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.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent

Want to be your own boss and make your own schedule? If that sounds good, and you consider yourself an ambitious people-person, maybe it's time to enroll in a real estate license course.

Although requirements to obtain a real estate license vary from state to state, most require you to:

1) Be at least 18 years of age
2) Complete required real estate license course work
3) Pass your state's real estate license exam

Your required real estate qualification courses should be completed at a school with the proper accreditation or at a private real estate school with state approved courses. And times have changed. To obtain a real estate license, students use to have one choice - spend several hours per week attending class. Although this is a good fit for some, it's not the most efficient option for all.

While advancing your future, you may need to care for your family and/or hold down a job. That's why some choose to obtain their license from an online real estate school. Online classes are self-paced and can be completed from the convenience of home during your free time. Plus, a well-established school offers student support, so you always have answers to your questions. It's a convenient and cost-effective way to further one's career while attending to other important responsibilities.

Once a real estate license is obtained, new and exciting opportunities become available. You can help people with buying and selling homes, as well as leasing homes, buildings and land. You can also choose to specialize in areas or property types. For example, if you love horses, you could use your knowledge to specialize in ranch style homes on multi-acre horse property. There are limitless options - and it's all up to you!

Some licensed agents go on to get their real estate broker license. With a broker license, you can manage your own real estate office or even start your own real estate company. Requirements vary for each state. For example, to obtain a real estate broker license in California, you must have at least two years experiences as a full-time licensed agent within a five-year period.

Many states require continuing education to renew your real estate license(check with your state for renewal requirements). This is a great way to make sure you're selling techniques are current and that you're knowledge is at the forefront of the latest industry trends.

A career as a real estate agent may be the rewarding challenge you've been looking for. Verify requirements by checking with your state's real estate licensing commission, get started and become a success story!

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

Labels: california real estate license requirements, How to become a real estate agent, Real Estate Agent

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Tips for Renting Out Your Home

Have you ever rented your home out? If you purchased a residential investment property, you just might be an old pro by now. On the other hand, if you purchased a new home before selling your current home, you may need to alleviate the pain of two mortgages. No matter what your situation is, the following tips can help the rental process run smoothly for all parties involved.

1) Make sure your home is pleasing to the eye.

Renters value many of the same amenities/benefits that buyers seek out, so make your rental home inviting. This includes removing unnecessary clutter, making sure the lawn is freshly cut, adding a fresh coat of paint and having the carpets thoroughly cleaned. You should also take care of any of those repairs you've been putting off. Consulting a licensed real estate salesperson with a knack for home staging might help you rent your home out more quickly.

2) Set a competitive monthly rent.

Before deciding what to charge for monthly rent, do a little research. You can use websites like www.realtor.com to see what comparable rents in your community are going for. Is your competition including monthly utilities and lawn or pool maintenance? What about kitchen appliances and a washer/dryer? Consider all of these factors and set a monthly rent that falls within the average asking range for comparable homes in your area.

3) Promote your home to the masses.

According to the National Association of Realtors, most homebuyers begin their home search online. The same is true for renters. Post your home on your local newspaper's website, community specific websites like www.craigslist.org and national websites like www.rentals.com. If you're working with a real estate agent or management company, they can also put your home into your area's Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Click here to learn how to become a reale state agent

4) Screen potential candidates.

According to Ted Kimball, a California based attorney specializing in landlord/tenant law, there are three basic areas that landlords need to check: credit history, past tenant behavior and criminal history.

"The best way to get good tenants for your property and protect your assets is to use a property management company," advised Kimball. "But if you're not interested in doing that, hire an objective third party to handle the screening of your tenants."

5) Rent with fairness.

Treat every potential renter you meet with the utmost respect. There are laws in place that protect renters if they feel they're being treated unfairly. For example, the Federal Fair Housing Act identifies seven protected classes: religion, national origin, race, ancestry, sex, familial status and disability.

According to the Federal Credit Reporting Act, if you turn down a potential tenant, you must provide in writing a reason why. For example, if it's because of their credit score, let them know that's why and refer them to the credit reporting company who provided the report for further information.

Violating the Federal Fair Housing Act or the Federal Credit Report Act could mean huge fines - whether you meant to or did so by mistake. If you're not using the help of a property management company or a real estate salesperson, review these laws carefully online and have your lease agreement reviewed by an attorney to protect yourself.

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

Labels: accredited online real estate school, How to become a real estate agent, real estate license