Real estate sector including construction activities is one of the biggest employers worldwide. There are various job opportunities in the real estate sector right from engineers, architects, supervisors, property managers to real estate agents. Real estate agency offers lucrative jobs with opportunities to earn hefty commission on sales. But to become a real estate agent most US states require a license to operate. To get a license, one needs to be aware of the various aspects of real estate like real estate law, appraisal, inspection, finance, mortgaging, investment to name a few.
Many realty schools have sprung up throughout U.S. that offers pre and post licensing courses to aspiring as well as experienced real estate agents. There are courses to be taken while getting the first license (pre-licensing courses) as well as for every renewal of the license (post licensing course). For experienced agents, there are continuing education courses, seminars etc. that keep the licensees abreast of the latest developments in the field. The no. of courses, the duration, types of permit issued etc. vary from state to state.
For example in the state of Nevada, the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education issues permits to brokers or broker salespersons, property management permit and business broker permit. The Nevada post licensing education requires 30 hours of class room study during first year of license renewal and 24 hours of education thereafter. The topics covered in this course include Contracts, Listings, Buyer Representation, Technology, Ethics, Advertising, Equity and Cost Sheets, Agency Relationships, Land, Disclosures, Property Management, Escrow, Financing, Negotiation and Taxes. Brokers and broker salespersons must undergo at least 3 hours of broker management course while property management permit holders must take at least 3 hours of property management course. Similarly business broker permit aspirants must undergo at least 3 hours in business brokerage.
Many of these courses are available for online enrolment and home study. Home study can be undertaken after the first renewal of license. The post licensing course is designed to help students understand the real estate field and the sales process better by practical insight into typical situations. The Nevada post licensing course can be taken at one go or in multiple sessions. In case of latter an attendance record has to be maintained by the students.
For the online continuing education course, the course materials are sent via email as PDF documents or as physical text via courier. After going through the study material and feeling comfortable about it, the student can take a quiz either online or in person at the realty school in order to receive the certificate. They can even print their own certificate after passing the quiz online! Additional classroom tuition on various topics is available to those requiring it. Flexible class schedules allow working real estate agents also to take advantage of the courses. Special courses on Mortgage Education are also available for those interested in becoming mortgage brokers and agents.
