May 2009

Reforming Pre-Licensing Requirements for Real Estate Agents

Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 12:56pm. 143 Views, 0 Comments.

In this second of a four part series on Improving the Practice of Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we’ll begin the look at reformation, appropriately, at the beginning.  In other words, where Realtors receive their pre-licensing training or instruction, the traditional classroom coursework that must be completed prior to testing by the state for a Realtor’s license.

Current Requirements

As stipulated by the Virginia Real Estate Board (VREB), and set forth in the Virginia Code, § 54.1-2105, pre-licensing education requirements for those seeking a real estate license are:  

1. Every applicant for an initial license as a real estate salesperson shall have:

a. At a minimum, a high school diploma or its equivalent; and

b. Completed a…

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A Modest Proposal (On Improving the Practice of Real Estate)

Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 9:05am. 139 Views, 0 Comments.

Previously, I focused on the #1 complaint voiced by Realtors about their profession of Real Estate, that being, other Realtors.  After discussing the most prevalent complaints voiced by them, the article concluded by asking, “How do we improve the way we do business”?   Since licensing requirements and/or standards vary by state, I’ll focus, specifically, on improving the standards of practice in Virginia. 

If agents aren’t performing up to the standards our profession requires, how do we ensure they do?  Is it a matter of better preparation?  Better oversight?  And, more importantly, how do we fundamentally change the way we do business?  If the current standards used to conduct business aren’t getting the job done, if it isn’t compelling the type…

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We’ve Seen The Enemy

Friday, May 29th, 2009 at 9:03am. 154 Views, 0 Comments.

One of the benefits of being a teacher or instructor is the interaction with peers.  The opportunity for feedback  is almost limitless.  Discussions with students are almost always entertaining, and hopefully instructive.  And the “instructive” aspect goes both ways.  As many teachers will tell you, we, more often than not, learn more from the students than they do from us.

This column has been in the works for weeks.  Well, at least I’ve mentally started it on various occasions.  But, as life tends to do, other, more pressing tasks have, in the meantime, overtaken my schedule.  But, yesterday, after coming across an article on the Real Estate blog, Agent Genius, written by our local Association’s Education Director, Matthew Rathbun,  I was reminded…

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How Firm Is Your Foundation?

Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 2:15pm. 174 Views, 0 Comments.

So, you’re looking at a home you’re considering purchasing, and you’ve found a couple of cracks in the home’s foundation.  

While we might think this is the exception, it is often the case.  We’ve found a perfectly good home, but we have questions about the integrity of the cement foundation.  Frequently, the cracks are small, but, every now and then, the cracks are much bigger.  Which foundation cracks pose a problem?  All of them?  Any of them?

First, concrete cracks sooner or later.  Yes, all concrete cracks.  Many cracks are too small to see without the aid of good light and close proximity.    However, in most cases, for cracks in excess of 1/4 inch, further investigation is probably warranted.  A good source for expert advice is either a home…

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