Wire fraud cases are on the rise; and buyers are being bilked out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Criminals use sophisticated software to hack email accounts and look for keywords that indicate a transaction is in progress. Florida Realtors has added a Wire Fraud Prevention notice to the forms library to assist you in working with buyers to help them understand the danger of fraudulent wiring instructions.
FAQs
Is there a convenient reference that I may use to learn about licensing, examination, and other general procedural questions about getting my Florida real estate sales-associate’s license?
Yes, there is! The Bureau of Testing provides a resource entitled “Candidate Information Booklet.” It is a concise, current reference guide about the application process and examination requirements. Candidate Information Booklet (PDF File)
New Lending Guidelines
New lending guidelines take effect on August 1, 2015. These new guidelines are significant and will impact residential real estate closings. View the video below to learn more!
What are the requirements to obtain a real estate sales associate’s license in Florida?
An applicant must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent, and successfully complete a 63 hour pre-licensing course. An applicant must also submit an application to the Division of Real Estate with the appropriate fee and pass the state exam. Click here to link to statute for full requirements for sales- associate and broker licenses.
What seems to be the most topical and important issue among the professional real estate community today?
Realtor discussion that is most topical and important currently is the issue of syndication. This concept addresses the use of third party sources, such as Zillow and Trulia, and broker-directed feeds to these web services of the broker owned listings. Please view this Florida Realtor video for an excellent overview on this current professional issue.
How can I apply for a real estate sales associate’s license?
Complete an application form and submit it by mail or online to the Division of Real Estate. Applications must include the appropriate fee. Once the application has been approved by the state, an applicant can then apply to the state approved testing vendor. There is an additional testing fee. Please note that an applicant must set up an account using the applicant’s email address in order to apply electronically. This requirement became effective August, 2011. Once your account has been set up, you may check its progress by clicking here
What is the difference between the terms “Realtor” and “Sales-Associate”?
The term “Realtor” is used to mean membership in a realtor association. It implies membership in the trade organization of the National Association of Realtors and a pledge to adher to NAR’s Code of Ethics. In Brevard County, the local Realtor organization is the Space Coast Association of Realtors (SCAR). However, the term “Sales-Associate” is a license status issued to an individual by the state upon successful completion of a licensing course and the passing of a state examiniation. It is possible for an individual to have a license status of Sales-Associate but not be a Realtor.
What are the different class formats for the sales associate pre-licensing course?
A+ Plus Schools of Real Estate offers a variety of course formats. You may select live instruction in a traditional classroom with both day or evening class options. For a more flexible scheduling option, you may choose an online course. Beginning in April 2020, we also offer Live Streaming Classes from your computer or smart phone with a live instructor. Click LIVE for our Live, classroom course selections, click ONLINE for our online course selections or click LIVE STREAMING for our Live Streaming course selections.”
What is a Live Streaming class?
A Live Streaming class, also known as a video streaming class, is a pre-determined schedule of specific class sessions. Developed by technology and spurred on by the Covid 19 event, this course format allows you to attend class from the safety, privacy and convenience of your home or office. You have the ability to see the instructor and to ask questions just like a live, classroom experience using your computer or smart phone. Click HERE for our Live Streaming class schedules, including Spanish instruction.
What does being a Realtor mean and what constitutes professional behavior of a Realtor?
For information about the Realtor mark or designation, watch this informative video about NAR’s Code of Ethics and the best practices that Realtors are committed to follow.
When do I submit my application for the sales associate license to the state?
Your application may be submitted to the state prior to, during, or even after the completion of the course. It is advisable to apply for licensure as early as possible so that the process of application approval may begin. State processing may take between 4 to 6 weeks depending upon a variety of factors. Once you have submitted your application to DBPR, you may check on its status by Clicking Here.
Where do I take the state exam?
The testing vendor makes the state exam available in major Metropolitan areas in and out of the state of Florida. The testing center, located closest to our school and serving Central Florida, is located at 2176 Sarno Road, Melbourne or within walking distance to our campus.
What are advantages to membership in the National Association of Realtors?
The answers of memebership benefits are many. The orientation video prepared by the National Association of Realtors below summarizes the many important benefits afforded through a licensee’s membership in the National Associationof Realtors!
What other requirements must be submitted with my application to DBPR?
Effective July 1, 2006 electronic fingerprinting is mandatory as part of the application process. Pearson-Vue, a DBPR approved vendor, can now electronically scan and submit fingerprints to the FDLE and FBI. This new technology will reduce illegible prints or missing information that could impede the application process. Click Here for more information, or to register for fingerprinting. You may also schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-238-8232.
Are there any special programs or services provided for military personnel for state licensure?
Yes, there are! These services apply to military personnel, military spouses and veterans of our armed forces. For further details about these programs and services, click here.
What is a salary expectation for a Realtor?
Salary expectation in the real estate profession is extremely difficult to gauge. An individual functions as an independent contractor as a member of a real estate brokerage. This means the individual licensee determines his own hours of work, the choice of his targeted marketplace, advertising methods, reliance on social networking just to name a few variable elements. However, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors in 2014, the median gross income of Realtors was $47,700 in 2013. This was an increase from $43,500 the year before. It is also reasonable to assume the earnings for a first year sales-associate will be less than these amounts until a certain level of training and experience have been attained.
What is the median household income for Realtors?
Referring once again to NAR survey above, the median gross income of realtor households was $105,500 in 2013.
How Do I get a copy of my license once I pass the state licensing exam?
Your initial license will be processed and mailed to you within approximately one week. However, effective June 10, 2015, real estate license applicants can now print their own license when it is convenient to them using an enhanced feature from their email or DBPR account. See the video below for more information.
