The real estate industry plays a pivotal role in today's economy, driving the
growth and stability of communities all across California and the United States.
Read more...
The real estate industry plays a pivotal role in today's economy, driving the
growth and stability of communities all across California and the United States.
The real estate industry is a big part of our e
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Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a student at our real estate school, or a professional within the real estate industry, trust and transparency are critical factors in your interactions and transactions. Read more...
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a student at our real estate school, or a professional within the real estate industry, trust and transparency are critical factors in your interactions and transactions. An essential component of this transparency is the real estate license number. Every licensed real estate professional is issued a unique identifier: a license number. This number is not merely an administrative detail but a tool to uphold professionalism and instill confidence in the industry.
Looking up a real estate license number is an extra step in an already complex process. However, it's a task that carries significant importance. Firstly, it allows clients to verify the credentials of a real estate professional, ensuring that they are dealing with a licensed individual with the necessary training and competence. This can help protect clients from fraudulent practitioners or those who don't have the necessary credentials.
Additionally, for real estate professionals, verifying a license number can provide insight into a colleague's professional background and standing, such as any disciplinary actions taken against them. It fosters accountability within the profession and is an essential part of due diligence in transactions like referrals and collaborations.
In essence, checking a real estate license number is a straightforward measure that enhances trust and transparency. It's an essential step in ensuring the legitimacy of interactions in real estate. As we delve deeper into this topic, we will explore what a real estate license number is, how to look one up, and why this simple check can significantly impact your real estate journey.
Understanding What a Real Estate License Number Is
A real estate license number is a unique identifier, much like a badge of legitimacy, assigned to each real estate professional who has successfully passed their real estate exam and received licensing from their state's regulatory body. This distinct number serves as proof of a professional's eligibility to conduct real estate transactions within their respective state. This applies to various roles in the industry, whether one is a real estate broker, an agent, an appraiser, or any other certified professional in the field.
However, a real estate license number provides more than proof of licensure. It is a gateway to a wealth of information about the professional's background and track record. When you look up a real estate license number, you can typically find details such as:
The licensee's full name.
The licensee's professional standing (whether active, inactive, or retired licensee).
The license status (whether it's current, expired, suspended, or revoked).
Any disciplinary actions taken against the licensee by the regulatory body.
The dates of issue and expiration of the license.
The licensee's areas of specialty or additional certifications.
Details of the licensee's affiliated brokerage, if applicable.
It's important to note that the specific details accessible can vary between states, as each state's regulatory body may have different rules and regulations regarding the transparency of license information.
Understanding and using this information effectively can help you make informed decisions in your real estate transactions. Whether you're confirming an agent's credentials, considering hiring, or verifying the standing of a peer, understanding what a real estate license number is and the information it provides is a key step in confidently navigating the real estate landscape.
Situations When You Might Need to Lookup a Real Estate License Number
You should look up a real estate license number in several situations. Here are some common scenarios:
Hiring a Real Estate Agent or Broker: If you're a client preparing to embark on a real estate transaction, hiring a licensed professional to guide you is essential. Looking up their real estate license number allows you to verify their standing, check for any disciplinary actions, and ensure they can legally assist with your real estate needs. It provides a level of reassurance about the professional's qualifications and credibility.
Verifying a Professional's Credentials: In some instances, you may need to confirm the credentials of a real estate professional. For example, suppose you're another real estate agent considering a partnership or a client looking for specialist services. In that case, you should check whether the professional holds the necessary certifications or specialties.
Filing a Complaint: Unfortunately, there might be circumstances when you're unsatisfied with a real estate professional's service, suspect malpractice, or need to resolve a dispute. In these cases, you would need the real estate license number to file a formal complaint with the relevant state licensing board. The licensing board uses the number to identify the individual involved and investigate the matter appropriately.
Conducting Due Diligence: For professionals involved in complex transactions, such as real estate lawyers or investors, looking up a license number may be necessary in their due diligence process. This process can help verify the identities and credentials of all involved parties, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
For Journalism or Research Purposes: Journalists, researchers, or anyone conducting a study on real estate markets might need to look up real estate license numbers to gather information for their projects. License information can provide valuable insights into market trends, regulatory compliance, or professional demographics.
Looking up a real estate license number can serve various purposes, all centered around ensuring credibility, accountability, and transparency within the real estate industry. It's a simple yet effective tool for safeguarding the interests of all parties involved in real estate transactions.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Lookup a Real Estate License Number
Looking up a real estate license number is usually a straightforward process - far easier than finding out who owns a particular property. However, please note that the specifics might vary slightly from state to state due to differences in real estate regulations and the design of each state's real estate commission website. Here's a general guide on how to do this:
Identify the Relevant State Real Estate Commission Website: Each state has its own Real Estate Commission or similar regulatory body overseeing real estate professionals' licensing. You must visit the appropriate website for the state where the real estate professional is licensed. A simple Google search using the state's name and "Real Estate Commission" should help you find the right site.
Navigate to the 'License Lookup' Section: Once on the state's real estate commission website, look for the 'License Lookup,' 'Verify a License,' 'Licensee Search,' or a similarly named feature. This feature is typically easy to find and is often located in a prominent place on the website's homepage or under a 'Public Resources' or 'Consumer Tools' tab.
Enter the Necessary Information: In the license lookup section, you'll typically see fields where you can enter information about the licensee. This could be the person's name, the company's name, or the license number itself if you have it but want to verify its validity. Fill in as much information as you can to facilitate the search.
Conduct the Search: Once you've entered the required information, hit the 'Search' or 'Submit' button to start the search. The system will then scan its database for the relevant details.
Review the Results: The search should return a summary of the professional's license status, including their full name, license number, status (active, inactive, expired, or suspended), any specialty licenses, and possibly even any disciplinary actions taken against them.
This general process should help you look up a real estate license number. Remember that the importance of verifying the license number lies in ensuring the credibility of the real estate professional you are dealing with and maintaining transparency in all real estate transactions.
How to Lookup a Real Estate License Number by State
While the overall process of looking up a real estate license number is essentially the same across the United States, there are slight differences in how each state's regulatory commission's website operates. Here, we will provide an overview of how to search for a real estate license number in three of the most populous states: California, Texas, and Florida.
California
Visit the California Department of Real Estate's License lookup page.
Enter the individual or company's name, license ID, or the city they are located in.
Click the 'Find' button to view results, which include the license number, status, and expiration date.
Texas
Go to the Texas Real Estate Commission's License Holder Lookup page.
Enter the person or company's name or the license number if you verify it.
Click 'Search' to view results, displaying the license number, type, status, and any disciplinary actions taken.
Florida
Visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Licensee Search page.
Please enter the name, city of the individual, business, or license number.
Click 'Search' to display results, including the license number, status, and the licensee's address.
In each case, having the correct name or license number will make your search more accurate. Also, note that the information available may vary based on privacy laws in each state. Always cross-check and verify information obtained through these searches to maintain accurate and ethical business practices.
What to Do if There Are Issues or Discrepancies
In the world of real estate, credibility and trustworthiness are paramount. If you encounter any issues or discrepancies when looking up a real estate license number, it's essential to address these concerns promptly. Here's what you should do:
Reverify the Information: Mistakes happen, and they can be as simple as a typographical error. Double-check the details you've entered if a license number appears invalid or brings up unexpected results. Ensure there's no misspelling in the name or error in the license number.
Check with Other Sources: If you continue to encounter issues, try to verify the license number through different means. You could ask the real estate professional to provide more proof of their licensure or contact their brokerage.
Contact the Relevant Real Estate Commission: If discrepancies persist, contact your state's real estate commission or the licensing authority where the agent is supposed to be licensed. They can provide further assistance and confirm the license status. Make sure to provide all relevant details to help them expedite the process.
Report any Concerns: If your inquiry reveals a person practicing real estate without a valid license, it's essential to report this to the relevant authorities. Unlicensed practice is a serious offense and can harm unsuspecting clients and tarnish the reputation of the real estate industry.
Remember, every licensed real estate professional must operate transparently, and any reluctance to share license details should be a red flag. Taking these steps will protect you and contribute to maintaining the integrity of the real estate industry.
Navigating the real estate landscape requires understanding market trends and recognizing the importance of trust and transparency. One significant way of establishing this is by verifying real estate license numbers. This simple yet crucial step can play a pivotal role in building professional relationships based on trust, be it with your clients, colleagues, or other stakeholders in the industry.
Looking up a real estate license number is a protective measure, ensuring that you are dealing with a certified professional recognized by the governing real estate bodies. It assures the authenticity and credibility of the real estate professional you are engaging with, whether hiring an agent, verifying credentials, or filing a complaint.
Moreover, it plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the real estate industry. By being diligent and proactive in these verifications, we contribute to an industry standard where transparency is the norm, not the exception.
So whether you're a buyer, a seller, a real estate agent, or someone eyeing a career in real estate, remember that license verification is a small step that goes a long way in ensuring fair and honest real estate transactions. Keep the guide above handy, and make the most of the resources available to you, confirming your journey in the world of real estate is as smooth and secure as possible.
As always, if you are interested in taking real estate courses visit www.adhischools.com or call us at 888-768-5285.
Love,
Kartik
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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 Read more...
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
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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 Read more...
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
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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 Read more...
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
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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 Read more...
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
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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 Read more...
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.
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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: $100
4 year real estate license: $350
Criminal background/Livescan fee: $84
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
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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 Read more...
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
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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 Read more...
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 $100 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 $350 in California to obtain a real estate salesperson license. The DRE requires a license to be renewed every four years, which costs $350.
5. Future expenses
Accompanying the $350 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
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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 Read more...
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!
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