All Forum Posts by: Brittany Kimble

   So, you are making the decision to buy your first home. What now? It’s a wonder why something so important wouldn’t be taught in high school yet, here we are. So, let’s talk about it. Whether you are buying, selling or investing there are going to be some things you will need to complete prior to purchasing. This is a vital time, so making large purchases right now can be detrimental to you. Now is not the time to buy that new car or change career paths. You want to be sure to enter into your home buying process with financial consistency and financial stability.

   In addition to maintaining your expenses, you will also need to monitor your credit score. Your credit rating has a large impact on your future home and your price range. This is where a great lender comes into play. Pair with a seasoned lender, get your credit checked and determine what price your future home will be.

   Last and most importantly, create a file and store the following pertinent information:

· Auto loans

· All bank accounts

· Credit cards

· Lease Copies (for investment properties)

· Financial statements

· All Investments

· Tax returns

· Pay stubs

· Life insurance, 401K statements, Investment Portfolio(s), etc.

   I know that in 2021, the home buying process can be stressful. In Atlanta, GA the inventory is low, prices are at an all-time high and nothing stays on the market for more than 2 days. (I’m exaggerating however, this is happening) With this being said, it is very important to work with someone who is licensed in real estate. Granted, public sites such as Zillow.com, Realtor.com, etc are making the home buying process easier for the unlicensed, a person with the experience will be sure to properly manage, market, and guide you through the process with ease. You will have great confidence knowing that someone with concrete knowledge and expertise of the current market will take care of you. After all, who can predict what will happen in 2021?

What's the difference?

This is going to be a short blog; the explanation is very simple and sweet. In the Real estate industry, we run into tons of new acronyms and words that sound similar and confusing. There is also some confusion, when it comes to certain professional roles. I am here to put that confusion to rest and differentiate the words REALTOR®, Real Estate Agent, and Broker.

First, I will start with the difference between a REALTOR® and a Real Estate Agent. To start, a REALTOR® is a trademark term that refers to members of the National Association of Realtors. Not all Realtors are licensed. There are options for non-licensed people to join the NAR. The NAR is responsible for creating and improving ways to own, buy, and sell real property. It's a voluntary membership, which you must pay a fee to join. In order to join, you must take (and pass) a code of ethics course and the exam, along with an orientation course and exam. Let me know if you want me to dig into deeper detail in regard to the NAR.

Next, Real Estate Agent. An agent is someone who took and passed the pre-licensing exam, the state exam and paid for licensure. Once you become licensed, you are NOT automatically a REALTOR®, you still need to take the courses and exams and pay the fee to become a member.

Lastly, Real Estate Broker. Brokers have taken their education beyond agent level. A Real Estate Broker is someone who has been licensed as a real estate agent for at least five years and worked actively as an agent for three of the five years. A broker has also taken the brokers licensing exam. A broker’s role is to take responsibility for his/her subordinate agents’ actions.

Conclusively, I admit that real estate terminology can be overwhelming and confusing. Upon taking my pre-licensing course, I realized how much information I did not know. I am glad to finally be at the point to where I am able to lend a helping hand and help others understand the terminology. If you have any questions in regard to real estate or investments, call or email me! Find me on social media and let me know if there is anything specific you want me to discuss. Talk to you soon!

I am sure that if you are ready to start your journey in the real estate industry, you’re wondering where to begin. Let me be the first to congratulate you on taking your first steps to a new lifestyle and taking the initiative to learn an entirely new skill. The first thing you should know is that it’s no walk in the park. You will have to invest time and money in your new career and in yourself. Also, it’s important to understand that yes, as a licensed real estate agent you will be required to practice under a brokerage however, you will be an independent contractor therefore, you are still considered an entrepreneur which means you’re going to have to put in some sweat equity to reap any benefits. This is not a get rich quick scheme or a scapegoat from college. Expertise is required and most people do not complete the process and others quit within their first year. If you think you can manage your own business and maintain self-discipline keep reading.

Allow me to disclose, that I am a licensed agent in the state of Georgia. The course and exam requirements are specific to your state. If you are not in Georgia, I would seek advice from someone licensed in your home state. Moreover, before receiving your real estate license (In Georgia), there are some general qualifications you must meet which I’ll list below:

1. You must be 18 years old or older.

2. You must be a Georgia resident unless you’re applying for a non- resident license.

3. You must be of good and honest character, in other words not convicted of any felony or crime and not have violated any fair housing laws.

4. You must be a high school graduate or hold a certificate of equivalency.

If you meet the above general requirements you are safe to move on to the next step which is the application process to your pre-licensing course.

First, before taking any exam you must take a GREC approved 75-hour pre-licensing course. You can go to https://grec.state.ga.us/ to find all of the approved pre-licensing courses listed by the Georgia Real Estate Commission. After completing your 75-hour pre-licensing course, you’ll take the course exam. You’ll have two free attempts on this exam. If you fail the exam for a third time, you’ll have to pay for another course and re-do the entire class then take the exam again. While you are taking your course, just don’t forget why you started. Keep in mind that this may be an all-new curriculum for you, so you’ll have to give it your full 100% because times will get hard. I understand life happens sometimes but take it one day at a time and make those hours in class really count. Don’t waste your own time.

Finally, after passing the course exam, you’ll go on to take the state exam. Before taking the state exam, I highly recommend taking a cram course and a practice exam. I used CompuCram and you can purchase this practice course at https://www.compucram.com I believe it helped me tremendously because it helped me understand the definitions from a new perspective and it gives you a practice exam at the end that is formatted like the Georgia state exam. Also, you can take a practice exam on https://candidate.psiexams.com This one is also a big help because it was created by the same people who created the Georgia state exam and is therefore formatted exactly as the exam is. This will help you with your test taking technique for the exam.

Finally, you are ready for the last step, the Georgia state exam. You’ve passed your course and the exam, now you’re almost ready to practice. For the state exam there are just a few things required:

1. You’ll need to schedule your state examination appointment at one of the 4 testing locations in Georgia. To schedule your exam appointment, you can go to https://schedule.psiexams.com/ or you can schedule by phone at 800-345-6559. Be sure to show up for your exam at least 15 minutes early. If you show up more than 15 minutes late for your testing time, you will not be able to take your exam.

2. Proof of successful completion of an approved 75-hour pre-licensing course.

3. Identification. You will need 2 forms of identification primarily government issued, with your current name with signature and photograph.

What happens when you pass your state exam?

Now that you have a passing grade o your exam, there are a few last steps you must take to receive your license.

1. A valid form of identification

2. Unsigned certificate of accuracy

3. License fee of $170.

4. Criminal History Report

5. Signed and Notarized Lawful Presence affidavit

6. *Sponsoring Brokerage Statement Form

If upon passing your state exam, you already know what brokerage you are going to be working for be sure to bring your signed sponsoring brokerage form when getting licensed. If you don’t have a brokerage in mind yet, no worries, your license will be placed on inactive until you find one.

Now you have the majority of what you need to take your state exam and earn your license. Go to your local Real Estate Commission for more information on the requirements for your state. Good luck!