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Real estate licensing stuff

The Role of Unlicensed Assistants in Real Estate Industry

Role of unlicensed assistants

The real estate industry offers a wide range of career opportunities. Many roles within our great industry will require you to get a real estate license and pass the real estate exam, but some still need

The real estate industry offers a wide range of career opportunities. Many roles within our great industry will require you to get a real estate license and pass the real estate exam, but some still need to
Real estate licensing stuff

Balancing a Full-Time Job And a Real Estate Career

Real Estate Job

Starting a new career in real estate can be exciting and rewarding, but pursuing a real estate license while working a full-time job presents challenges. Firstly, time management is a significant concern

Starting a new career in real estate can be exciting and rewarding, but pursuing a real estate license while working a full-time job presents challenges. Firstly, time management is a significant concern when balancing work with studying for the real estate license exam. Allocating sufficient hours to study and attend classes or training sessions can be difficult amid work, family, and other personal commitments. Secondly, maintaining focus and motivation can be challenging. After a long day at work, finding the energy and enthusiasm to study (before you get your license) and prospect and work with clients (after you get your license) can be tricky. Furthermore, managing multiple commitments can lead to mental and physical fatigue. Thirdly, the financial aspects of pursuing a real estate license can be challenging. Obtaining a license involves upfront costs, such as course fees, exam fees, and study materials, which individuals may be hesitant to invest in while supporting themselves and their families through their current job. Lastly, once working, networking and building a professional reputation in real estate can be difficult when your attention is divided between a full-time job and pursuing a license. Networking events and industry-related activities typically occur during regular working hours, making it hard for those with full-time jobs to attend and establish connections. Clients might want to meet or look at property during the hours of your “real job”. Even though pursuing a real estate license while working full-time can be challenging due to time management concerns, maintaining focus and motivation, financial considerations, and difficulties associated with networking and establishing a professional reputation with dedication, discipline, and effective time management, aspiring real estate agents can successfully navigate the path to licensure and embark on their new careers. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect balance between your job and your real estate aspirations: Create a schedule and set goals Time management is crucial when juggling a full-time job and pursuing a real estate license. Set aside dedicated time for studying and attending classes. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks, and track your progress regularly. Set a deadline to get your Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and Elective course certificates of completion so that you have a goal you’re working toward. Set another long-term goal for when your license will be issued and another goal for when you will earn your first commission check. Prioritize your time When managing a full-time job and a real estate career, it's essential to prioritize your time. Identify and focus on completing the most critical tasks in both areas first. Remember to take breaks and give yourself time to recharge. Choose a flexible real estate education program A flexible real estate education program is essential when balancing work and studies like ADHI schools. Look for a program (like ours) that offers online courses, evening classes, or weekend sessions. These options will help you fit your real estate education around your full-time job. In-person physical real estate classes can pose challenges and limitations for students balancing their education with a full-time job. Firstly, these classes often follow a fixed schedule, which might not align with the student's work hours or personal commitments. Limited flexibility makes it difficult for students to attend classes and consistently keep up with the coursework. Additionally, commuting to and from physical classes can be time-consuming and costly, especially for those who live far away from the educational institution. This extra time spent traveling could be better utilized for studying or attending to personal responsibilities. Moreover, physical classes typically have a rigid curriculum and pace, which may not cater to the diverse learning needs of students. Some individuals require more time to understand certain concepts, while others prefer to move faster. In a traditional classroom setting, it can be challenging for instructors to accommodate these different learning styles and needs. Lastly, in-person classes can be more susceptible to disruptions, such as inclement weather or unforeseen events that might lead to class cancellations. This unpredictability can hinder the student's learning progress and overall experience. In summary, in-person physical real estate classes can limit students trying to balance work and education due to their inflexible schedules, time-consuming commutes, rigid pace, and potential for disruptions. A flexible program that offers online or alternative class options is better suited for students who need to fit their real estate education around their full-time job. Utilize your network Networking is a powerful tool when pursuing a real estate career. Connect with other professionals in the industry and ask for advice. Learn from their experiences and apply their tips to your journey. You can start by reading about the experiences of successful real estate agents, such as those featured in "Things You Should Know Before Becoming A Real Estate Agent". This can shave time off your learning curve. Stay organized Staying organized is crucial for managing your time and responsibilities. Use digital tools like calendars, to-do lists, and project management apps to keep track of deadlines, meetings, and study sessions. Stay organized to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Be patient and persistent Pursuing a real estate license while working full-time can be challenging, but remaining patient and persistent is essential. Celebrate small achievements and remind yourself of your long-term goals. With dedication, you can achieve success in both your job and your real estate education. Seek support Don't hesitate to ask for support from friends, family, or coworkers. During your journey, they can provide encouragement, advice, and a listening ear. You can also join online forums or social media groups, such as those mentioned in "Tips For Real Estate Agents On Social Media", to connect with others in similar situations. In conclusion, juggling a full-time job while pursuing a real estate license requires dedication, time management, and a robust support system. By following these tips and incorporating valuable resources like "7 Study Tips For Passing Your Real Estate Exam", you'll be well on your way to launching a successful career in real estate. Love, Kartik
Real estate licensing stuff

Real estate exam prep guide

Real estate exam pre course

What Is A Real Estate Exam Prep Course? A prep course for the real estate exam is an essential tool for any aspiring real estate agent. These courses provide comprehensive learning materials and resources

What Is A Real Estate Exam Prep Course? A prep course for the real estate exam is an essential tool for any aspiring real estate agent. These courses provide comprehensive learning materials and resources designed to prepare and ensure exam success. Often
Real estate licensing stuff

Benefits of instructor-led real estate classes

Benefits using study group

As you prepare for your real estate exam you’ll no doubt take at least one of our crash courses. These lectures and online tools can be done in the comfort of your own home and are based on individual

As you prepare for your real estate exam you’ll no doubt take at least one of our crash courses. These lectures and online tools can be done in the comfort of your own home and are based on individual self-study. But what if you aren’t quite ready for a real estate crash course yet? What if you still need to complete Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice and the elective course in real estate school? While we offer an amazing self-study program to help you finish the required courses there are some students who don’t do well left to their own devices. Does this sound like you? What if you wanted a professional instructor who walked you through the course material, but didn’t need to drive to a physical location? A plus with gas prices being $7 a gallon. To bridge the gap between total self-study and a physical real estate school we offer an amazing Zoom-based option. I made a list of seven benefits of this program to prepare and qualify for the California real estate exam. 1. Eliminate procrastination By coming to our scheduled Zoom calls, you’ll be less inclined to put off studying the material to qualify for the exam. When working independently, it’s easy to procrastinate, but when you make a commitment to meet with our study group you’ll be more motivated to press on and prepare so you’re ready to cover the material with other group members. 2. You’ll Probably Learn Faster Members of study groups like those on our Zoom calls tend to learn faster than individuals who work independently. With any type of learning, it’s common to get stuck on a concept and have difficulty getting over the proverbial learning hump. With fellow students and an instructor to talk out concepts with, it can clarify some of the drier material. 3. Fill in Gaps in Notes While you might prepare for class by watching some of the videos on our YouTube channel questions might arise as you watch the videos or read the textbooks. Bring you questions to class and the instructor will answer them and encourage you to deep-dive into the course material. You can read the book on your own first, knowing that if you do have a question you’ll be able to ask it to the instructor and bounce ideas off other students in the process. As a result, fewer gaps exist, when it’s time to take the real estate exam you’ll be better prepared. 4. Sharpen Your Study Skills Everyone has their own techniques they use to study. However, working with a diverse group of other hopeful real estate agents empowers you to sharpen your own study skills. You’ll be able to learn from the strengths of others and maybe even share your own with them. 5. Break Up Monotony of Studying Alone Studying alone is very monotonous and it could lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and loneliness. On the other hand, working with a group pursuing the same goals not only adds socialization, it gives you something to look forward to nearly daily. Check out our schedule of Zoom classes here! <hyperlink to https://www.adhischools.com/schedule > 6. Hone Your People Skills Working as a real estate agent means you’ll need to hone your people skills if you don’t already possess them. Success in our industry is based on your ability to work with other people. In study groups, you’ll encounter a variety of personalities and this will strengthen your ability to communicate with different people - a must in real estate! 7. Get a Jump on Networking In a sense, a study group can be your first step into developing your professional network. In any industry, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Often, those on our Zoom calls have built a sense of camaraderie – the perfect seed to grow a professional network. Remember, not only can you connect with members of your group, but they can introduce you and vice versa to other people. Knowing you have friends in real estate upon passing your exam is a great feeling - It’s never too soon to build a professional network! In order to pass California’s licensing exam you’ll need to gain a full understanding of the topics and concepts used in everyday real estate business. Joining our Zoom calls can put you on a solid path. If you are interested in getting a free guest pass to check out one of our Zoom study sessions, click here and pick a day and time that works for you. I look forward to seeing you on an upcoming real estate Zoom call! Love, Kartik
Real estate licensing stuff

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Real Estate Agent

New blog4

Changing careers and becoming a Realtor is a major step in anyone's life. As such, a real estate agent has to budget for pre- and post-licensing expenses as accurately as possible. But it isn’t only

Changing careers and becoming a Realtor is a major step in anyone's life. As such, a real estate agent has to budget for pre- and post-licensing expenses as accurately as possible. But it isn’t only real estate agents who have to account for these sorts of expenses. Most professional service providers like accountants and attorneys are just a few of the similar models that budding real estate agents can look at as a model. .h2head{text-transform:none;color:grey;font-weight:500;margin-top:40px;} .bull1{margin-left:50px;} .bull2{margin-left:50px;} .bull3{padding-right:20px; padding-left:20px;} .bull4{padding-right:15px;padding-left:20px;} .bull5{padding-right:15px; padding-left:20px;} .bull6{padding-right:20px; padding-left:20px;} @media(max-width:800px){ .bull1{margin:auto 0;} .bull2{margin:auto 0;} .bull3{padding-left:-0px;} .bull4{padding-left:-0px;} .bull5{padding-left:-0px;} .bull6{padding-left:-0px;} } Real Estate School Cost Before becoming a Realtor, prospective agents have to pay for real estate license classes in order to sit for the state examination. Real estate courses aren't free and as such you should budget the cost of real estate school into your plans. ADHI Schools’ real estate license courses: $150-$499 Real Estate Exam Fees In addition to the cost of the licensing courses at a state approved real estate school, there are exam and license fees to consider as well. Also, remember that this article is written and published in March of 2020. These fees can change over time. You are encouraged to check our website or call us at 888 768 5285 to ensure that you are looking at the most recent set of fees. State examination: $60 4 year real estate license: $245 Criminal background/Livescan fee: $80 Real Estate Broker Fees Once you complete all these pre-license costs, the broker you decide to associate with will determine the next set of costs. When shopping for a place to hang your hat in the early days of your real estate career, be sure to find out about: ⦁Desk fees, if any, that you will have to remit to the broker. These are fees that the broker charges whether or not you actually sell anything. ⦁ The commission split you have to pay to the broker. Most brokers will take some portion of the commission you pay to them from every transaction that you close. ⦁ What day-to-day expenses, if any, the brokerage will cover. ⦁How and if the brokerage will help you get leads. Ongoing Costs: Marketing Expenses, Continuing Education, Travel All the factors listed above should play a part in your decision about which broker to choose after you get your real estate license. Remember, there's much more to your upfront expenses than real estate courses and tuition for real estate license school. Note that, like most other business professionals and entrepreneurs, you will have some expenses even before getting a license. After that, there will be other costs, only some of which should be considered "upfront" in nature. A few, like ongoing marketing expenses, continuing education costs and travel expenses should be put into the "ongoing" category since they need not be paid before you earn your first commissions. Realtor Membership Dues Don’t forget that to join professional associations like the National and California Association of Realtors will also set you back over $1,000 annually in California. This will cover your access to the Multiple Listing Service, the contract generation software and an eKey that will allow you to open homes with lockboxes. Marketing Fees As an active real estate agent, you will also likely have ongoing marketing fees of at least $1,000 or more per year: This category includes necessary items for getting your name out there, like business cards, flyers, advertising, signs, websites and similar items. Keep in mind that your broker might cover some of the above expenses for you. That's why it is essential that you discuss all the details of expense coverage, desk fees and commission splits with your prospective broker. Those factors will have a profound effect on what comes out of your pocket as opposed to what someone else will pay once you decide to become a Realtor. Now That You Know the Cost, It’s Time to Start Your Career Starting your new real estate career with eyes wide open is helpful. I wanted to write a blog post specifically about this as I know that the newer real estate licensee will likely have many of these questions. If you haven’t taken the first step to become a real estate agent, enroll in our real estate license courses today! Check out our real estate success stories for inspiration! Call me at 888 768 5285 if we can be helpful. Love, Kartik
Real estate licensing stuff

Do this BEFORE you get your real estate license

Purchase contract in front of realtor and prospective home buyers

I was up in the high desert a few days ago and spoke to a group of students who had recently finished our real estate school and work for Alam Realty. While I was speaking to them something came up that

I was up in the high desert a few days ago and spoke to a group of students who had recently finished our real estate school and work for Alam Realty. While I was speaking to them something came up that surprised me. Many of our recent graduates had clients that they were working with within just days of getting their licenses issued. I pulled the broker aside and I said, "Mohammad, how are these guys hitting the ground running so quickly? Most new agents have a 60 to 90 day period where they're still learning the purchase contract. They're still learning how to get customers. They're still kind of getting their feet wet. Your team seems to be doing well very soon after getting licensed. Why is this?” Mohammad said to me, "Kartik, you don't remember I do a class here on Tuesday nights." Turns out that every Tuesday he does a real estate class on sales skills. He also teaches the purchase contract and provides tips about the industry before they get their license. This got me thinking about what you could do (no matter where you live) as a current student of ours to hit the ground running. One mistake that I see a lot of people make is they're so focused on preparing for the real estate exam test they think, "I'll learn about the contract and pick a broker later on. Let me focus right now on passing the test.” While that's semi-true I would highly recommend that you start learning about the business and about the industry early in your journey. Don't wait until you get your real estate license to do that. There's no law against you learning the purchase contract or reading the listing agreement now before you get your license. There's no law against you shadowing a successful real estate agent. There's no law against you attending a sales meeting before you get a license. There's no law against you interviewing with real estate companies. I would try to get immersed in the culture as early as possible as the state will take four to eight weeks to process your exam application. What that means is even after you pass the three courses and you apply for the exam it can take a long while before you're taking the actual real estate exam. It’s super important to build momentum through the licensing process. Again, one big mistake that I see a lot of people make is that a lot of students are so focused on the test that they don't think about what's going to happen after they get their license. You don't want to run out of steam early in the game. Remember you don’t yet have a license so you might not be able to solicit for customers. You're not going to have a Supra lock box or an eKEY now but there's a lot of things that you could be doing now that will make sure that you obtain success quickly. Love, Kartik
Real estate licensing stuff

The Costs Associated With Getting Your Real Estate License in California

Cost of real estate school

If you want to become a real estate agent in California you’ll need to get a real estate license -shocker! The requirements are pretty simple and straightforward. The most basic is that you have to be

If you want to become a real estate agent in California you’ll need to get a real estate license -shocker! The requirements are pretty simple and straightforward. The most basic is that you have to be at least 18 years old and must complete three college level courses in real estate. Getting licensed is the first step - If you want to work in the real estate industry you will eventually have to place your license with a real estate broker who will act as your “responsible broker”. Before you can start working, however, there are some additional requirements which include taking and passing the real estate license exam and obtaining your real estate license, and clearing criminal background. Once you complete these steps, you’re eligible to be licensed to work as a real estate agent in California. Depending on state processing timeframes this process can take approximately five to six months from start to finish. As a student in our real estate license school, you should understand there are some fees associated with obtaining your license. The good news is you don’t have to pay them allat once as the costs can be spread out over the course of several months. Here’s a quick rundown: 1. 135-hour pre-license course [3 college level classes in real estate] In order to take the real estate exam, you’ll have to complete three college level courses in real estate. The classes are Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and an elective that you would choose from a list of possible courses. ADHI Schools offers a variety of choices from Real Estate Appraisal, Property Management and Escrows among others. While these courses could be completed at a community college my recommendation is that you complete these at a private real estate school like ADHI Schools. The classes can generally be finished faster and our textbooks are included with one low price. How you choose a real estate school is an important decision that should be taken seriously. We also offer optional-to-attend study sessions over Zoom and in-person real estate crash courses to prep you for the actual state board exam. Our programs also offer hundredsof practice questions so you are ready on test day! Our premiere package including the crash course is just $499. 2. State exam fee The fee for the sales license exam is $60 and is payable directly to the state. There are small fees paid to the state if you need to reschedule your test. 3. Livescan fee Everyone seeking to operate as a California real estate agent must submit their fingerprints through DOJ's Live Scan Program. If you are a California resident, you’ll pay a $49 fingerprint processing fee, along with a $30 fee if you have ADHI Schools perform the Livescan. Once the fingerprint scan is submitted and fee is paid, your fingerprints are sent to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The DRE will review the background and issue your license or reach out to you for more information. 4. License application fee Once the above steps are completed, all that’s left is the license application fee, which is $245 in California to obtain a real estate salesperson license. The DRE requires a license to be renewed every four years, which costs $245. 5. Future expenses Accompanying the $245 fee due every four years for renewal, the DRE requires licensees to complete 45 hours of approved continuing education courses This includes courses that cover Ethics, Agency, Fair Housing, Trust Fund Handling, Risk Management, and Management and Supervision. Licensees must also take approved courses related to consumer protection. Continuing education must be done prior to renewal. These costs are trivial and the class are also super affordable. This breakdown should help you factor these and future costs associated with your decision to enter our great real estate industry. Essentially, your startup costs to become a licensed real estate agent in California will only be a few hundred dollars making this a very affordable career choice - especially considering you can immediately get to work without having to go through years of college. If you are interested in learning more about getting your real estate license, reach out to us by phone at 888 768 5285 or visit our website here. One word of caution - please make sure that you are reviewing the DRE and our own website for the latest exam and license fees. Love, Kartik
Real estate licensing stuff

How I Got Started in Real Estate Education

Empty classroom for a real estate prelicensing course

I get this question a lot:  "How did you start teaching these real estate classes? What's the story behind your school?"You can listen to my podcast about it here, or read on. Long story short — it

I get this question a lot:  "How did you start teaching these real estate classes? What's the story behind your school?"You can listen to my podcast about it here, or read on. Long story short — it happened by chance.ADHI Schools is a brainchild of my passion, education and past experiences. Ultimately, I combined my love for real estate and teaching and turned it into a real estate school.   It Started With a Love for Teaching   When I was going through college in the late '90s and early 2000s, I taught the SATs to disadvantaged high school students. Back then, parents of means could pay for SAT prep classes for their kids, but kids without money didn't have the same advantage.This disparity meant that average students couldn't prep as well as those who had access to the premium classes that cost thousands of dollars. To make matters worse, they didn't have the internet to help them. Today, people with tenacity and focus can learn just about anything on the internet — however, back then, there was no YouTube or online schools to give them a leg up.During this time I spent teaching the SATs, I developed a love for showing others how to thrive and be successful through education. It was exciting to empower people and level the playing field in the age of little to no internet.   I Saw the Sign   After I finished college and got my real estate license, I joined a brokerage. There was a sign behind this office that advertised a real estate school. I was just starting out and didn't sell anything for about three weeks. Although this is not a long time to not sell anything in real estate, I was particularly over-caffeinated and impatient, so I decided to try to pick up a side hustle.I called the 800 number on the flier and a man picked up. I asked him if he needed help teaching these classes. I also asked him out of curiosity how much it paid. When I heard that the pay was $60/hour, I called that man twice a day for a month until he finally relented and gave me a chance. He offered me a spot in Norco. I reviewed the material and taught the class, giving my best effort.The next day, the owner of the school called me and asked me how I thought things went. I told him that I thought things went pretty well. He responded, "Well, actually, all of them called simultaneously and asked for a refund, but I like you. If you're willing to try, there's another class you can take over once a week ... BUT, you can never go back to Norco.I agreed. Soon one class turned into three to four classes a week. After I gained experience and confidence, I started my own real estate school in October 2003. The rest is history. We're now in our 15th year in business.   Serendipity and Success   If I hadn't gone into that real estate office and sat in that seat and seen that sandwich sign, perhaps ADHI Schools wouldn't exist now.  The real estate school sign was situated right behind my desk at the real estate office I chose to join. If I had chosen to work anywhere else, I might not have had that opportunity to initially teach - and our real estate school might not exit.Though it all happened through a series of accidental events, the result feels meant to be. I have worked with the same group of people for years, and they feel like family. We have a bunch of instructors, assistants and managers who all work together to make our school the powerhouse it is today.My real estate teacher was my mentor. I learned so much from watching how he taught real estate classes. He had lots of experience teaching classes to big-name brokerages since the '70s and '80s. I carry a lot of what I learned from him still today, because before you can branch out, you need to first imitate people who are successful in what you want to do.   So that's the story. Now I also have a brokerage, real estate school and marketing company. I stay busy, and I like it that way!   Make Your Own Story   Feeling fired up? Ready to start your own success story? Find out more about our real estate courses by calling the office at 888-768-5285. We would be happy to help get you enrolled in California Real Estate License courses!
Real estate licensing stuff

Crucial Legal Updates for California Real Estate Professionals

Real estate agent showing potential property to young couple

Find here a summary of important legislative updates affecting California real estate professionals. Assembly Bill 1650—Disclosure Requirements on Solicitations New legislation has been signed

Find here a summary of important legislative updates affecting California real estate professionals. Assembly Bill 1650—Disclosure Requirements on Solicitations New legislation has been signed into law by the governor that affects disclosure requirements on real estate solicitation materials. A.B. 1650 is concerned with real estate licensees disclosing when they are performing a task that requires a license if it is intended as a first point of contact with a consumer. Thus any publishing or distributing of materials that advertise a product or service that requires a license must state that a license is required for that activity. For example, if a REALTOR® wants to advertise his or her listing services, their distributed material must make it clear that listing a property requires a real estate license. All of these “first point of contact” materials are also required to include the licensees license identification number and apply to mortgage loan originators as well, not just real estate salespersons or brokers. The new law provides examples of materials that will require this disclosure. It specifically states that covered materials “includes business cards, stationery, advertising flyers, and other materials designed to solicit the creation of a professional relationship between the licensee and a consumer”. Note that this is not an all-inclusive list and any other material intended as a first point of contact with consumers would be subject to the same requirements. The real estate commissioner has the power to define the list further. This law’s reach does not extend, however, to “an advertisement in print or electronic media” or to for sale signs. SB 710 Clarifies Team Name Laws Current California law requires the listing of the company name and responsible broker’s license number on all team advertising materials, which was not the intent of legislators when they originally wrote the law. Enter Senate Bill 710, which, effective immediately, changes the requirement from both the “name under which the responsible broker is currently licensed by the bureau and conducts business in general or is a substantial division of the real estate firm” and the associated license identification number, to that name or that name and the license identification number. Those wishing to refrain from listing the broker’s identification number on advertising materials may now do so. Again, this law is effective immediately. For any further information, the text of the legislation can be found here AB 2330 Updates Broker Associates Searchable Information and Broker Notification Requirements The California legislature has unanimously passed and Gov. Brown has signed into law AB 2330 and goes into effect January 1st, 2018. This new law requires brokers to “immediately notify the Commissioner in writing” when a new real estate salesperson hangs their license under the broker or is terminated by the broker. “Willful or knowing” violation of this provision is punishable as a misdemeanor. Brokers must also report to CalBRE if a licensee is an “associate licensee” and if so, which broker the licensee is contractually associated with. CalBRE will be required to publish this information as well. AB 197, SB 32: Greenhouse Gas Legislation A seemingly unusual law for inclusion in a real estate-centered legislative update, but this law actually has the potential to be quite important. This law requires the State Air Resources Board to “approve a statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit equivalent to the statewide greenhouse gas emissions level in 1990” to be achieved by 2020. By 2030 greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced to 40% below 1990 levels. The board is also required to “protect the state’s most impacted and disadvantaged communities” while creating these regulations. This means that more steps will be taken to lower emissions—steps that have not yet been decided. The economic impacts are not yet known. Housing is clearly an issue that disadvantaged communities are concerned with, perhaps lending strength to the argument that policies that would directly affect the housing market will not be included. Yet, there is not yet any such guarantee. Real estate professionals should watch this law and its impacts as they assess their markets. Adhi encourages our students and readers to pay attention to politics and the state of the economy as our industry is dependent upon consumer confidence and a healthy economy. AB 73: Clarifications Upon Disclosures of Death, HIV This law, which took effect on September 25th, 2016, updates the wording of the law to clarify required disclosures. One such clarification is the confirmation that owners and agents are not required to disclose an occupant’s death or cause of death on the property if it occurred more than three years prior “to the date the transferee offers to purchase, lease, or rent the property”. Previously the law only stated that failure to disclose under these circumstances provided no cause of action. This law also clarifies the disclosures surrounding HIV/AIDS. Owners and agents are not required to disclose that “an occupant of the property was living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or died from AIDS-related complications” at any point. It is of crucial importance that California real estate professionals fully understand these disclosure requirements in order to fulfill their duties to their client and not violate the law. AB 2406, AB 2299, and SB 1069: “Accessory Dwelling Units” These laws change some requirements for the zoning and creation of “Accessory Dwelling Units” (ABUs), formerly referred to as “Second Units”. AB 2406 permits a “local [housing] agency” to “provide by ordinance” for the creation of ABUs in single-family or multifamily residential areas. This includes “Junior” ABUs within a single-family home. Any proposed ordinance to permit these ABUs must include “among other things”, building standards for the creation of said ABUs, “required deed restrictions, and occupancy requirements”. Additional parking requirements for the unit are prohibited by this law. AB 2299 and SB 1069 work together to change the term “Second Unit” to “Accessory Dwelling Unit” as well as establish guidelines for ADU permit review processes and restrictions with the declared hope of increasing housing supply in the state. Cities and counties are permitted to identify and/or evaluate potential sites for the creation of ABUs. Cities and counties will be able to substitute ABUs for up to 25% of “the community’s obligation to identify sites for any income category” (meaning that communities that invest in housing may include ABUs as part of said investment, with further requirements.) The laws also mandate that local agencies approve or disapprove applications “ministerially without discretionary review” unless they have adopted their own ordinance in accordance with this law—incentivizing local agency cooperation. Local agencies can adopt certain restrictions to accommodate other zoning laws. For specific requirements and details of these laws, visit them here: AB 2406,  AB 2299, SB 1069 We welcome feedback and commentary from our readers on these important new laws. Do you foresee important market impacts? Will any of these laws affect your business in any way? Let us know in the comments. And as always, for any questions or clarifications feel free to reach out to cody@adhischools.com
Real estate licensing stuff

Expedited Real Estate Licensing for Veterans

Usa military veterans walking off of plane

In what should be exciting news to any Veterans looking to pursue a career in real estate, effective July 1st the initial licensure processing for all honorably discharged Veterans will be expedited. S.B.

In what should be exciting news to any Veterans looking to pursue a career in real estate, effective July 1st the initial licensure processing for all honorably discharged Veterans will be expedited. S.B. 1226 added Section 115.4 to the Business and Professions Code (BPC) and requires that all boards within the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs “expedite, and may assist, the initial licensure process” for any applicant that can prove honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces. This includes the licensure process under the California Bureau of Real Estate. The Salesperson Exam/ License Application also provides the details for this expedited process. There is no word yet on how expedited the process will be, but considering the process can currently take several weeks this should be a valuable perk for Veterans. We at Adhi Schools would like to thank all Veterans for their service and remind our readers that Veterans receive a 25% discount from our live packages if they choose Adhi for their real estate education. We are proud to say that we have many Veteran students who have completed our programs and we always provide the highest quality real estate education to those who have served our country.
Real estate licensing stuff

Our real estate commissioner

Licence

Jeff Davi is the current Real Estate Commissioner for the California Bureau of Real Estate. He is a licensed real estate broker and a graduate of St. Mary's College in Moraga. The Real Estate Commissioner

Jeff Davi is the current Real Estate Commissioner for the California Bureau of Real Estate. He is a licensed real estate broker and a graduate of St. Mary's College in Moraga. The Real Estate Commissioner is the head of the Bureau of Real Estate. The DRE adds "Commissioner Davi previously served as a Director for the California Association of Realtors and President of the Monterey County Association of Realtors. He also served as president of the Economic Development Corporation of Monterey County, was co-founder of the Affordable Housing Steering Council of Monterey County and was on the founding board of directors of the Monterey County Visitor and Convention Bureau." He was appointed on October 6, 2004.
Real estate licensing stuff

Have you taken classes overseas? Want to count these toward your license education requirements?

Alphabet blocks spelling out the word study on a table

In order to get a real estate license, you have to take classes. We all know that. In order to get a brokers license, you could use a college degree to waive the two-year experience requirement. We

In order to get a real estate license, you have to take classes. We all know that. In order to get a brokers license, you could use a college degree to waive the two-year experience requirement. We also know that. What about if you have taken classes at a University overseas? The Department of Real Estate requires:"Courses must be completed at an institution of higher learning accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or by a comparable regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, or by a private real estate school which has had its courses approved by the California Real Estate Commissioner."If you have taken a course or have a degree from overseas the courses "completed through foreign institutions of higher learning must be evaluated by a foreign credentials evaluation service approved by the Department of Real Estate."Check out the form to use to submit the foreign transcripts here.Let me know if you have any questions!
Real estate licensing stuff

Taking the real estate exam if you have a disability

Screen reader for a blind person attached to computer

My sister was born with cerebral palsy, I am intimately familiar with those affected by physical disabilities. The Department of Real Estate has a form that you can use, if needed, to request special

My sister was born with cerebral palsy, I am intimately familiar with those affected by physical disabilities. The Department of Real Estate has a form that you can use, if needed, to request special accommodations during your state exam.Here is an excerpt from the form""In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336, the Department of Real Estate (DRE) provides “reasonable accommodations” for examination applicants with disabilities. It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify DRE of alternative arrangements needed. DRE will provide special accommodations once your accommodation needs are documented. The information requested below and any documentation regarding your disability will be considered strictly confidential and will not be shared with any outside source without your express written permission."In 2006, I brought this to the attention of the California Department of Real Estate at an open forum and DRE executive Barbara Bigby assured me that the DRE is committed to providing examinees with accommodations in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.ADHI Schools is committed to providing a world-class learning experience. Please let me know if we can help in any way!
Real estate licensing stuff

Latest Department of Real Estate statistics

Licence

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.Heading { display: table-row; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; } .Row { display: table-row; } .Cell { display: table-cell; border: solid; border-color: gray; border-width: thin; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; } .cell_1{ width: 620px; height: 20px; } .cell_2{ width:300px; } .cell_3{ width:80px; height:19px; } .cell_4{ width:300px; height:19px; } .cell_5{ width:80px; height:19px; } .p_table{ color: gray !important; font-size: 17px !important; } .p_table1{ color: gray !important; font-size: 17px !important; text-align:left; } These are as of September 2008 from the Department of Real Estate website September 2008 This month Last month 12 months ago 24 months ago Licensee Population: Brokers 152,832 152,854 149,189 139,822 Salespersons 384,753 386,510 394,005 374,462 Total Licensees 537,585 539,364 543,194 514,284 Real Estate Licenses Issued: Original Broker Original Broker 571 728 749 514,284 Original Salesperson 1,160 1,240 2,940 Examinations: Broker Administered 999 914 842 Salesperson Administered 1,590 1,855 14,918
Real estate licensing stuff

What's on the real estate salespersons exam?

Licence

According to the Department of Real Estate, the salespersons examination consists of the following topics with the following distribution of questions in percentage terms:Property Ownership and Land Use

According to the Department of Real Estate, the salespersons examination consists of the following topics with the following distribution of questions in percentage terms:Property Ownership and Land Use Controls and Regulations (approximately 18% of exam)Laws of Agency (approximately 12% of exam)Valuation and Market Analysis (approximately 12% of exam)Financing (approximately 13% of exam)Transfer of Property (approximately 9% of exam)Practice of Real Estate and Mandated Disclosures (approximately 24% of exam)Contracts (approximately 12% of exam)Notice that the "practice" section of the exam consists of about one-quarter of the test! (About 40 questions!)Study hard!
Real estate licensing stuff

What is Livescan?

Digital fingerprint

Livescan fingerprinting is an electronic method of capturing and distributing fingerprints. The Department of Real Estate requires that all applicants for a salesperson or broker license have a Livescan

Livescan fingerprinting is an electronic method of capturing and distributing fingerprints. The Department of Real Estate requires that all applicants for a salesperson or broker license have a Livescan done and pass a background check by the Department of Justice and the FBI. In a previous blog, I talked about criminal history and a real estate license. Just a quick reminder that you have to have a Livescan done to get a license. The form that you would use to get this can be found hereAlso, a list of Livescan service providers can be found hereIt is my experience that a lot of the centers on that list have moved or are no longer in business, so I would call ahead and talk to someone before you go. Some of the centers require an appointment, so be sure to check them out before you drive out. As always, I am here to help. Contact me with any questions!Good luck!
Real estate licensing stuff

Can I obtain a real estate license if I have background issues?

Criminal background check paperwork being filled out

Well, the short answer to this is - it depends. First of all, I am not the Department of Real Estate and have no idea whether or not the DRE will approve or deny YOUR specific circumstance. However,

Well, the short answer to this is - it depends. First of all, I am not the Department of Real Estate and have no idea whether or not the DRE will approve or deny YOUR specific circumstance. However, there are a few hard and fast rules that reign true:1. DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE! The DRE will find out out of you have omitted some portion of your background. This may be construed as attempting to obtain a license by fraud and could result in your license application being denied.2. If the DRE does grant you a license, they may require your supervising broker to sign something stating that they are aware of your past. 3. From the DRE Guide to Obtaining and Maintaining a license"In the event you have one or more offenses to report, please take extra care to disclose all actions and convictions regardless of how long ago they occurred, or whether or not a conviction has been expunged under Penal Code Section 1203.4, or a similar statute. The failure to disclose charges/convictions will result in substantial delays in the processing of your application and may also result in denial of the license application."So even things that were expunged from your record must be disclosed to the DRE.Bottom line: When in doubt, disclose!
Real estate licensing stuff

Are you a lawyer that wants a real estate license in California?

Lawyer studying for the real estate license exam

If you are a licensed attorney in California you are exempt from the college-level course requirements in order to obtain a real estate salesperson or California brokers license. In other words, you

If you are a licensed attorney in California you are exempt from the college-level course requirements in order to obtain a real estate salesperson or California brokers license. In other words, you can pop right into the sales license exam without needing to complete Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, or the elective classes that are normally required. Evidence of admission to practice Law in California must be furnished, such as a photocopy of both sides of a California State Bar membership card. However, the requirements for an attorney to qualify to take the broker exam are different. If you are a licensed attorney in California, you must have two years full-time licensed sales experience within the last five years or have at least two years real estate related experience within the last five years related to your law practice. Before applying for the broker exam, licensed attorneys will need to submit a RE 227 Equivalent Experience Verification document form outlying this experience along with their brokerexam or broker exam/license combination application. ADHI Schools has had many licensed attorneys in California take our program and obtain either a sales or broker license. By the way, nothing waives the requirements for either real estate exam itself. All real estate license applicants regardless of experience or education must pass the state exam for either license. One last tip - you can't have both the sales and broker license at the same time in California - it's one or the other. Got questions? Call ADHI Schools, LLC at 888 768 5285 or visit adhischools.com for more information!