are paying their mortgage on time.

2. Fannie Mae will buy jumbo-conforming loans for the same price they purchase other conforming loans through the end of the year.

3. Partnerships with state Housing Finance Agencies are being expanded. This will provide $10 billion in financing for qualified first-time home buyers.

4. A partnership with the Self-Help Credit Union will help qualified families get into foreclosed properties via a rent-to-own program. The program will focus on communities where the real estate markets were hit hardest.

Fannie Mai mortgages are available through a nationwide network of lender partners. Choose the best lender for your needs by checking out Fannie Mae's "Find a Lender Search" on www.fanniemai.com.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com

Labels: foreclosure, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent

more>>

Are the Home Association Fees Worth It?

Get a real estate license and you'll help clients avoid home buying pitfalls like moving into a community with a questionable HOA. Here's how to determine if their dream home is in a dream neighborhood.

Visit the HOA Office

Meet with a representative from the office and learn about what the HOA fees include. Also ask about the rules. For example, some communities don't allow cars to park on the street. If your clients have frequent visitors or if they have a large truck that doesn't fit in a garage, living in a community with strict HOA rules may not fit their lifestyle.

Review the HOA Budget

How are the HOA board members spending the community's money? Are they buying chairs for the community pool area when the landscaping needs dire attention? Overall, you want to make sure the board members aren't spending more money than their taking in. If they are, your clients can bet on an HOA fee increase in the near future.

Check the Meeting Minutes

Sit down with your clients and carefully review the HOA meeting minutes from the last six months to a year. It's a great way to see what's really going on.

Get a Disclosure Statement

Your buyer's disclosure statement should outline each HOA fee. It should also mention any special projects planned for the next year or two that will lead to an HOA fee increase.

Way the Options

If your clients find out the HOA fees will significantly increase, point out the positives. For example, an HOA will deal with a sloppy neighbor, and if the board members are making smart decisions, an attractive neighborhood could lead to a quick home sale in the future.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.realestatelicense.com

Labels: California real estate license, Real Estate, real estate license

more>>

Get Your Texas Real Estate License

Are you ready for a new career challenge? Get yourTexas real estate license! Check out the required courses you'll need to make it happen.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires that 210 hours of Texas real estate courses be completed in order to obtain your license. Required courses include:

- Texas Principles of Real Estate (60 Hours)
- Texas Law of Agency (30 Hours)
- Texas Law of Contracts (30 Hours)
- Elective Courses (90 Hours)

TREC lists approximately 10 approved elective courses that can enhance your Texas real estate education. Here's an example of three popular choices:

- Texas Residential Inspection for Real Estate Agents
- Texas Real Estate Appraisal
- Texas Real Estate Finance

Whether you need to fulfill the entire 210 hour requirement, or just need to fill in the gaps, choose an established pre-licensing school. For example, an accredited online Texas real estate school can offer a 150 hour, 180 hour or 210 hour course that helps you meet your individual real estate education goals. Plus, an online real estate school is a convenient, self-paced alternative to sitting in a classroom for weeks at a time.

Once you complete your courses, prepare for the state exam with a Texas real estate exam prep kit. Before you know it, you'll be on your way to a rewarding Texas real estate career.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,www.realestatelicense.com

Labels: Texas Real Estate, Texas Real Estate License

more>>

Online Real Estate Agent Reviews

Obtain a real estate agent license and you become a guide to clients who rely on your expertise. So why not get clients to document your hard work on an agent ranking site?

Websites like AgentRank.com, HomeThinking.com, IncredibleAgents.com and RealtyRators.com allow consumers to rate their real estate agents. Criteria can include knowledge, courtesy, communication, website usefulness and/or effectiveness. Clients can also leave a personal testimony.

So how does it work? Each site is different, but overall, you create a profile, add a short bio and upload your photo. Next, add a link to your profile and drive potential clients to your personal website. Not only are these agent ranking sites cool lead generation tools, but they can also help your personal website's search engine ranking.

Did you help a buyer avoid closing mistakes or provide advice on how to choose the best lender? It's nice to receive letters of gratitude from appreciative clients; however, asking them to share those thoughts on a ranking site is a strategic move that could enhance your business with little effort.

According to the National Association of Realtors, over 50% of consumers are beginning their buying/selling process online - this includes searching for the right real estate agent. Personal testimonials from satisfied clients will speak for themselves, can give you credibility as an area expert and make you accessible to potential clients across the country.

Some ranking sites even reward agents. For example, RealtyRators.com conducts spotlight interviews with agents who have an overall rating of 90% or higher. The interview is posted on their main page under the news area. Now who doesn't mind a little free PR for a job well done?

On HomeThinking.com, a user-friendly tool allows consumers to contact you via email with a click of a button. The contact tool is non-intrusive and includes optional information fields, so consumers are invited to contact you with a no obligation.

Now here's the key - you must always be on top of your game or a negative comment just might pop up on your profile. Wait until the very end of a transaction, and if you feel all parties involved are completely satisfied, ask them to post a comment.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,www.realestatelicense.com

Labels: How to get real estate license, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Agent License

more>>