Just Signed up for Real Estate Classes, any advise from the pros?

Question

Very excited about getting my RE License with my wife, we are moving to Temecula, CA soon and I want to get a head start now so I can take the test as soon as I get out there, so we'll be doing it online.

David Hunter · Answer

Tips? study-Study-STUDY!!! And then, once you past the test, forget everything you learned and then start learning what you really need to know about real estate...Negotiation, getting listings, working with other agents (this is the hardest part), working with lenders, title companies, lawyers, contractors, etc.

Joseph Maas · Answer

Study... Study... Study... then once you get your license, join a firm that GIVES TRAINING! Even if the split is lower, training is INVALUABLEAlso, it's advice*

Nicholas Smith · Answer

As David and Cody have said, you really just need to study (memorize). The test itself is not that difficult and you only need to pass with 70% to get your Sales License. Most of what you are required to know to pass your test you will never apply to your career.What is really key to success is finding a brokerage that jives with your style. I also recommend that you interview with more experienced agents and try to get a mentorship program with them. This is were you will get invaluable information on how to really succeed as an agent.If you don't feel like the mentorship route is for you, find a brokerage that offers extensive training. Some like Keller Williams, as they train you on absolutely everything.Temecula is a great booming market to get in. A lot of new home develops going in and expansion. Plus a cool wine locale.

Katrina Edwards · Answer

Years ago, I used the company "Real Estate Excellence" to study for my exam. I finished an hour before time was up and that was after double checking my answers. I knew I passed. Here is a link I found: http://realestateexcellenceinc.com/At the time, I knew NOTHING about residential real estate sale (this is where the exam focuses) because my background was primarily in the commercial arena. I had all the classes (study materials don't replace classes) but no actual experience. Best tool I ever used to study for a test. I have a lot of friends who have sat for the exam (some sat several times) and didn't pass; they then call me and ask me for my resource. After using it, they all passed.The majority of people who take the CA exam don't pass the first time. Prep is key. And, as stated above, none of the classes or exam prepare you for the real world. Make sure you have your math nailed down and make sure your vocabulary is flawless. This where the "flashcards" section of the real estate excellence program comes into play.Check out the link above, make sure you have the materials at least two weeks prior to your test date (I only had them for 7 days) and follow the instructions exactly.Well-prepared, you'll have no trouble passing. That's the best "advice" I can give you.Good luck and happy studying!

Cody Gentry · Answer

Unfortunately the classes don't really teach you much about being an actual real estate agent. They more or less focus on the fundamentals, their main objective is to give you the very basic information you'll need to start studying to pass the exam. If the school you're attending doesn't offer some type of study program, i'd suggest looking into buying one. They are relatively inexpensive ($40-$90) but they give you an enormous advantage when it comes to studying and helping you pass the examination. Most of the good ones have certain features like simulated exams, pre-assessments, flash cards, etc.If you need a recommendation, CompuCram is a really good program. It has all the bells and whistles, and for your state (CA?) it runs about $59. If you have any questions, please feel free to message me.Good luck!

Sarah Ziehr · Answer

@David Hunter LOL... its so true! Then when you start seeing the things people do or say, you will revert back to your books.

Cody Gentry · Answer

CompuCram is only a tool to help you study for the exam, it's not a means to replace the credit hours your state requires. I just looked it up though, for California the $59 covers both the national and state exam topics. In my opinion, that $59 (I paid $79 for Ohio) has saved me countless extra hours trying to decipher what's all in the book. In Ohio at least our licensee exams are all computerized, so if you have test anxiety, it helps you practice being in that state-of-mind and relieves you of some of that undue stress. I'm not saying it's the best program out there, but because it was the only one I've tried. So you can say i'm a little biased on it lol.

Sarah Ziehr · Answer

I think its best to go straight to your local Association of Realtors going forward for licensing and classes. There you will find exactly what you need to do.

Nick Stango · Answer

@Cody Gentry Looks like CompuCram is not a credited RE school that provides courses that go towards the credit hours needed to take the CA state exam. They are just an exam prep! I thought it was on the cheap side, although they are charging $59 just for the state exam prep and then another $59 for the National exam prep, that's a lot for just an exam prep. I signed up with Allied Real Estate School it was between them and Kaplan, I chose Allied because they gave me the online course, the hard copy "books", flash cards RE dictionary, exam cram DVD set with workbook and a money back guarantee if I fail the test. Even though I had a 30% discount on the Kaplan course because my wife is signed on with Coldwell Banker and It cost a little more for the allied course I liked the fact that It came with the money back guarantee, the dictionary and the exam cram set, well worth the $400 for both my wife and I, ($200 each) we just got one set of books though because I like using the online books and she does not.

Nick Stango · Answer

Thanks @David Hunter, good advise!