Texas Broker Requirement Changes

New TREC Rule doubles time to become Broker

Apply now before rules change

If you were licensed before December 2010 & want to obtain your broker’s license, there is a window of opportunity!

TREC Law Change: As of January 1, 2012, TREC will require a licensed real estate agent to be licensed in the State of Texas for 4 years (instead of 2yrs), before they will be eligible for their Broker’s License. Also, as an additional requirement, you must obtain 3600 points in listing, leasing and sales activity.

HOWEVER, if you apply for your broker’s license no later than December 30, 2011, you can fall under the current guidelines and TREC will give you ONE YEAR to meet the 2 year minimum as a licensed agent, and to meet the education requirements and take & pass your broker’s exam.

Real Estate Brokerage (0711) is a 30-hr CORE Course.
It is required to obtain your Brokers License, and is available
Correspondence at http://www.agentcampus.com/

If you want to get started on your Texas Real Estate License Requirements before the end of the year, agentcampus.com has this course available.  Please feel free to call us 1-512-861-0273 with questions about your college transcript, what courses will count and how many hours you will need to obtain your broker’s license.  We are here for you.

The Analyst: Best Apple App for Real Estate Practitioners

The Analyst , the latest product from Blyncc (pronounced “blink”), LLC, is so good it might be snapped up in a blink. Well, maybe not so soon. But given its high degree of usability to those who are still working on their real estate license or those who are pursuing their real estate continuing education, it might as well be.

The Analyst is a commercial and investment real-estate app for the iPhone and iPad that supplies multiple analyses, financial calculators and due diligence tools, allowing real-estate specialists to evaluate properties and investment viability on the spot.

It also allows commercial real-estate practitioners to produce detailed property-analysis reports and retrieve valuable property due-diligence information such as environmental hazards and property measurements.

The Analyst ranks in the top 15 in the Top Paid Apps, top 10 in the Top Grossing Apps, and Number One in the New & Noteworthy of the App Store Business category. It might as well be numero uno, too, for those who have either already earned their real estate license or are hard at work at their real estate continuing education.

An eBook on Buying, Remodeling, and Real Estate

Joy V. Smith’s recently released ebook, Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure, is creating a wave of comfort in today’s stormy market of defaults and foreclosures. And, it turns out, it’s also an unexpected shot in the arm for those pursuing a real estate license or a real estate continuing education.

Remodeling is a close-up account of how one woman and her family navigated the tricky sailing of selling a house, looking for and buying a new one, and, ultimately, completely renovating it. It sets the model for anyone who’s thinking of braving the daunting task of acquiring a foreclosed house and turning it into a home—even if the house came originally without a sink. It also points the way forward for those looking to have a career in real estate.

Here’s how the buyer did the story from one buyer’s point of view:

Our home was on the market for a few years because we weren’t in a hurry. We loved our house, but wanted to downsize from five acres to less than an acre. We dropped our price a few times and finally got a good offer, though it was less than our current asking price. However, it was for cash. This, of course, makes buying simpler because you don’t have to apply for a mortgage. On the other hand, we couldn’t afford to build, which we would have preferred. We were told that because of all the cheap homes on the market we could get a good deal. Right. Well, fortunately it didn’t take us very long to close, look, and buy; of course, once we sold, we didn’t have a lot of time to look at short sales, since that can take months! We found a house we liked, but it needed lots of work. Find out how we did it and what you should look for.

Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure beckons to anyone coping with a remodeling project—whether you’re an ordinary house owner in Connecticut, an aspiring agent looking to get a real estate continuing education or an out-of-town broker trying to land a New York real estate license.

TOP 10 REASONS TO BECOME A REAL ESTATE AGENT:
1. Unlimited Earning Potential
2. Flexible Hours
3. Freedom to work where and when YOU want
4. Can raise a family and work without sacrificing one for the other
5. No technical skills needed
6. Autonomy
7. Entrepreneurial
8. People Centric
9. Healthy balance of analytics and creative
10. Real Estate market is booming now – jump in

There are more than seven million people in the United States employed in real estate fields such as: title insurance, construction, mortgage banking, property management, real estate appraisals, brokerage and leasing, real estate development.

Over a third of the world’s wealth is tied up in real estate. See it here: http://www.careers-in-finance.com/re.htm

And, getting a Real Estate License from Agentcampus.com can help you with your path to success.

As important as the field of real estate might be, it is also worth recognizing how interesting the work in this field is. Real estate professionals are tied to the development of our society in a very direct way and participate in decisions that will shape the way we live for centuries. Work in real estate is personally rewarding, ever-changing and challenging.

Real estate jobs tend to be more entrepreneurial and create opportunities to become wealthy if you have the right mix of analytical skills and entrepreneurial drive. Below, you will find various job functions that you could be involved in with a real estate license:

Residential Real Estate Agent/Broker
Real estate agents and brokers are usually independent sales professionals who contract their services to real estate brokers in exchanges for a commission-sharing agreement (normally six percent). There are over 400,000 real estate brokers and agents in the United States . To become a broker you must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate and have passed a written test on property laws and real estate transactions

Commercial Real Estate Sales
Commercial property brokerage offices use sales associates who market office buildings, hotels and many other types of commercial real estate for brokers. Commercial real estate sales people usually specialize in a particular property type such as apartments, retail, office, hospitality, shopping centers and industrial plants. Most of the large commercial brokerage companies in the United States provide a great deal of local market data and research in order to be able to service a cadre of sophisticated clients who are making multi-million dollar investment decisions. Several trade organizations represent the various commercial real estate subspecialties including the American Industrial Real Estate Association, the Hotel and Motel Brokers of America at http://www.primenet.com/~amhb/ , the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties at http://www.naiop.org/, the Real Estate Exchange-a forum for women in commercial real estate, the International Council of Shopping Centers at http://www.icsc.org/, and the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors at http://www.sior.com/. Additionally, the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute (CIREI), through its education program, has been conferring the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation since 1969. You can visit their web site at http://www.ccim.com/.

Real Estate Appraisers
Real estate appraisers provide unbiased estimates of a property’s value and quality. Appraisers usually work for banks or for appraiser firms and will normally value properties by finding comparable sales in an area or by estimating the discounted value of cash flows expected from a property. This profession is less cyclical than real estate brokerage because appraisers are required when homes are refinanced-a time historically when the real estate market has been slow. You can learn more about this area from the Appraisal Foundation .

Property Managers
Leading real estate owners require professional property managers. Managers are responsible for negotiating leases, ensuring that tenants are satisfied, that rent is paid and that rents reflect market conditions. The career of property manager requires good interpersonal and analytical skills and a fair amount of negotiating prowess. This job is personally rewarding and allows you to really learn the real estate markets should you wish to embark in business on your own. The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is the trade association representing property managers. Their training programs include the Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) designations. The IREM web site is at http://www.irem.org/.

Real Estate Advisory
Institutional investors are purchasing real estate more and more. But real estate is not like a stock or bond that you can buy and put in a vault. Real estate advisors help investors care for property and, more importantly, select property in the first place by suggesting areas and property types that are likely to experience price appreciation in the future. This job is fun and one that you can get into after getting experience in investing or property management. People who are good with statistics and excel at client contact do well in this job. An example of a leading advisor is Jones Lang Wootton which has 70 offices world-wide.

Development and Construction
Are you willing to work hard and take risks to develop new properties? Then a career in real estate development may be for you. You can enter this business working for another developer, moving up to construction manag er, or you can strike out on your own, starting with some smaller transactions. Good developers are results-oriented and know how to get work on time which involves managing labor, establishing time estimates, getting appropriate equipment operators and c onstruction crews.

Real Estate Entrepreneur
Real estate is one of the last bastions of the free-enterprising entrepreneur who buys properties in hope that they will rise in value because of improvement in market conditions or renovations. Since WWII some of the weal thiest persons in the world have been real estate entrepreneurs. To make it in this career you need to be savvy, hard-working, willing to take risks and fortunate. Remember, there are others who would also like to become wealthy in real estate who will be bidding on the same deals and properties that you will. It is important, then, to think carefully of how you can succeed in this market through better wits, a superior management approach or a unique niche strategy.
If you know that Real Estate is for you and you know that you will be licensed in due time, but would like some more material to read.

Below, you will find highly recommended Books About Real Estate Careers that Agentcampus Career Consultants recommend.

Your Successful Real Estate Career by Kenneth Edwards. Dave Liniger, Chairman of the Board, RE/MAX International, Inc writes: “A hard-hitting and comprehensive guide for anyone looking into real estate as a career. Edwards takes the subject seriously and really covers the territory — from getting a license to surviving and thriving in a tough business. A valuable book on the real estate shelf.”

Make Millions Selling Real Estate, Earning Secrets of Top Agents – Author: Jim Remley – Make Millions Selling Real Estate is your opportunity to learn from the best. Jim Remley is not only an award-winning real estate educator, he’s also an incredibly successful agent whose own wealth has skyrocketed in just a few short years! Jim shares his secrets for knocking years off of the “pay your dues” period. He’ll give you the priceless information that most agents need a lifetime to learn—and that many never do.

The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, Authors: Gary Keller, Dave Jenks & Jay Papasan – “Gary Keller knows the beauty of a simple path to a spectacular goal! Whether you are just getting started or a veteran in the business, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent is the step-by-step handbook for seeking excellence in your profession and in your life.”

Additionally, one or more of the following Magazines and Journals should be on your subscriber list:
• Corporate Real Estate Executive , NACORE International, 440 Columbia Dr., Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, (407) 683-8111.
• Journal of Property Management , Institute of Real Estate Management, (312) 329-6000. Contains a help-wanted section but you must be a member to subscribe.
• Journal of Real Estate Research , American Real Estate Society, Department of Finance, Box 8233, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202.
• Mortgage Banking, Mortgage Bankers Association of America , 1125 15th St., NW , Washington DC 20005 . (202) 861-6555. $40/year. Covers the mortgage market.
• Real Estate Finance Today , Mortgage Bankers Association of America , 1125 15th St., NW , Washington DC 20005 . (202) 861-6555. Focuses on mortgage banking, the mortgage-backed securities market and loan services.
• Real Estate Issues , American Society of Real Estate Counselors, Naitonal Association of Realtors, (312) 329-8257. $27. es on major changes in real estate markets (e.g. role of REITS) three times a year. Very good background reading.
• Real Estate Today , National Association of Realtors, (312) 329-8449. This is the leading magazine read by residential real estate agents and brokers. Full of articles and ads about the residential real estate business. Cost $25 a year ($3 if you be long to the National Association of Realtors).

Buying a house is at the top of the list of most new couples just starting out together. It’s also in the Top Ten of the most difficult endeavors that a couple, young or old, can make. Whether you prefer to live in the city in a condominium or on the coast in a Cape Cod house, choosing the right place to call home for you and your family is one decision that commands much time and thought.

Below are some of the things you must consider before you make any purchase.

1. Accessibility – Transportation is the key factor you must consider when choosing your house. Do you have your own car? If not you must see to it that all common needed destinations are near to your house.

2. Income – Always ensure that your home mortgage is within the family monthly budget. Your monthly income should cover all your basic needs AND the mortgage.

3. Location – Is the neighborhood safe? Does it have all the necessary amenities such as a school, a hospital, a supermarket, a recreational facility? As they say, “Location, location, location.”

Conversely, you might find yourself in the future wanting to resell the house. Here are some of the most common reasons why:

Relocation – A job offer in another state might entail relocation. Having a house close to the place of your employment lessens stress.

Financial capacity – Your current job may be adequate for your family’s needs now, but in the future? An unexpected financial difficulty can force you to move into a house that’s less expensive to maintain.

Likewise, a promotion (and a raise) can also prompt a move—but to a larger house for your growing family.

Deterioration – A poorly maintained house is often a drain on the family finances. Moving to a smaller house sometimes makes more economic sense because it’s easier and less expensive to maintain than a house that has gone to seed.

Natural calamities – A house that has been badly damaged by a tornado, a hurricane, or a flood is more than enough reason to move to another house. Living in an area that is prone to natural calamities is another good reason to move to another location.

Reselling your house, however, is never easy. It requires much planning and some creativity to make it attractive to prospective buyers at the highest value possible.

Here are some tips to consider to up the value of your house before you put it up for sale:

Listed are some pointers to consider that might raise the value of one’s house before it is put up for sale:

1. Repair – Every part of the house that needs repair must be repaired. Anything broken—a rain-stained ceiling, a leaky faucet—always leaves a bad impression on the potential buyer. A house that needs little or no repair is certainly more attractive than a moldy, leaky one.

2. Clean out the attic – The attic, in a very real sense, houses a family’s memories, being the repository of mementos of important moments in the life of the family. When you put up the house for sale the attic must be cleared out completely to make way for the new occupants’ own cache of mementos. Don’t leave anything behind; leave only a roomy attic.

3. Clear out the weed – Mow the lawn, clear the weed. Do this and the place will look and feel larger than it actually is—and it will be more appealing to the buyer, too. A well-maintained garden not only catches the eye but, often, also captures the heart.

4. Check all equipment – If furniture and other equipment are included in the sale, make sure that everything is in good working condition. Wood furniture should be buffed, silver and brass items should be polished.

5. Clean – If not everything is in perfect condition, at least make sure that everything else is clean. If bedroom linens are included, make sure that they are stain-free.

6. Water and electrical wirings – The lights, the outlets, and the switches should all be functioning perfectly, and the water faucets should run at full strength when opened.

7. Windows – These should have the proper locks and no broken panes.

8. Flooring – Nothing, perhaps, can be more off-putting to the prospective buyer than a big carpet stain. It’s certainly an eyesore, so remember to replace the carpet before you start showing off the house. If it cannot be replaced, remove the stain at least.

9. Doors - Doors, believe it or not, are actually the windows on the soul of the house. The main door, especially, not only secures the house from intruders but also serves to welcome visitors. So, make sure all the doors are in good condition.

10. Most importantly, Most important, you and your family must be emotionally ready to let go of the house. Giving up something that is associated with fond memories—of growing-up years, especially—is never easy.

Knowing everything about your property is the best way to maximize the appraisal of your home. It’s also the best way to get the best buy if you’re in the real-estate business. Get started on your Real Estate License career now.

The green building agenda has seen considerable progress in the last two decades. With the fight against climate change becoming more and more pressing by the day, people’s awareness of the key role played by energy-efficient buildings in the fight has likewise magnified. Homeowners and business owners alike are taking an active part in promoting green building because of its direct benefits, such as decreased energy costs and tax credits.

Despite the economy being the way it is right now, green building gives us something to be enthusiastic and optimistic about. Real estate might be one of the hardest hit industries by the recession, but the positive response to the green building campaign has helped things to pick up speed. Bottom line is, there will always be people looking for a place to live. Which means regardless if the economy is only gradually recovering, there will always be work for real estate professionals.

For those who want to work or are already working in the real estate industry, obtaining and maintaining your license can be a breeze with online education. Real estate courses—whether for licensing, continuing education, or ongoing professional development—are all over the Web, and they are a cost-effective solution for your training needs.

Enrolling in an online real estate school is much more affordable than signing up for traditional on-site classes, and there are no extra expenses to deal with, either. With Web-based courses, you won’t have to worry about travel and accommodation costs. This is a welcome relief, especially for employers and professionals with tight budgets.

There’s also the matter of convenience when you take online real estate courses. All that you really need is a computer with an Internet connection, and you’re good to go. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or even on the road, you can take them at anytime of the day, at a pace you’re comfortable with.

Find out how agentcampus.com can help you complete your real estate requirements and send you off on a lucrative career as a real estate professional.

Compared to the rest of the country, the real estate industry in Arkansas has shown signs of recovery despite the recession. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales last June 2009 has remained at a good level. This is good news for residents of Arkansas who are thinking of starting a career in real estate.

Of course, the one thing you’ll need to begin a profitable career in real estate before anything else is an Arkansas real estate license.

The right time to get your real estate license is now. It’s really as simple as that. If you wait until you can get an extended leave of absence from work or until the kids are out of the house, you’ll never get it done. Life won’t always realign everything so that you can dedicate a big chunk of time to pursuing that real estate license.

Fortunately, there’s online real estate training. It’s one of the best alternatives to getting your license in the comforts of your home. All you need is a computer and an Internet connection and you can file away the credit hours you need to get licensed whenever you find the time. Kids finally asleep? Spend an hour or two reading up on Arkansas real estate laws.

Earning that license need not mean putting your life aside. Chances are, you can easily find the time you need to complete your requirements. With the advent of online courses, there’s no reason for you not to be able to get licensed and renew that license every so often. Just remember that, like all kinds of education, choosing the right online real estate school will help you master your topics more easily.

You stand to earn considerable money working as a real estate salesperson or broker. Since most agents get the bulk of their income through commissions, their drive to sell sell sell is what defines them. The really successful realtors are the ones who have the enthusiasm and tenacity to become excellent. All you need to become a success in real estate is the drive. If you have this, then nothing should be able to stop you from making a decent living in real estate. But before all that, you need to find the real estate school that fits your particular needs and get that license.