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.

Labels: california real estate broker license, California real estate license, Real Estate Market

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The Real Estate Market is Primed for an Upswing -- Get Your Real Estate License Today!

With the entire country in a recession and annual home sales at an all-time low, many people might tell you that you are crazy to consider becoming a real estate agent. But there are indicators that the real estate industry is about to undergo a major change. With interest rates lower than ever, undervalued home prices and limited new construction, the real estate market is primed for growth -- meaning opportunity for licensed professionals!

In fact, in February of 2009 the nation saw a strong sign that points to an upward trend in the real estate market. New home construction rose 22.2% and savvy home buyers are taking advantages of the low prices and the opportunity to lock in interest rates as low as 4.5%. So don’t be deterred by the past, take the steps that can help improve your life and provide some quality income for you and your family.

If you are interested in getting your real estate license, you can try and find a local real estate course in your town or city to help provide you with all of the information you would need to pass your state's real estate exam. Each state has different requirements and you should find out exactly what tools you need to become a licensed real estate agent. Nowadays, most people are choosing to take their required real estate courses online -- this makes it much easier for those people who have a full time job or for parents who have children at home.

You can take these online real estate courses when it is most convenient for you and you don't have to worry about attending a class or driving to a remote location. Most courses offer online quizzes that will help you hone your question and answer skills to prepare you for the state exam.

Once you are a licensed real estate salesperson and the housing slump is still in effect, you can begin to build a network of contacts in your community and start launching your real estate career. As the real estate market begins to rebound, you will be in prime position to reap the sales opportunities that are sure to arise when the economy improves. Of course, there is no guarantee exactly when the economy will turn around but by obtaining your real estate license now, you can be assured that you will be ready when the time comes.

The best part about being a real estate agent is the fact that you have a flexible schedule that will allow you to maintain your primary source of income while you start your real estate career. So what are you waiting for? Get your real estate license and seize this opportunity!

Labels: becoming a real estate agent, licensed real estate salesperson, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Market, your real estate license

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Licensed Appraisers: Changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Codes of Conduct

In response to the current state of the real estate market, appraisal practices have come under scrutiny -- during the boom, appraisers routinely signed off on a doubling and tripling of home values. To prevent any further misconduct, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced revisions to their Home Valuation Code of Conduct -- effective May 1, 2009.

Lenders that sell their loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be required to follow new guidelines. The biggest change -- mortgage brokers and realtors will no longer be able to choose their own appraisers. Licensed appraisers will be selected by the lender. This will make the appraisal process more impartial, as lenders have no influence over appraisers. If lenders have their own in-house appraisers, the new code of conduct will prevent the loan-origination department from influencing the appraiser's decision or supervising their work.

If you are a licensed appraiser, you will most likely be affected by these upcoming appraisal changes. As Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are such loan giants, the new code will affect most appraisers nationwide. Lenders who operate independently do not have to follow the new rules; however, the new code can serve to set a good example for the rest of the industry and aid in preventing another housing crisis. It can also provide more opportunities for today's appraisers -- all appraisers can equally vie for available jobs and create a higher standard for the industry in the process.

Labels: Accredited Real Estate School, Appraisal License, Real Estate Market

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Real Estate Markets Poised for Upswing

On July 30, 2008, Bush signed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Intended to stabilize financial markets, this measure is regarded as the most significant housing legislation in decades.

Housing Bill Highlights Include:

- $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit towards the purchase of a home
- Mortgage relief for struggling homeowners
- Low income housing tax credits for more affordable rental housing

Mortgage relief means fewer foreclosures. With a decreased number of homes on the market and an increased demand from buyers with tax credits, the real estate market is on the upswing.

The demand for real estate agents, brokers, appraisers and home inspectors will increase as more buyers enter the market. Trained real estate professionals will play an important role in facilitating the housing bill, but turning homeownership dreams into reality will be the most rewarding part of this career choice.

By Danielle Macklin, Allied Real Estate School, Real Estate Agent License

Labels: Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, Real Estate Market

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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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Tips to Sell in a Buyer's Market

The experts say that it is no longer a seller's market. This doesn't mean that it will be hard to sell, but you might need to make the extra effort to get your house to move faster. By completing a few easy steps, you should be able to get your house sold in the optimal amount of time.

1. Pick a realistic price. Buyers are learning to be more cautious when it comes to investing their money in a new home. With prices leveling off a bit, they want to know that they are making a wise choice. Be practical and choose a price that reflects the current market, not the market six months ago.

Tip: It is recommended that you list your price at or below the competitive market price. (e.g. If your neighbors are asking $400,000, list your home at $395,000 to generate interest.)

2. Go the extra mile. You can attract more buyers by providing an incentive. Gone are the days when people are willing to pay more for less. Buyers are going to be more cautious and sensible about their purchase. You can make them feel like they are getting a good deal.

Tip: You can offer to pay the buyer's closing costs as a perk of the sale. Or you can be flexible with the length of escrow and willing to fix items in the home inspection report.

3. Spruce up the place. Spending a little money to improve the appearance of your house can work magic when it comes to attracting a buyer.

Tip: Fix that wobbly doorknob, plant a new flowerbed, or put on a fresh coat of paint to give your house a fresh and new appearance.

4. Clean, clean, clean. Make sure your house is always clean and pleasing to the buyer. Remember that they are most likely going to be looking in closets, opening the oven door and peeking in showers. You want to show your house in the best possible light.

Tip: Polish the hardwood floors, clean the tile grout, scrub walls, dust high shelves to provide your house with a sparkly appearance.

These are not foolproof methods for a quick sale, but they can give you a leg up on the competition. It's important to show that you are keeping the buyer in mind and that you want to provide a fair sale. That can go far in today's real estate market.

Labels: Real Estate Market, sellers market, Selling a House

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Buy Home With Good Resale Value

Here are few tips when finding a home with good resale value ...

1. Location is Essential - It is very important to know why is the neighborhood in demand and also if there are areas in town that is increasinf in desirability.

2. Who is Buying? - It is important to find out who are the main buyers in the town. Are they senior citizen. If they are senior citizen then buy a real estate that is one level. If majority of the buyers are young families with children then consider a real estate with a large yard and is not fronted by a abusy street.

3. Dont sweat the cosmetics - Look for homes that need cosmetic update because it doesnot take too much to do cosmetic update but if they need one they are often priced under market value.

4. What are buyers looking for? Popular features differ from region to region, so try tofond out whats in demand in your town and make sure that your real estate has one.

Labels: buy a real estate, Real Estate Market, resale value

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