Is Now a Good Time to Obtain Your California Real Estate Broker's License?

Do you need incentive to obtain your California real estate broker's license? Benefits of the first-time home buyer tax credit, increased pending home sales and low interest rates are a few of the factors that continue to help boost buyer activity in a stabilizing housing market.


"Some states are offering bridge loans that allow first-time buyers to use the tax credit for down payment and closing costs," said NAR President Charles McMillan, who also noted the variety of nationwide home buyer assistance programs. "There are many other local government and nonprofit programs available to buyers, depending on location."

The Pending Home Sales Index, the leading indicator for the housing sector, rose 6.7 percent to 90.3 percent in April of 2009 from a reading of 84.6 percent the previous month, and is 3.2 percent above April 2008 when it was 87.5 percent. NAR's Housing Affordability Index is in record territory, showing a rise to 174.8 in April from 171.9 in March. This is excellent news for the real estate industry.
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The facts are in and the real estate market is progressing. Prepare for the market upswing and train for your California real estate broker license now. Your leadership is needed in an industry that is ready for greater accountability. Click here to learn more about California broker license course.

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Real Estate Education is the Key to Making a Smart Home Purchase

With credit starting to flow again, many families with reasonable down payments are receiving the go-ahead to proceed with the home buying process. And with home buyer incentives more attractive than ever, there's no time like the present to obtain your real estate license and educate buyers on how to make a successful home purchase.

Differentiate yourself from the competition - don't just help your buyers select a home. Educate them with these smart, "tried and true" principles so they can enjoy the long-term rewards of homeownership:

1. Borrow within your means. Just because your buyers receive lender approval for a specific mortgage amount doesn't necessarily mean the monthly payments will fit their budget. The old-school tradition - a "safe" home mortgage is no more than three times a buyer's annual family income - is one that certainly should be reinstated.

2. Understand local markets. Don't rely on national trends alone - Understand the housing market in the specific area where your client wants to live. Factors to pay attention to include:

-Foreclosure statistics
-Price movements
-Local job market strength
-Lack/abundance of newly built homes
-Prices of comparable sales in the neighborhood
-Average length of time a home is listed before it sells

3. Beware of price warning signs in the next cycle. Continuous price run-ups should raise a big red flag. From 2000 to 2005, U.S. housing prices rose by an average of 53%. Many housing markets experienced an increase that was even greater, including Nevada at 94%, Florida at 90% and California at 109%.

4. Buy for the long term. Now is not the ideal time to make a quick profit in the housing market. Since it is unclear when prices will bounce back, advise your clients to stay put for the long haul when buying this year.

5. Save smart for a down payment. While it's true that tying up all of your equity in a mortgage can deplete your emergency cash cushion, the market is starting to stabilize and there are definite advantages of a big down payment. Putting down between 15-20% will ultimately be beneficial in the form of higher equity, lower payments, better interest rates and more readily accessible financing.

These simple guidelines can help your clients make smarter home buying decisions. Plus, many economists agree - there is light at the end of the tunnel. For example, Harvy Rosenblum, executive vice president and director of research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, believes our economy will show marked improvement in the coming year and should be back on track by 2011.

It's time to think big. Choose to work within the confines of a cubicle, or become your own boss, see potential beyond media hype and pursue the rewarding real estate career challenges you know you can handle. Get your real estate license online in your free time and tap into this market. You can turn the home ownership dreams of qualified buyers into reality and be prepared to take on the next market upswing.

Labels: become a real estate agent, California real estate license, home buying, real estate career, real estate education, real estate training

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Temporary Price Slash - CA Real Estate License Course

Prepare for California's real estate market upswing! Approximately 39,507 California homes sold in July. That's a 12.2% increase from 35,202 in June and 12.3% increase from 35,185 for July 2007*. Take action now and get your California real estate license with this limited-time offer! Through September 10, Allied's offering their Fast Track Premium Course for only $248 (textbooks included). That's a $100 savings! Don't miss out - call 888-751-2286 and learn more today!

*Source: MDA DataQuick

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

Labels: California real estate, California real estate license, real estate agent training

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How to Get Your Georgia Real Estate License

Ready for a new career challenge? Consider getting your Georgia real estate license online. As a real estate salesperson, you're the boss, you make your own schedule and there are no barriers to your income earning potential. Sound good? Here are the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) requirements you must satisfy before getting started:


1. Age Requirement.
You must be at least 18 years of age.

2. General Education.
You must be a high school graduate or have a certificate of equivalency.

3. Real Estate Education.
Complete the required 75 Hour Principles course. Choose a GREC approved online school that includes exam prep materials and student support with your course.

4. State Exam.
Pass the Georgia real estate licensing exam administered by AMP and approved by GREC. The exam fee is $91. You must apply for your salesperson license within 12 months of taking the exam. After 12 months have passed, you must retake the examination.

5. Background Check.
In order to apply for a Georgia salesperson's license, a copy of your criminal history or a Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) Report must be brought to the AMP testing center prior to receiving your license.

6. Licensing Fee
If you're applying for your license within three months of taking the state exam, the licensing fee will be $170. If you apply for your license after three months, but less than 12 months, the licensing fee will be $340.

With a real estate career, you 'll enjoy a flexible schedule where no-two-days are alike. Plus, you'll be by your clients' sides as they experience one of the most important moments of their lives - the purchase of a home. So why wait? Choose an online real estate school and work towards your real estate career at your own pace. Before you know it, you could be listing historical homes in Savannah or become the go-to loft expert for young, professionals in Atlanta. As a Georgia real estate salesperson, you're in charge of your career!

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

Labels: California real estate license, Georgia real estate license, real estate license education

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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

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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

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What Does it Take to Get a California Real Estate Salesperson License?

Recently the DRE instated new licensing requirements for the California real estate salesperson license. The changes? Before you can apply to take the state exam, you need to complete your pre-licensing real estate education, which includes three real estate courses -- Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice and an Escrow or Finance course.

The benefit is that instead of having to complete additional education after you get your real estate license, you do everything upfront. Once your California real estate salesperson license is issued, you do not have to complete anymore education for four years. You can focus on your career and establish yourself as a real estate agent.

Steps to Get Your California Real Estate License

1. Simply enroll in a Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice and an Escrow or Finance course
2. Complete all three courses
3. Apply to take the state exam
4. Prepare for and pass the state exam using industry-leading exam preparation materials
5. Receive your real estate salesperson license
6. Start your new career without the worry of education for four years!

Rest assured! There isn't more real estate education than was required in the past --it is just a matter of getting your education done before your license is issued. Now, when you receive your real estate license, you will have already completed all of the courses you need.

It is the perfect time to start your real estate career. Soon, the real estate industry will rebound. Make sure that you are ready! Choose convenient online real estate courses to complete your education and be ahead of the curve. There will be demand for qualified real estate agents. Be prepared for a shift in the real estate market!

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New Real Estate Education Changes Are Here!

Starting October 1, 2007, there will be new DRE licensing requirements. Before you can apply to take the real estate license exam, you will need to provide proof that you completed all of your pre-licensing education -- which includes three real estate courses.

It isn't more real estate education than students were required to take in the
past -- it is just a matter of getting their education done before their license is issued. The 18-month Conditional Requirement will become a thing of the past. (This was when you had 18 months after your license was issued to complete two additional real estate courses.) Now, when you get your real estate license, you will have already completed those courses.

What do you need to do? Simply enroll in a Real Estate Principles course, Real Estate Practice course and an Escrow or Finance course. Complete your coursework; apply to take the state exam; prepare for and pass the state exam with helpful exam preparation materials; and receive your real estate salesperson license. Be on your way to a new career!

The good news is that now when you receive your real estate salesperson license, it will be good for four years. You will no longer be required to complete additional coursework during this period. Focus on your real estate career and enjoy your new role as a real estate salesperson. The next educational requirement won't be until you have to renew your license -- four years from now.

Your real estate license is within reach. Choose a convenient real estate program -- this will allow you to complete your courses all at once and prepare for the state exam. With your real estate license in hand, you will be ready to start your new career.

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Baby Boomers are Leading the Real Estate Market

If you are looking to start or continue your real estate career, you might want to target the Baby Boomer generation. According to the National Association of Realtors, this group of Americans is leading the country in real estate ownership.

Facts & Figures

- Nearly 1 in 8 own their homes; they own more than half of all second homes.
- 1 in 4 owns a commercial property, second home or vacation property; one-third who own rental property have more than one unit.
- 1 in 7 own undeveloped land, with an average individual holding five acres.
- Their median household net worth is $149,500; 39% have net worths that range from $250,000 to $5 million.

Was does that mean for you? If you choose to get your real estate license and oversee home sales, you should concentrate your efforts on this target market. They have an abundance of finances that many of them are willing to invest in a variety of properties.

Known as "the greatest real estate generation," they plan to invest even more. Two-thirds plan to purchase a new primary residence; 26% plan to buy land; 19% will acquire rental properties; and 14% will invest in commercial real estate.

It is the ideal time to enter the real estate market as a licensed real estate salesperson or broker. As the economy thrives and interest rates remain constant, you will see this demographic expand their real estate holdings. This means more commission in your pocket!

Labels: California real estate license, home owners, real estate license, Real Estate Market, the greatest real estate generation

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The Difference Between a Real Estate License and Broker License

You've decided that you want to get your real estate license. You've heard of a broker license too. What is the difference between these two real estate professions? Unless you've been involved in a real estate transaction or are familiar with the careers, you might not know the exact differences.

If you want to pursue your real estate license, you should thoroughly understand the similarities and differences.

All states require that real estate sales professionals, including salespersons and brokers, be licensed by that state. Brokers will generally be required to complete more real estate education and experience than a salesperson.

A real estate agent is usually an independent contractor who provides his or her services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the real estate broker pays the salesperson a portion of the commission earned from the agent's sale of the property.

Real Estate Salesperson - An individual who can show property for sale on behalf of a seller, but who may not have a license to transact the sale and collect the sales commission.

* Assist sellers in marketing their property and selling it for the highest price.
* Assist buyers in purchasing suitable property for the best possible price.
* Acts as an intermediary between the buyer and seller.

Real Estate Broker - A person licensed by his or her particular state to charge a fee for bringing a buyer and a seller together to purchase real estate.

* Assist sellers in marketing their property and selling it for the highest price.
* Assist buyers in purchasing suitable property for the best possible price.
* Acts as an intermediary between the buyer and seller.
* Buys and sells real estate for a company or individual on a commission basis.

Real estate salespersons and brokers perform many of the same duties including: obtaining listings, determining sales price; showing properties; assisting with financing; selling property; overseeing inspections, and more.

The state examination, which is more comprehensive for a real estate broker than an agent, includes questions on real estate transactions and laws affecting the sale of property. Most states require that a real estate salesperson complete between 30 and 90 hours of instruction. A real estate broker needs between 60 and 90 hours of real estate education and a specific amount of experience selling real estate (usually 1 to 3 years).

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Getting Your Real Estate Salesperson License from a Credible School

Not all schools are created equal. You've decided that you want to become a licensed real estate professional. There are many schools available to provide you with your real estate salesperson license training. However, some do not follow the correct standards or adhere to the right rules. How do you know which real estate schools to avoid? You need to do your homework.

It is ideal to screen potential California real estate schools to ensure that they are credible. Determine if the real estate license courses meet the quality you would expect from a traditional accredited or state-approved school.

When evaluating a real estate school, consider the following questions:
1.Is it accredited?
2.Are the programs approved by the state real estate board?
3.Is it registered with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary & Vocational Education (BPPVE)?
4.Is it registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
5.Is there a good pass rate on the state exam?

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Home Sales Rise in California ... Million Dollar Homes !!!!

Am I missing the point, here I am listening to people complain about gas prices, real estate prices sky rocketing but if you look at the numbers, more million-dollar homes were sold in California last year than in the two previous years combined, a real estate information service reported.
A total of 33,107 Golden State homes sold for a million dollars or more last year. That was up 73.5 percent from 19,080 in 2003. The total was 13,871 in 2002, according to DataQuick Information Systems.

To view California real estate license school

Last year's surge was strongest during the second quarter when year-over-year sales were up 109.3 percent. During the year's final quarter, sales were up 61.0 percent.
It seems like people keep buying even if the price keeps going up, is it going to level at one point or no ?

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