Real estate agents make great brokers. Take the next step in your career with Allied's Real Estate Broker License Courses. Be prepared to assume a management role in a real estate office as you oversee the entire real estate process. Receive a high-level of knowledge that includes advanced real estate practice, law, finance, appraisal, economics, property management, escrow, and/or real estate office administration.
Photography isn't a required real estate broker license course. Yet, it's a skill every real estate broker license holder should master.
Why? Buyers are Internet savvy and you need to grab their attention with an attractive presentation of sharp photos. Here are five photo taking tips to consider before your next home shoot:
1) Time your picture perfectly. The best time to capture an exterior shot is during the middle of the day when the sun is bright and the sky is blue. For interior shots, turn on the lights and use a flash so the photos don't look too dark.
2) Take a variety of quality photos. Buyers want to see more than one or two photos. So include a variety of photos that highlight the home's best features. Consider a professional staging service if the home doesn't photograph well.
3) Don't photograph unnecessary clutter. Remove clutter before taking photos of a home. In the kitchen, clear counters of extra appliances, put away dishes and remove mismatched magnets from the fridge. Throughout the interior, put away toys, make the beds, place fresh towels in the bathrooms and make sure laundry is out of sight.
4) Use your camera wisely. If your photos are poor quality, unimpressed buyers are likely to click on to the next property. Get clear shots by using a higher resolution. High resolution photos are essential for quality print, including flyers, postcards, magazines and newspapers. The photos can always be decreased for use on the web.
5) Take a photography class. Not comfortable with your photography skills? Improve them, and your real estate broker career, by taking a photography class at a local community college, community center or camera shop.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,Broker License School
Labels: broker license exam, Real Estate Agent, real estate broker career, real estate buyer
more>>Posted by Danielle Macklin @ 2:25 PM • 0 comments
Put your real estate broker license knowledge to work! Help your agents overcome tough client objections at your next office meeting.
Successful real estate agents are pros at overcoming client objections, but more than likely, they weren't always so savvy about it. No matter what level your agents are at, getting them to share their experiences and tactics will benefit everyone on your team.
Start your objection handling training with this simple exercise:
1. On separate sheets of paper, ask your agents to write down the toughest client objection they struggle to overcome.
2. Collect each paper and see which objections are most common.
3. Pick one of the objections and ask two of your agents to role play the situation as client and agent.
This exercise is a fun, interactive training tool that allows your agents to observe their peers in action, while using their own best tactics in situations that everyone can identify with. And don't just stop with one objection, role play with other common objections that your team seems to struggle with. They will learn new skills for combating future objections and possibly eliminate a barrier to their own success.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.brokerlicense.com
Labels: California Real Estate Agent, California Real Estate Broker License, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Broker License
more>>Posted by Danielle Macklin @ 3:11 PM • 0 comments
Get your real estate broker license and you'll be responsible for handling clients' personal data. From social security numbers to bank accounts, make sure you store and dispose of this private data with the utmost care.
Lock Your Cabinets
A real estate transaction requires a great amount of personal information. Mistakes managing brokers should avoid include leaving bank statements or social security information unattended on a fax machine or desk. Keep this vulnerable information in a locked cabinet.
Stay Organized
Do have random files saved all over your desktop or are you still trying to find that PDF you know you saved three days ago? When you're organized, your client's information is safer. And there's some great organizational software solutions specifically designed for the real estate professional. Check out the latest real estate wiki at www.realestatewiki.com for a list of real estate software providers.
Maintain Security Software
Yes, it's time for yet another update to your security software. Don't ignore it or postpone it for a later time. Keeping antivirus and spyware software current is an essential layer in the information protection game.
Back-up Uour Data
Don't leave sensitive data on your desktop or laptop. Instead, move the data to an external storage device for safe keeping.
Utilize Passwords
Use passwords to protect access to all of your electronics. This includes using strong passwords that consist of numbers, letters and symbols. Change your passwords regularly and make sure to use a different password for each electronic device.
Dispose of Old Data Carefully
Shredding unwanted documents should already be a part of your routine. However, CD's & DVD's containing important data must be destroyed too. Also, make sure to fully erase storage devices when getting rid of old computers or other electronic devices. Check with your local computer store and get the most effective tools for permanently clearing all data.
Share Your System
Make sure clients know that you place great importance on protecting their personal information. Sharing your privacy policy with them can help build trust and strengthen your relationship.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.brokerlicense.com
Labels: Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Broker License, your clients
more>>Posted by Danielle Macklin @ 9:55 AM • 0 comments
Are you ready to get your real estate broker license? Pass your state exam and begin your real estate broker career quickly by preparing with effective broker license exam prep tools.
Not all exam prep tools are equal. When choosing to advance your real estate career, look for comprehensive prep tools that prepare you to pass your broker exam the first time. Here's what to look for:
DVDs
It's the perfect addition to an online or home study course. Just sit back in the comfort of your home and enjoy instant instruction on key broker principles.
Workbook
Your workbook should summarize all main key points and include comprehensive review exercises that help you retain each key point.
Practice Questions and Exams
Your broker exam prep kit must have a variety of practice questions and exams that closely mirror the real broker state exam. This is powerful and smart way to prepare.
Math Emphasis
You can bet the broker state exam will have a math emphasis, so look for prep kits that help you sharpen forgotten math skills.
Professional Instruction
Don't just memorize definitions, learn real broker skills from professionals who've been there. Look for materials and DVDs that include the instruction of an accomplished individual in the broker industry.
With the right broker exam prep tools, you can your state exam with greater confidence and move on to the next exciting phase of your real estate career.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,www.brokerlicense.com
Labels: broker career, broker license exam, real estate career
more>>Posted by Danielle Macklin @ 11:52 AM • 0 comments
If you have your real estate broker license, you're probably a member of the National Association of Realtors. And membership has its benefits. NAR's exclusive REALTOR Benefits Program is a case in point.
NAR has partnered with a variety of well-known companies to offer agents value-packed deals on all kinds of products and services. Agents can find great deals on marketing, electronics, insurance, real estate courses, office supplies, car rental and publications.
Want some examples of how you can benefit? Agents receive a 40 to 55% discount on National Relocation & Real Estate magazine. Lowe's Home Improvement Store will send direct mail rebate offers to your prospects customized with your photo and company logo for free. FedEx even created a special website just for NAR members where agents receive discounts on shipping services.
Savor the benefits of having a real estate broker career and go to www.realtor.org to download a copy of the latest REALTOR Benefits Program Resource Guide. Make sure to check out the limited-time offers too, which until May 19, include up to a $574 discount on ThinkPad Notebooks.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.brokerlicense.com
Labels: broker career, Real Estate Broker, real estate broker career
more>>Posted by Danielle Macklin @ 1:00 PM • 0 comments
Are you a California real estate agent who's ready for a new challenge? Get your real estate broker license! Here's an overview of the required courses you'll need to make it happen.
These five courses form the core of your real estate broker education and are required by the Department of Real Estate (DRE):
1. Legal Aspects of Real Estate - An in-depth review of the latest real estate laws.
2. Real Estate Practice - What to expect in today's real estate market.
3. Real Estate Finance - Topics include the mortgage market, appraisal and more.
4. Real Estate Economics - A special look at economics with a real estate emphasis.
5. Real Estate Appraisal - Appraisal practices and standards in California.
In addition to the above California broker license courses, an additional three elective courses must be completed. The DRE lists approximately 11 approved elective courses that you can choose from to enhance your broker education. Here are examples of four popular elective courses:
1. Real Estate Office Administration - Managing broker techniques.
2. Escrow - Proven practices for a successful closing from start to finish.
3. Property Management - Concepts range from analysis to acquisition.
4. Real Estate Principles - A comprehensive review of real estate theories.
Once you complete your courses, prepare for the state exam with a broker license exam prep kit. Before you know it, you'll be on your way to a rewarding real estate broker career.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools, www.brokerlicense.com
Labels: california broker course, California Real Estate Broker, California Real Estate Broker License
more>>Posted by Danielle Macklin @ 8:30 AM • 0 comments
New agent recruitment and a real estate broker license go hand-in-hand. Here are three questions to instantly gage if a new recruit deserves a second interview or directions to the door.
1. You're new to the industry. How will you generate business?
Positive response: "I've been preparing to start a career in real estate for the last few months. I now have a database of all my contacts that I can call to generate leads. I also plan on marketing to expired listings by door-knocking."
If you offer the recruit a second interview, ask them to bring a copy of their contact database on CD. This will provide actual evidence of a sphere of influence.
2. What makes a real estate agent successful?
Positive response: "A balance of patience and ambition to market themselves and to provide the very best services to their clients."
You're looking for that twinkle in their eye that says their motivated and understand that in order to be successful, they have to go after leads like prey.
3. What do you think about real estate continuing education and training?
Positive response: "I think it's a top priority. I want to continually refine my skills. If I'm not up-to-date with the latest industry trends, I won't be able to assist my clients in the way they deserve."
You want an agent that values education. Delve into the topic further by asking about what kind of training would be useful to an agent. Discussion of technology, farming and other forms of marketing signal the possibility of a motivated recruit.
By Danielle Macklin, Allied Schools,www.brokerlicense.com
Labels: job interview with broker, real estate broker careers, Real Estate Broker License
more>>Posted by Danielle Macklin @ 10:46 AM • 0 comments
