real-estate-schools « WordPress.com Tag Feed

Online Real Estate Schools – The Best Option To Get Licensed

realestateschools — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:14:35 +0000

Everyone is doing it! Investing in real estate is one of the best financial decisions that you can make when planning for your future. If you want to save some money in the process and are already knowledgeable of your local market, you could get your real estate license and avoid paying out commissions to another agent. Any person over the age of 18 can get their real estate license. All you have to do is take the state required courses and pass an exam. There are two options; either sit in a classroom or take your courses online through and accredited online real estate school. The latter sounds more appealing since you can complete your courses in your underwear if you so desire; to each his own!

Finding Accredited Online Real Estate Schools

There are a number of schools that provide real estate courses online. You could just do a Google search to find one that seems right, but how do you know if you are getting the best deal? It’s important to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck when it comes to getting licensed, as some say passing the state exam can be a bit tough. Here are some things to look out for to make sure you are choosing the right online real estate school.

The services that the best online real estate schools offer you are:

- The first one is simple. Make sure you like the layout and format of the online school. It sounds silly, but if you are going to be spending hours staring at your screen, make sure you are satisfied with the way the site looks.

- Provide you the feature of 24-hour online education. You don’t want to be restricted to taking your online courses only during business hours. The point of these courses are convenience, so don’t fall for a school that offers a less expensive price, but limits your access.

- Have reputable instructors that can provide assistance when you have a question. Sometimes, just seeing it on the screen doesn’t answer your question, so having a knowledgeable person to clarify difficult questions is essential to a good school.

- Choose a school that offers exam prep courses. It’s one thing to go through all of the course material, but it’s another to pass your test. Having an idea of what is going to be on the test is helpful for making sure you pass the first time.

So, if you’re lucky enough to be in one of the limited states that offer online real estate schools, follow these steps to make sure you are choosing the right school. Better yet, check out www.RealEstateWebSchools.com to compare top online real estate schools all in one place. Then, get out there and find that perfect piece of investment property to add to your retirement portfolio. Best of luck!

Next Generation Realtors serving All Generations of Buyers & Sellers

bhgcareer — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:53:54 +0000

Oracle Real Estate now known as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate was founded by Joshua Tanner and Leighton Dees based on their commitment to form a next generation real estate company with an acute focus on exceptional customer service to “Perfect the Real Estate Experience”. We know, understand and use the Internet to it’s fullest advantages. We continue to set the bar in the local market for internet use, internet exposure, professionalism and performance. Check out one of our websites, www.BHGgo.com.

The company’s success is no coincidence. We continue to increase our visibility and provide our agents with the most cutting edge tools for marketing, lead capturing, market data and industry updates, while providing our clients with outstanding customer service and unmatched commitment. At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate l Generations we take pride in our unparalleled use of the internet through social media marketing, blogs, twitter and listing syndication. We further take pride in our outstanding reputation amongst our peers, clients and customers. We have our finger on the pulse of the local and national markets and the agility and flexibility to respond to change swiftly and decisively.

To be apart of the Next Generation of Real Estate Experts, call, click or text Leightondees@bhggo.com. 251-554-4525

We strive daily to always be:

OutPlanning – OutPerforming – OutStanding

Getting Started as a New Real Estate Agent

bhgcareer — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:11:12 +0000

Whether you’re about to get your real estate license, or you’ve begun your career as a new real estate agent, this plan of action will help you to do the right things at the right times for a successful start of your real estate agent career. Though these steps are shown in a certain order, many of them are worked on simultaneously. So don’t try to work them out one at a time, but work on several at the same time. This is your “Master Planning Sheet” with links out to detailed instructions for each summarized step.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: The more you devote, the faster you’ll progress.

Here’s How:

Nail down your personal and business expenses.This is a business. Successful businesses do budgets and know their expenses, as well as projected revenues.
Get a realistic plan of your income expectations.Using a funnel approach, you can estimate income out the bottom of the funnel from the type and number of expected prospects falling into the top of the funnel.
Develop a marketing budget with data from previous step.Once you have an idea of the results from each type of marketing, you can more intelligently allocate money to them.
Fast track the building of your Sphere of Influence.The more people you have in your SOI, the more business and referrals you’ll see.
Choose your sponsoring broker carefully.Balance your needs for support with their ability to provide it and then look at the split.
Kill these time-wasting habits!Don’t let bad habits and procrastination keep you from the behaviors that you need to implement in following your plan.
Get your contact/prospect/time management on a system NOW.With budget a concern for most new agents, using the MS Outlook you have on your computer can be the best beginning management system decision.

Tips:

Never deviate from your plan. If it’s not working, though you’re implementing properly, then change the plan and stick to the new one.
Though personality is important, this is a business of numbers. Constantly build on the numbers of contacts and prospects and you’ll build your business.
Don’t spend a lot of time looking for the “Magic Bullet.” Though there are “million dollar agents”, it’s all about having a plan, following it and hard work.
In most cases, your money is better spent in promoting yourself than in buying leads from some third party lead-seller.

What You Need:

A strong work ethic
A budget to hold for the first deals
A computer and contact management system
A vehicle suitable for the job
A whole lot of friends and relatives won’t hurt!

To enroll in class today and/or discuss the opportunity to become apart of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations contact: Leightondees@BHGgo.com or 251-554-4525.

Real Estate Fun and You're Invited

bhgcareer — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:54:48 +0000

It’s Rainmaker Time and You’re Invited at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations, tonight!

Each Tuesday morning we have our Rainmaker meetings to share new listings, sources of business, learn something new about our industry and share ideas with one another.

And now we want to share another type of Rainmaker with all of you. Hope you will join us this evening for our first “Rainmaker Business After Hours”. So please join us tonight and share some good times.

Tonight beginning at 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at our office located at 6349 Piccadilly Square Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36609, 251-650-4030, www.BHGgo.com
Our sponsor will be Tammy Watley of First Federal Mortgage. Tammy has been a huge part of our family since the beginning and I’m happy to share this first experience with her! Get up! Dress up! And show up! … RAINMAKER AFTER HOURS is a new sector of our BHGRE | GEN that was introduced during the 2012 concept meeting. It is a time for all in our industry to gather here at our local office and share fellowship with one another. Each month we will have a spotlight sponsor! Please feel free to invite your family, friends and clients

Call, click or contact DanaCarter@BHGgo.com or 251-610-6999 to take your real estate career to the next level. Hope to see you this evening!

Pinterest Marketing for Real Estate

bhgcareer — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:25:54 +0000

As social media continues to evolve so do the tools. Stepping up to the plate with a fierce vengeance is the new social media darling Pinterest.

Tell a story about your city - This is a great way to use pictures you’ve taken around your city and highlight some of your favorite locations. Give buyers relocating into the area a good look at what certain neighborhoods or communities in your city look like.

Home Styles & Architecture - Architecture and style are so different from one state to the next. Whether the homes in your area are New England colonial, Spanish Revival or Cape Cod, providing pictures will allow buyers to connect with the look and feel of your city.
Historic Locations – Historic locations such as buildings, churches and monuments are a fun way for anyone new to your area to better understand the history. What “insider” details can you share that offer unique insight into your towns past?
Local Business Spotlight – Create a board that shares your favorite vendors such as local supermarkets, gas stations, hairdressers, pet store, auto repair, plumbers, electricians and more!
Top Things to Do in Your Area – Spotlight fun things to do or attractions to see within your area. Choose the top sites exclusive to your neck of the woods.
First Time Homebuyer Tips Pin your blog posts or links back to pages on your website. What questions do first time homebuyers have? Answer those on your blog and you have ongoing content for this Pinterest board!
Tips to Prepare Your Home For Sale - If you are selling a home, what do you need to know? Help prospects make an informed decision by answering questions about prepping their home for sale, how the appraisal process works, specifics about the community and how to correctly price their home.
Curb Appeal – Curb appeal means different things to different people. Pin colorful landscapes, cascading waterfalls and lush gardens to display the various looks within your area.
Staging Tips – Pin pictures of stunning before and afters that encourage re-pinning (think of retweets on Twitter) and paint a vivid picture of what a sellers home should look like to offer maximum appeal to buyers.
Mortgage process – The stages of the mortgage process can leave anyone swimming in a sea of questions. Offer answers to FAQ about the loan application process, what to avoid and how to make an informed decision.
Guide to your city – Create a guide by pinning your favorite parks, museums, neighborhood restaurants and nightlife . This can be anything you deem awesome enough that someone new to the area would want to visit.
Pet friendly locations – As a dog lover and someone who frequently travels with my two little guys, I am always on the lookout for pet friendly places to hang out. Pin restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, bars, dog parks and any other pet friendly location in your community. Believe me, they will love you for it!
Decorating on a dime – Everyone is looking to save wherever they can these days. Offer home decorating “do it yourself” tips that are easy and affordable. You can also pin shops within your area that sell unique but inexpensive home décor.
Home improvement ideas – From a complete kitchen makeover to DIY; pin home improvement projects that inspire and advise!
Gardening tips – For new homeowners, learning basic gardening skills is important to the care and upkeep of their home. Provide tips on how to cultivate a stunning garden and landscape.
How to make a move with children – If you look at moving as an exciting adventure full of fun and new possibilities, your children will be more apt to get on board. Help clients moving into your area go through this change minus the drama by offering the how-to’s of a smooth move.
Cool coffee shops in your area – As a self diagnosed coffee addict, I am always on the lookout for local coffee shops with a cool, funky vibe. I love anything with big, comfy chairs and a quiet atmosphere. Where do you enjoy spending your time? You can bet your clients will too!
Moving day tips – When you’re making a move, you can use all of the tips you can find. From checklists to supplies, planning a move is a huge undertaking. Pin tips on how to find free boxes, how to best pack breakables and how to budget for all moving expenses.
Things to do for free within your city – What sites can newcomers enjoy for free in your city? Whether it’s a museum or a beautiful garden in the heart of the city, pin colorful pictures of your favorite locations.
Pictures of annual activities – Pin pictures of popular annual events such as fundraisers, school events and town hall meetings that someone new to the area might be interested in attending.

Most importantly, have fun with it! While we all know that using social media as a business-marketing tool is exciting, injecting ‘you’ into your social efforts is vital. Yes it’s great to connect with your past clients and prospects in an environment where you lead the conversation, but simply “pushing” out business info isn’t enough.

Pinterest gives you one more way to find and connect with your target audience and offers a little insight into your personality. What are your likes, your hobbies, your passions? Don’t be shy to share!

Get Started! source: Rebekah Radice

Request an invite to Pinterest or email DanaCarter@BHGgo.com and I’ll send you an invite!

Don’t Forget! Follow Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate on Pinterest

For other great technology ideas, contact Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate l Generations. We understand, know and use technology to meet the needs of today’s consumers. DanaCarter@BHGgo.com or 251-610-6999.

Reminder, You’re Invited this Thursday eve:

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Generations, Rainmaker After Hours, February 23, 2012, from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, at our office 6349 Piccadilly Square Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36609, 251-650-4030. Located just off Hillcrest/Airport, next to the Sportplex.

Start out Right with Technology & the Internet

bhgcareer — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:25:02 +0000

Starting early in planning and building an effective Internet presence will make a huge difference in the long run. The successful real estate professional of the future will be someone who has embraced the Internet and it’s power in reaching a vast audience. They will understand the importance of a web presence that positions them as the real estate expert in their area.

No matter what some of the “old-timers” may tell you, you NEED the Internet to market in today’s real estate world. While some with many years in the business can continue to succeed due to referrals and past business over the years, you’ll need to use your website and social networking to get a foothold with today’s buyers and sellers. Budget for a good web presence, though it really need not be expensive.

You’re Invited:

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Generations

Rainmaker After Hours

February 23, 2012 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

6349 Piccadilly Square Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36609

http://www.bhggo.com

Our sponsor will be Tammy Watley of First Federal Mortgage. Tammy has been a huge part of our family since the beginning and I’m happy to share this first experience with her! Get up! Dress up! And show up!

RAINMAKER AFTER HOURS is a new sector of our BHGRE | GEN that was introduced during the 2012 concept meeting. It is a time for all in our industry to gather here at our local office and share fellowship with one another. Each month we will have a spotlight sponsor! Please feel free to invite your family, friends and clients. For more information or to schedule an interview or sign up for classes, call, click or text, DanaCarter@BHGgo.com 251-610-6999

Come join us this Thursday for Rainmaker After Hours

Sweet Opportunities offered in being a Realtor

bhgcareer — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:27:36 +0000

Do you like to look at other people’s houses?

Do you like to help others?

Do you like to meet new people?

Do you like to travel?

Do you like to grow in your job?

Do you like to control your own time?

Do you like to take risks?

Do you like to make lots of money?

Do you like to learn new technology?

Do you like using the internet?

Then you belong in real estate! A career in real estate offers all of these sweet opportunities, there is no other profession like real estate. Everyday is a new challenge, a new opportunity for you to begin anew. Real Estate is sweet! To enroll in real estate class today, click here: www.bhggo.com/get-your-license We have a sweet special on the 60 hour prelicense course, CARE License #87762, course just $295

Apply today with Dana M. Carter, call, click or text for this opportunity:

DanaCarter@BHGgo.com

251-610-6999

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here’s everything you need to know about growing beautiful roses.

Ultimate Rose Care Guide www.bhg.com

Grow the most beautiful roses in your neighborhood with these tips.

AND

don’t forget your sweetheart today! Happy Valentine’s Day

Check Your Sales Skills

bhgcareer — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:06:35 +0000

Real estate sales can be a challenging and rewarding career.

The way business is conducted in the real estate industry has certainly changed with the advent of the Internet and new technologies and consumers now know more about the home buying and selling process than ever before.

You may be tech savvy but in order to be successful in real estate sales there are still certain basic skills you need to have. Take our Real Estate Simulator to see if you have the sales skills necessary to grow a successful real estate business.

During this 25 minute interactive assessment, a moderator will guide you through a typical sales process as you interact with a young couple looking to purchase a home. This assessment will tack the following key sales skills:

Building Rapport and Acquiring Information – can you build a relationship and establish trust?
Listening and Comprehension – can you consult and qualify your buyers?
Managing the sales process – can you move the clients towards the right action at the right time and keep the sale moving?
Closing Skills – can you close the sale and help your buyers find the right home?

Once you have completed the assessment, you will receive a personalized report outlining your skill set. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brokers and managers can use this information to put in place the right training and coaching programs to help you to launch or grow an existing real estate business.

Remember that sales skills can be learned so you might want to take our Personality Assessment as well to find out if you have the right personality traits to be successful in a real estate career.

To discuss your opportunity to be in real estate, contact DanaCarter@BHGgo.com,

251-610-6999.

Thought for the day: Move forward like frogs! In some cultures the frog is considered a sign of luck. Frogs can only move forward, never backward. Move forward like a frog this week to a prosperous future!

10 Tips to Create a Winning Virtual Tour

bhgcareer — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:54:02 +0000

Savvy real estate agents know the power behind a winning virtual tour. They know that creating a visual slide show for each of their listings improves visibility and allows for easy distribution to sites like YouTube, Facebook and now even Pinterest. Thought by many to only offer benefits to upper-tier homes, virtual tours are now used universally.

A virtual home tour can piece together static photos and transform them into a unique slide show. The beauty in this type of visual tour is that you do not have to be a professional photographer to create the required effect. In fact, many virtual tour systems not only produce a customized virtual tour, but also host the listing through a unique web address and then promote and distribute to various real estate portals, search engines and social media sites.

The virtual tour can also aid in the home preparation process for the seller and give them a glimpse into what their home looks like from the buyer’s point of view. Get started with a few simple tips!

Create a Winning Virtual Tour

Remember that your photography skills matter less than what’s visually covered on the tour. Try to get all major rooms and use the highest resolution for images allowed. A couple of photos of a living room are better than none at all.
Vary the length and number of photos and scenes from tour to tour, depending on how much zoom, panoramas and other effects are used.
Treat the photo session for a virtual tour like an open house. Start with a clean, inviting and uncluttered home.
As a general rule, begin with the most sellable features first, putting the best images toward the front. Or, start with the front of the home, then the backyard, followed by the kitchen and any “grand” or large rooms, followed by bedrooms and bathrooms or other small areas.
Lighting matters: use incandescent lighting for the best look and avoid harsh fluorescent lighting. Don’t shoot into an open, bright window.
Do include photos of the community, schools, parks, shops, restaurants or other neighborhood amenities.
Put away expensive items such as jewelry and expensive paintings. Make the home as generic and safe as possible.
Use voice narration to engage viewers. Tell potential buyers what has been recently remodeled, or point out details on cabinetry or other design elements or room features of interest. Use text narration to point out less obvious amenities or other details of the home.
Use panoramas only for more spacious rooms. Use 360-degree panoramas for outdoor scenes, such as backyard and even showing the surrounding neighborhood.
Add text to each picture, telling the story of the space as the tour scrolls through the home.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate offers a number of virtual tour and slide show products. Information can be found in the GreenHouse, in the Digital Marketing Center and through the Approved Supplier program.

source: www.bhgrealestateblog.com

If you’re interested in having all the benefits and tools to create Digital Marketing and Virtual Tours and more, join us. Call, click or text DanaCarter@BHGgo.com 251-610-6999

At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations we make Better Agents.

Real Estate classes begin daily.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Interest Rates are GREAT! As low as 2.85% on 15 year to just 4% on 30 year. For full disclosure and details contact: Tammy Watley, Loan Originator, NMLS #491828, First Federal Mortgage

www.applywithtammy.com or call 251-209-9020 – Cell

Real Estate is Action Packed!

bhgcareer — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:28:51 +0000

Real estate accounts for nearly half of the privately owned wealth in the United States. It serves as collateral for home mortgages and other financial assets. Every business either owns or rents. Every individual either owns or rents.

Real estate is frequently the largest part of the retirement process for most families. Individual investors want the knowledge for their own portfolios.

Professional trade groups in real estate require certain levels of education as a prerequisite to obtain a license and most require continuing education every licensing period. There are also opportunities to further your real estate education into specific areas of the real estate business as well as earning designations in these areas by furthering your real estate knowledge.

All states require course education prior to the application for a state real estate license and some states are reciprocal in licensing requirements. Classes may be taken in the classroom or online in the convenience of your home. Under Alabama Real Estate Commission guidelines you have one year from the time you start the class to complete the 60 hour prelicense course. The online course is just $295. For further details or to enroll in class today, call, click or text now: DanaCarter@BHGgo.com 251-610-6999

We also have classes for post license, broker Iicense, reciprocal and continuing education classes. 2012 has started out to be an awesome year in real estate. Now is the time to enter the real estate industry. Classes begin daily.

Photo from cover of February 2012 RIS Media Magazine, Photo by RIS Senior Designer Kelli Cahill

Photo of Leighton Dees, co-owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations, Mobile, Alabama.

3 Twitter Marketing Ideas to Build Your Business

bhgcareer — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:06:37 +0000

Twitter marketing can be an effective and inexpensive social media solution for your real estate business. With only 140 characters required, Twitter offers a short and sweet way to get your message out.

Twitter can also be an incredible addition to your current real estate marketing campaign and a truly remarkable marketing tool within your business. Used strategically, Twitter can be a fun way to raise awareness about your personal brand and other social networks.

So how can you use Twitter to market your business? Let’s take a look at 3 simple strategies that you can implement today!

1. Connect with Potential Clients

Similar to Facebook, Twitter gives you the ability to connect with potential clients in a far more intimate way than traditional media. Potential customers are able to gain a better understanding of who you are, what your business is all about and how you might best serve their needs given their particular circumstance. The days of hiring someone without any prior knowledge as to how they run their business is over. Today all anyone needs to do is Google you. Twitter puts you in a space where potential clients or even past clients can find information, stay up to date and connect with you on a daily basis.

Begin your research by identifying who you want to follow. Locate people with similar interests, within the same line of work or in a particular location. Two great sites are WeFollow and Twellow. Both tools let you choose a specific niche, part of the country and even your city through Twellowhood.

2. Build Your Database List

Using Twitter to build a database or list of potential customers will not happen overnight, but it can be successful if you take the time to identify who you are talking to and what information matters most to them. If you are hoping to connect with home buyers then cater to their exact needs by supplying timely updates, answers to their most frequently asked questions and your professional insight into market conditions.

While Twitter marketing is similar to Facebook, your message will change based on the limited size of your status update and the less formal atmosphere. Do not make the mistake of simply pushing out your newsletter or market update. Make sure you are asking questions and creating a conversation with your followers. Retweet interesting updates from friends and followers and comment with your thoughts and feelings. People want to know what makes you tick, so let them!

Ask yourself on a daily basis what you can give away, pass along or offer that will keep them coming back for more. Tips about buying their first home, tips on how to avoid mistakes most sellers make, tips on how to properly prepare their home for sale…the list of content is endless!

3. Increase Website Traffic

Increasing website traffic works hand in hand with building your database. Two strategies to use to increase website visibility:

§ Connect your blog to Twitter and automatically notify your followers each time you post a new article. An easy way to do this is to grab your RSS feed (example: yourwebsite.com/feed) and create a free account with Twitterfeed. Once you set up a feed, your new post will tweet out immediately without you lifting a finger. If you use WordPress, a great plugin that auto tweets your post is TweetThis. Using automation wisely frees up your time and allows you to really engage and interact with your followers.
§ Create an opt-in form on your website. Attract attention through your by tweeting about a free home buyer report or your monthly newsletter . If you use WordPress and work with a system like AWeber, you can create a web form and add it yourself if you are comfortable working with html or you can ask your web designer or IT support for assistance.

How are you using Twitter to market your business? source: www.BHGRealEstateBlog.com

To learn more ideas on how you can increase your real estate business, contact DanaCarter@BHGgo.com or text 251-610-6999. Click now:

Interest rates under 4%, contact Tammy for full details and disclosure:

Tammy Watley, Loan Originator, NMLS #491828

First Federal Mortgage, www.applywithtammy.com, 251-209-9020

How to Win the Super Bowl of Real Estate

bhgcareer — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:50:35 +0000

It has always struck me how analogous the behavior of high performing sports teams is to that of high performing real estate sales teams. If you have any questions as to whether this is true or not, please consider the following.

In both situations, highly talented individuals are asked to contribute to a team effort
Both are highly rewarding in terms of income, but due to spin off success, high performing teams typically earn more than high performing individuals alone
Both scenarios require high ego-driven individuals to respect and support overall team goals

To me, the conversation always comes back to accountability; accountability to self and accountability to the team. When you watch the Super Bowl this weekend, pay close attention to the player interviews and what you will hear, time and again, is a high performer crediting teammates for their personal success. If you stop and think about this for just a moment, it is a really striking development and testament to the fact that high performing athletes understand, that “It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out real estate associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction”.

source: www.bhgrealestateblog.com

If you’re interested in being apart of a Winning Real Estate Team, join us today, call, click or text DanaCarter@BHGgo.com, 251-610-6999

Join the Team with the Best Agents

PURCHASE RATES FOR ALL PROPERTIES

Program	1% Origination	Zero Origination
CONV 30	3.750%	3.875%
CONV 15	3.250%	3.375%

FHA 30	3.750%	3.750%
FHA 15	2.750%	3.000%

VA 30	3.750%	3.750%
VA 15	2.750%	3.000%

USDA 30	3.500%	3.750%
STEP UP	4.000%	N/A

for full disclosure and details contact:

Tammy Watley, Loan Originator. NMLS #491828

First Federal Mortgage.www.applywithtammy.com

251-209-9020 – Cell

Want to get an Alabama Real Estate Salesperson License

bhgcareer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:09:40 +0000

To become eligible to obtain a Real Estate SALESPERSON license in Alabama, and applicant who does not hold a current real estate license in another state must:

Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien or legally present in the U.S;
Be at least 19 years old;
Show proof of bona fide residency in any state in the U.S.;
Show proof of high school graduation or GED;
Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude;
Not have had a real estate application or license rejected or revoked in any state within the past two years.
After meeting the education and/or experience requirements, pass the licensing examination.

ADDITIONALLY, A SALESPERSON APPLICANT MUST:

Prior to taking the real estate state exam, successfully complete an approved 60 clock hour prelicense course. (Salesperson applicants who started the prelicense course prior to October 1, 2004 have 24 months to pass the state exam after completing this real estate course. Applicants who started the course after October 1, 2004 have 12 months to pass the state exam after completing the course. If these deadlines are not met, the course must be retaken.) AND
Must complete a 30 hour post license training course within the first twelve months of licensure in order to be issued an original (permanent) license. Further, the course must be completed and original license issued within the first six months in order to maintain an active real estate license. source: Alabama Real Estate Commission website

A Successful Real Estate Career is not about cold calls and scripted closing questions; it is being passionate about what you do and taking pride in your business. It is getting out and being active, getting involved in your community, caring and giving back. It is being apart of a creative team with a culture of learning and success where you are having fun and love what you do.

You have a new year ahead of you. Make it your year and join us this Thursday for a special online real estate career event. Come join us at our office or watch from home on your own computer. The real estate career event will be hosted by Sherry Chris, CEO & President of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

Register now:
Sherry will share our value proposition, talk about why and how we are a relevant real estate brand and cover the top reasons Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate can help today’s agent succeed with today’s buyers and sellers. Sign up now! Call, click or text now 251-610-6999 DanaCarter@BHGgo.com or register online:

http://bitly.com/yourbhgrecareer

OutPlanning – OutPerforming – OutStanding

Pay it Forward – original author: Menander, Dyskolos and below is Benjamin Franklin’s version (wikipedia)

I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro’ many hands

PURCHASE RATES FOR ALL PROPERTIES

Program
1% Origination

Zero Origination

CONV 30
3.875%

4.000%

CONV 15
3.250%

3.375%

FHA 30
3.750%

3.750%

FHA 15
2.750%

3.000%

VA 30
3.750%

3.750%

VA 15
2.875%

3.000%

USDA 30
3.500%

3.500%

STEP UP
4.000%

N/A

Tammy Watley, NMLS# 491828, First Federal Mortgage, www.applywithtammy.com

The New Generation of Realtors - Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations

bhgcareer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:34:07 +0000

While the housing market has suffered a recession, there will be strong demand for prepared professionals to fill new positions as this cycle rebounds. This cycle also will require the real estate professionals for the new generation of buyers and sellers. Are you where you need to be? Are you going to be apart of the next generation of Realtors?

You have a new year ahead of you. This is the new norm and you need to let us help you figure out how to thrive in it. It is time to move forward, adapt to change and be apart of a real estate company that has the passion for all that you do. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations is full of passion, forethought, the latest technology and determination.

Join us this week for a free online career event that will make a difference in your real estate career.

Online Real Estate Career Event bhgcareer.com

You’re Invited to a Special Career Event HOSTED BY SHERRY CHRIS, PRESIDENT & CEO OF BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE WHEN? FEBRUARY 2, 2012 AT 1:00 P.M Central

Sherry will share our value proposition, talk about why and how we are a relevant real estate brand and cover the top reasons Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate can help today’s agent succeed with today’s buyers and sellers. Sign up now! Call, click or text now 251-610-6999 DanaCarter@BHGgo.com or register online: http://bitly.com/yourbhgrecareer

We Make Better Agents

Make your real estate business a referral magnet

bhgcareer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:58:35 +0000

All Things Real Estate BHGRE

Tip 1 in our new series “How to Become a Referral Magnet” is simple…always know what you will say BEFORE you pick up the phone. Too often we shy away from just “asking” for the real estate referral because we don’t know what to say.

Don’t fumble for the right words…write them down before you call. This DOES NOT mean that you should sound like you’re reading a script. You should be at ease with what you are asking for.

Get comfortable by talking it through out loud, speaking it into your voicemail & then listening back or role-playing with a friend or colleague. Whatever you do…ASK for that real estate referral! How do you “ask” on a consistent basis?

To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate globally and locally sign up now for this free online career event next Thursday, February 2, 1:00 p.m. Central and 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

You Are Invited to a Special Career Event

Hosted by Sherry Chris, President & CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Click here to RSVP today!

- Have you been thinking about a change?

- Have you heard the value Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate provides agents?

- Are you curious about your future in residential real estate?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, or you are thinking about making changes in your real estate career, we invite you to attend our free one-hour virtual career event. Learn how a brand with 97% brand recognition provides real estate agents with the right tools for today’s buyer. You won’t want to miss this event!

Sherry will share our value proposition, talk about why and how we are a relevant real estate brand and cover the top reasons Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate can help today’s agent succeed with today’s buyers and sellers. Sign up now!

Feel free to call, text or email me anytime for a confidential interview

Dana M. Carter, DanaCarter@BHGgo.com, 251-610-6999

“A project is complete when it starts working for you, rather than you working for it.” – Scott Allen

Today’s rates

PURCHASE RATES FOR ALL PROPERTIES

Program	1% Origination	Zero Origination
CONV 30	3.875%	4.125%
CONV 15	3.125%	3.500%

FHA 30	3.750%	3.875%
FHA 15	3.000%	3.250%

VA 30	3.750%	3.875%
VA 15	3.000%	3.250%

USDA 30	3.750%	3.750%
STEP UP	4.000%	N/A

Tammy Watley, NMLS# 491828, First Federal Mortgage, www.applywithtammy.com

www.BHGgo.com

Real Estate Business Planning is Vital to Your Success

bhgcareer — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:47:48 +0000

On behalf of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations, we hope you enjoyed the series of real estate business planning tips discussing the variety of topics for successful Real Estate Agents. We take our Real Estate Agents‘ careers very seriously. That is why we invest time and resources in our superb technology resources, training and support.

When the time is right for you to make a move, we hope that you consider our real estate company. I know that we can provide you with the right support to ensure you will be successful and help you take your real estate career to the next level.

To learn more about Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate globally and locally sign up now for this free online career event next Thursday, February 2, 1:00 p.m. Central and 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

You Are Invited to a Special Career Event

Hosted by Sherry Chris, President & CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Click here to RSVP today!

- Have you been thinking about a change?

- Have you heard the value Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate provides agents?

- Are you curious about your future in residential real estate?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, or you are thinking about making changes in your career, we invite you to attend our free one-hour virtual career event. Learn how a brand with 97% brand recognition provides real estate agents with the right tools for today’s buyer. You won’t want to miss this event!

Feel free to call, text or email me anytime for a confidential interview

Dana M. Carter, DanaCarter@BHGgo.com, 251-610-6999

Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today’s rates

PURCHASE RATES FOR ALL PROPERTIES

Program	1% Origination	Zero Origination
CONV 30	3.875%	4.125%
CONV 15	3.125%	3.500%

FHA 30	3.750%	3.875%
FHA 15	3.000%	3.250%

VA 30	3.750%	3.875%
VA 15	3.000%	3.250%

USDA 30	3.750%	3.750%
STEP UP	4.000%	N/A

Tammy Watley, NMLS# 491828, First Federal Mortgage, www.applywithtammy.com

www.BHGgo.com

Real Estate Business Planning 501

bhgcareer — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:32:03 +0000

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate l Generations Makes Better Agents

Putting together a plan for your real estate business does not have to be complicated. Setting some specific actions steps and being consistent with your actions is all that it takes.

Think about what has been successful in the past and stick with what works.

What does a balanced plan of attack look like? You will need:

A consistent marketing plan
A consistent prospecting plan
A consistent internet strategy
A strong database management system
A consistent farming strategy
A strong referral system

If you would like help drafting your real estate plan of action, please give us a call!

The final real estate business planning tip in this series will focus on projecting your expenses.

Dana M. Carter, Recruiting Manager, call click or text today to make a difference in your real estate career today, 251-610-6999, DanaCarter@BHGgo.com

*You’re Invited to a Special Real Estate Career Event*
*HOSTED BY SHERRY CHRIS, PRESIDENT & CEO OF BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE*

	WHEN? FEBRUARY 2, 2012 AT 1:00 P.M
	RSVP ONLINE TODAY- http://bitly.com/yourbhgrecareer

PURCHASE RATES FOR ALL PROPERTIES

Program	1% Origination	Zero Origination
CONV 30	3.875%	4.125%
CONV 15	3.125%	3.500%

FHA 30	3.750%	3.875%
FHA 15	3.000%	3.250%

VA 30	3.750%	3.875%
VA 15	3.000%	3.250%

USDA 30	3.750%	3.750%
STEP UP	4.000%	N/A

Tammy Watley, NMLS# 491828, First Federal Mortgage, www.applywithtammy.com

Belief That “Now Is the Time to Buy” by Age Group

bhgcareer — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:56:49 +0000

Awesome, check this out – All Generations of Buyers are out there in 2012 plus interest rates are at an all time low, a fabulous combination for everyone. Join us and we will teach you how to Perfect the Real Estate Experience.

via Belief That “Now Is the Time to Buy” by Age Group.

If your ready to take your career up a notch, call me, text me, or email me today: DanaCarter@BHGgo.com, 251-610-6999

Real Estate Business Planning 301

bhgcareer — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:14:03 +0000

There are many ways to source your real estate business, and sales leads can come from many different areas. In order to be successful, you need to look at what has worked for you in the past and what has not.

Look back at every transaction that you have closed in the last 12 months and determine the source of each transaction. These are just some examples of where you may be generating real estate business:

How many transactions came from an ad call?
How man transactions came from the internet?
How many transactions came from open houses?
How many transactions came from referrals?
How many came from farming activities?

Not all of your prospecting activities will lead to closed sales. It is important to understand what is working for you and what is not.

If you would like to understand better where your real estate business is coming from, please give us a call!

The next real estate business planning tip in this series will focus on the action steps you will need to take in order to accomplish your goals.

Dana M. Carter

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Interest rates are at an all time low, what better time to enter the real estate industry. Rates are fixed at 2.875% on 15 year and as low as 3.75% on 30 year, Contact Tammy Watley, First Federal Mortgage for full details and disclosures

Real Estate Business Planning 201

bhgcareer — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:30:43 +0000

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate OutPerforming, OutPlanning, OutStanding all over the globe

In order to hit your real estate income goals this year, there are a number of factors you will need to consider. These are the critical numbers questions you will need to answer in order to chart your course for success:

How many transactions are you going to close?
What is your average sales price going to be?
What is your totals sales volume going to be?
What is your average commission percentage per transaction?
What is your gross commission income going to be (before commission split)?
How many buyer closings will you have?
How many seller closings will you have?

If you would like help with setting your real estate projections, please give us a call.

The next real estate business planning tip in this series will focus on ways to source your real estate business. If your thinking about making a move or ready to get into real estate take action now and call, text or email: DanaCarter@BHGgo.com 251-610-6999

Thought leadership has always been a hallmark of our brand—generating new ideas, innovating new technologies, and being ahead of trends. We will continue our thought leadership in both technology and trend studies. Our efforts garnered with exciting media coverage, have earned us awards for our innovation, and continue to keep us ahead of the curve in our industry. www.BHGRealEstate.com and www.BHGgo.com

“Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” – Peter F. Drucker

Interest rates are at an all time low, what better time to enter the real estate industry. Rates are fixed at 2.875% on 15 year and as low as 3.5% on 30 year, Contact Tammy Watley, First Federal Mortgage for full details and disclosures

Recipe for Successful Real Estate Agents

bhgcareer — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:06:56 +0000

Begin with the Right Ingredients

Keeping in line with the Better Homes and Gardens magazine formula, we created our Planning for Success program like a recipe.

Think about your business plan as it relates to baking your favorite chocolate chip cookies. Your first step is locating all of the necessary ingredients. Once you have the flour, chocolate chips, sugar and other items ready to go, you now begin by mixing the appropriate amounts together. As you add one ingredient to the next, you will eventually begin to see your dough take shape.

In the end, you have created a delicious chocolate chip cookie that came as a result of your planning and follow through.

Simple Steps to Building a Better Business Plan

Planning your future is no different. It takes the right mix of ingredients for a successful plan to formulate.

In the Planning for Success program we give you the simple steps to building a better business plan. We identified four ingredients that every successful real estate agent business plan must contain.

A clear outline of your production goals
How you will generate leads for your business
Develop what methods you will use for communication
Determine what pillars your marketing strategy will contain

Business planning takes time and commitment. The above ingredients are a mix designed to get you started. How you execute the plan will depend on the overall outcome.

Get started today on your 2012 business plan with our FREE planning for success business planning tool.

“You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do” – Henry Ford

Real Estate Agents for all Generations

bhgcareer — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:02:32 +0000

One of the toughest challenges at the moment, noted Sherry Chris, CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, is the big demographic shift in the homebuying crowd.

With a third of the real estate market occupied by baby boomers and another third represented by their children, the echo boomers, it’s difficult to serve them both well, as they have different needs and purchasing habits, she said.

“How do we continue to service the customer of today — those baby boomers who have driven the real estate market for the last 30 years — and also service the consumer of tomorrow?” she asked. “That’s a challenge, but it’s also a great opportunity.”

Chris noted differences in what prospective homebuyers are looking for. “We noticed that consumers are looking for lifestyle and community above the actual dwelling itself,” she said, and noted her company’s online “lifestyle search” feature.

“Today, people are thinking, ‘Where’s the nearest Starbucks?’” said Chris. Consumers want to see what the community looks like first, she noted, and not just the home itself.

There are 73 Million ECHO boomers. Can you fill the gap? Echo Boomer Real Estate Agents needed, call, click or email Dana Carter, Recruiting Director, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations now to become part of the next generation of real estate professionals.

source: in part from InMan New, Interview with CEO Sherry Chris, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Your past career may translate well into success in real estate sales...

bhgcareer — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:18:11 +0000

Did you know that people with professional backgrounds in management, business and finance make up 16% of the 2010 membership of the National Association of Realtors.

Skills acquired in these types of professions translate easily into success in real estate sales. The economy is stablizing and markets are starting to pick up all over the country. If you have wanted to work for yourself, control when you work, control your income, it is seriously time to consider a career in real estate.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has lead the charge for change in the real estate industry. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home.

We understand that today’s consumer is different and that they expect something different from the sales process and the real estate professionals they work with.

Come be apart of the one company that has changed with the consumer, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Generations, Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama

Assess your Personality

bhgcareer — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:50:17 +0000

Assess your Personality

Have you ever wondered if you have the right personality traits to be a successful real estate sales professional? Understanding your unique personality is key to launching and growing a successful real estatecareer. How you interact with people, your goals, motivation and confidence are all part of determining how far your career will go.Take our Personality Assessment to uncover more about these five personality dimensions:

• Sociability
• Assertiveness
• Achievement
• Dependability
• Emotional Resilience

Once you have completed the Personality Assessment, you will receive a detailed report outlining your areas of strength and weakness. This information will prove vital as you decide whether or not real estate sales is your thing.

If you have the right personality traits, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate agent programs can teach you the rest. Learn more about your current sales skills set by taking our Sales Skills Assessment.

About Real Estate Careers

alidahaupt — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:56:56 +0000

If you’ve ever wondered how the world’s richest people have made most of their money then you need look no further than the real estate industry.

Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki, Conrad Hilton, Warren Buffet and many others have built the roots of their empires by investing in real estate.

Real estate billionaire Sam Zell believes the recovery might get underway at the end of this year but will not gain strength until the middle to late part of 2011. While multi-billionaire Warren Buffet has informed his shareholders that he believes the market will bounce back next year.

So who’s correct? Who knows really… but one thing’s for certain. The real estate market is going to erupt. If there’s anything we can learn from history, it’s that every bust is followed by a boom!

If you aren’t set for the future because of the recent downturns in the economy then you are going to miss out on the chance of a lifetime.

The moment to get ready for the future real estate boom is now! Once you hear the boom it could be too late. Every day, more and more young people are getting ready to enter this very profitable business because they know that the opportunity for licensed real estate agents is at hand!

The recent downturn in the economy has caused a lot of the part-timers and older members of the community to let their licenses expire as they neared retirement and looked to other sources of income.

What this could mean for future licensees is opportunity! There’s a big hole in the real estate industry that is slowly, but surely being filled up with the next generation of real estate agents.

Considering that with the low prices and historically low interest rates and you have a formula for real estate winners!

If you wait for the evening news to report that real estate sales are going to explode before you start your real estate career then you are going to be behind the curve.

It’ll be like running a hundred meter sprint. If you’re at the starting line when the gun goes off you’re going to fail, because the newest generation of real estate entrepreneurs are going to be crossing the finish line.

Take a lesson from the Buffets and the Zell’s of the world and ready yourself for these opportunities now.

Opportunities for newly licensed agents have never been more promising than they are right now.

So, don’t delay! Find out what the exciting, wealth building real estate business can do for you.

See just how easy it is to get your license.

Who knows, you could be the next Warren Buffet or Donald Trump!

PURCHASE RATES FOR ALL PROPERTIES

Program	1% Origination	Zero Origination
CONV 30	3.875%	4.000%
CONV 15	3.250%	3.375%

FHA 30	3.750%	3.750%
FHA 15	2.750%	3.000%

VA 30	3.750%	3.750%
VA 15	2.875%	3.000%

USDA 30	3.500%	3.500%
STEP UP	4.000%	N/A