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Core 2009-2010
Course hours - 4
CE Approval -- Core 2009 - Expires 6/30/10
The 'Core' course is created and offered each year by the Idaho Real Estate Commission. This course is mandatorily required to renew a real estate license plus 16 elective hours. Only one 'Core' course is required to renew but PMC highly recommends that licensees take the Core course each and every year. A 'second' subsequent Core course will count as an elective.
The Core course is effective on July 1 of each year and addresses Legislative Updates, Real Estate Case Law, and the ever popular Hot Topics
Negotiation Tips & Strategies
Course hours - 4
CE Apprival -- EO704 - Expires 2/28/11
This course is designed to identify and apply methods and techniques that will lead to successful closings with a win/win result for all parties. Competitive vs. cooperative negotiation will be evaluated with strategic planning being the foundation for the negotiation process.
Situational examples from prospecting to closing will be explored and addressed with group discussion and interaction.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to identify different personal traits and characteristics necessary to build trust and rapport with all parties involved in a transaction. The result with give the student the ability to anticipate many issues that may require negotiation skills. In addition, the student will have all kinds of examples to draw from to formulate their communication for successful negotiations.
Servicing Buyers and Sellers in a Tough Market
Course Hours - 4
CE Approval -- EO677 - Expires 11/30/2010
Declining real estate markets require marketing adjustments. How are market conditions defined? Does the consumer understand the market, short term and long term alike? Information necessary for buyer and seller understanding will be discussed and formulated to initiate and execute realistic and successful plans inspite of the economy.
We need to understand the predictable traits of buyers and sellers and then map out a strategy to overcome the objections. Five characteristics will be explored to give better understanding to prepare strategic marketing plans, whether buying or selling.
This course will address how to handle and understand competitive pricing, over demanding sellers or buyers, ethics, moments of truth (when to cut the line and move on), preparation, packaging, and presentation of solid markeing plans to achieve success.
Taking The Mystery Out Of CMA's
Course hours - 8
CE Approval -- EO434 - Expires 5/31/11
Taking The Mystery Out Of CMA's addresses the specific motivations of the seller and buyer. This course will explore important components that create value and make the proper adjustments in pricing property to sell in any market. The student will also learn how to apply the ANSI Z765-2003 industry standard to properly measure residential properties.
Building costs, valuation costs, segregated costs, and component costs will be defined and explored in detail. In addition the quality of construction evaluated to assist in arriving at an accurate property valuation.
The Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) that is used by most lenders will be reviewed in detail so the student will fully understand all the components appraisers have to follow to complete an appraisal.
The student will also learn what to look for when searching comparables to create a CMA. The student will also learn how to gather, verify, and process the information obtained. to present the CMA to the seller or buyer.
Extensive handouts and support material will accompany the course outline to Take The Mystery Out Of CMA's.
The ABC's of CMA's (residential)
Course hours - 4
CE Approval -- EO 593 - Expires 4/30/10
There's an old saying -- "People buy with emotion and justify with fact". The ABC's of CMA's will give the student a unique method to verify property value that combines both emotion and factual attributes into one simple and understandable format.
ANSI Z765-2003 will be explained and demonstrated in detail so the student will know exactly and how to properly measure a residential dwelling and make the proper adjustments to arrive at a accurate market value range.
In addition, agents will receive a 'fail safe' detailed Property Condition Checklist to assist in completing a CMA . A uniquely designed CMA combines motivation, market conditions, adjustments, and multiple value ranges onto one fantastic designed page that is easy to understand. by buyers, sellers and agents.
If you specialize in real estate listings or just want a CMA format that fine tunes value ranges with incredible accuracy, this course is a 'must'.
Great Photography = Quicker Sales
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- EO611 - Expires 5/31/10
The old saying, "a picture is worth a 1,000 words" is especially true in real estate. One of the first ways a property is introduced to a buyer is with a photo. A poor photo can encourage the prospective buyer not even get interested in a property that may otherwise meet their needs. If it is good, the buyer will inquire further about the property and maybe even make an offer. A survey by the NAR has indicated that 84% of potential buyers use the internet to initiate the looking and buying experience.
In order to provide good photos, the photographer needs to be familiar with state laws, NAR Code of Ethics, Fair Housing issues, and copyright laws. This course will address each of these issues so the photographer won't make any mistakes.
This course the student will learn how to select good photographic equipment and software to assist in making the 'perfect' real estate photo. You will also learn how to prepare and stage the property for good photos. In addition, you will learn how to choreograph a good 'photo story' with a basic understanding of how to use lighting, shadows, angles with wide angle or telephoto lens.
Securing copyright approval or offering copyright releases will be discussed in detail for photos used for publication. When editing photos, 'how much is too much' and how does editing address the law and ethics? The student will also receive a good tracking program and checklist to evaluate the effectiveness of photo placement to result in creating 'Quicker Sales'.
Successful Open Houses
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- EO612 - Expires 5/31/10
Sellers want them; agents hate them. It's no wonder Open Houses don't work. So why have them?
This course will dispel the belief that Open Houses don't work or the purpose of Open Houses is to get prospects. Nothing is farther from the truth.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to develop an effective program that will sell, not show, Open Houses.
As a student, you will learn how to say 'no' to holding Open Houses if they don't make sense. With a good Open House program, you will learn how to actually get the seller to want to make their property competitive; thus, saleable!
You will learn how to have not one, not two, but three separate Open Houses at one location on the same day! Plus you will learn how to create an effective advertising and promotion program that will draw good traffic with excitement and desire to buy
Insurance and liability issues along with Fair Housing requirements will be discussed in detail. Plus local and state sign ordinances will be reviewed including where and how directional signs can be placed.
Agent and property safety will be addressed to make sure all aspects of an Open House will lead to success.
With a good Open House plan and policy, the agent will want to hold Open Houses more often.
Seniors Need Housing Too!
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- EO618 - Expires 6/30/10
As our population continues to live longer, the increase of 'seniors' is placing a need to meet their housing requirements. Approximately 21% or 59,000,000 adults are 55 years of age or older.
To meet the 'senior' needs various housing laws and programs will be explored and discussed includkng age restricted programs and housing exemptions for age or disabilities amongst 'seniors'. Health issues make housing design and accessibility an area that will be discussed in detail.
The student will learn different forms and methods to finance housing for 'seniors'.
Lots of handouts and support material will accompany this course.
Agency: An Interactive Course
Course hours - 4
CE Approval -- EO 487
Agency will not be difficult to understand when you complete this course. All four types of representation practiced in Idaho will be reviewed in detail. Do you know and understand your brokerage written office policy? When and how do you present the Agency Disclosure Brochure.
The student will learn to identify and practice specific duties relating to customers and clients. Confidentiality issues will be explored together with the legal and timeline requirements for representation. The course will also address possible conflicts of interest and how to avoid them. This class will eliminate all your questions and concerns if you are not sure how agency is supposed to be practiced.
Contract Principles: An Interactive Course
Course hours - 4
CE Approval -- EO 491
Contract Principles will enable the student to know and understand the essential elements of a valid and enforceable contract. The term 'consideration ' will be discussed in detail . You will learn how to accurately describe those areas that could lead to an unenforceable contract including but not limited to legal descriptions, certainty of terms, and consequences of 'missing' items.
Various real estate forms will be reviewed and discussed including offers, counter offers, and various addenda that could lead to questionable interpretation. Upon course completion, the student will gain greater confidence to construct a valid contract.
Forms 1: An Interactive Course
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- EO 490
7 different real estate forms used in the practice of real estate including Seller Representation, Buyer Representation, Purchase and Sale Agreement, Addendum, Counter Offer, Notice to Terminate Contract and Release of Earnest Money, and Compensation Agreement will be discussed in great detail.
In addition, potential conflicts when completing forms will be discussed together with risk exposure and ramifications of not completing the forms accurately and completely. Filling out forms is one thing, but understanding forms is what keeps transactions together.
Forms 2: An Interactive Course
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- EO 489-1107
Pre-Sold New Construction is always a challenge if you don't use a form designed specifically for this type of purchase. You will learn line by line how to fill out the Pre-Sold New Construction form completely and accurately. Discussion will also include a list of important questions to the builder or listing agent that will enable the agent to 'fill in the blanks' of this form. Common mistakes and correct verbiage will be discussed.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to explain the various aspects of the Pre-Sold New Construction form to buyers in understandable terms.
Negotiations & Closing: An Interactive Course
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- EO 486
The ability to negotiate throughout the transaction process is the key to successful closings. This course will enable the agent to maintain emotional neutrality throughout the transaction and closing. You will learn how to prepare, review, and explain the settlement statement including all debits and credits that relate to all closing costs for either the buyer or seller. As a sidebar, this is a great course to review closing statements in you are preparing to take a real estate broker exam.
Professional Conduct & Ethics: An Interactive Course
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- EO 488
This course is designed to review and discuss the Idaho laws and the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics surrounding professional and ethical conduct. Personally owned properties and disclosure together with advertising requirements will be discussed in detail.
You will also learn how to identify those behaviors that constitute prohibited conduct as well as those behaviors that are considered grounds for disciplinary action by the Idaho Real Estate Commission.
This course will not only help keep you out of court, it will also enhance your professionalism and make others want to do business with you.
Risk Reduction: An Interactive Course
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- EO 493
Risk Reduction addresses 6 areas that can pose risks when practicing real estate. They include Agency, Disclosure, Contracts, Communications, Safety, and Compliance with Law.
1. Agency will review the honest and fair way to treat customers and clients in addition to evaluating refraining from providing advice in areas you may not be qualified to advise.
2. Disclosure will cover how to disclose and document dates, times, and methods to any and all parties involved with the transaction. Confidentiality and disclosure of adverse material facts relative to Idaho code and Federal law will be discussed at length.
3. Contracts will cover how to avoid providing services outside your area of expertise, "double contracts", verbal contracts, and conflicting statements in a Purchase & Sale Agreement.
4. Communications will review verbal contracts with written confirmation, advertising materials and listing expiration dates.
5. Safety issues including personal safety will be discussed. Adequate business and personal liability coverage will also be discussed. In addition, inspection, time of showings, meeting customers will also be addressed.
6. Compliance with the law will be reviewed including the rendering of Broker's Price Opinion and the legal and ethical guidelines for sharing a brokerage fee with a buyer or seller
The following courses are designed for enhanced training to become more efficient in the practice of real estate. Some of these courses may be submitted for CE approval in the future. So stay tuned.
Creating Career Balance For Success
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- Training only at this time
There are three primary reasons why independent contractors struggle to maintain balance with their career - (1) work, (2) personal and family relationships, and (3) money. Conflict with any of these issues can result in a good agent getting out of the industry. What a shame.
With this course the student will learn how to balance their hectic schedules. One need not work 24/7 to make ends meet if they have a good working schedule system. One need not to jeopardize family relationships by 'not being there' when needed if a good plan to include the family is created. One need not have money issues if you develop a good budget pla
The student will learn the importance of prioritizing their work schedule and increase their work production by at least 20% without increasing any additional work hours.
You will learn how to meet all your family needs with good planning.
Finally you will learn how to plan and create budget for income and expenses including investing in the future for building your business.
This course will enable the student to create and incorporate a well balanced plan for total success regardless of what industry they may be associated with.
If You Can Fly An Airplane, You Can Practice Real Estate
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- Training only at this time
Before any pilot plans to take a plane for a flight , a good checklist and flight plan is filed before, and closed out upon landing to insure a successful flight. The same is true for the successful real estate to practice real estate. With good planning, the agent will also have a successful flight. You will be amazed at how similar flying is to practicing real estate.
There's an old industry saying that real estate agents work under a 'critical crisis' form of business management. They wait till something goes wrong and then try to do 'damage control' to keep things together. With a good 'pre-flight' plan plus good checklists, the real estate agent will have a great flight from 'take off to landing'.
This course will explore various activities including prospecting, service to the seller, service to the buyer, working with For Sale By Owner's, transaction follow-up, and follow-up after the sale with unique check lists for both agents and customers/clients to use. Daily work plan checklist format will be discussed together with a financial plan checklist for income and expenses.
These checklists will add to better organization and communication which ultimately will reduce problem issues resulting in greater peace of mind and higher income.
Don't let your transactions end up in a 'crash landings'. Instead take this course and have a successful flight.
Effective Property Promotion & Advertising
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- Training only at this time
Creating effective advertising and property promotion programs is key to successful real estate marketing.
This course will provide the student the knowledge necessary to evaluate and select various types of advertising programs that will best promote a property for a quick sale.
Fair Housing laws will be reviewed to make sure any advertising submitted for publication will meet federal laws.
The student will learn how to create 'date down' checklists to track and use for multiple promotions.
Effective listing promotion with fellow licensees and cooperative brokerages will be discussed and evaluated in detail.
FSBO's Are Not The Enemy
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- Training only at this time
There's only one primary reason a for-sale-by-owner doesn't want a real estate agent to market their property. They want to save the commission. With this his course, you will learn how to bridge that gap and be able to approach the seller without being a threat. You will learn how to offer the owner all kinds of help without even thinking of securing a listing. In fact, you will openly tell the seller you are not looking for a listing!
You will learn how to offer seller 'tips' to sell their home and in return get the seller to refer prospective buyers and sellers to you!
The course will discuss how to share necessary information with the seller so they can abide with various laws including, but not limited to, Property Condiditon Disclosure, Lead Paint Disclosure and other resources to help the seller sell their own property. It's a fact that most for-sale-by-owners eventually list or sell their property with assistance of a real estate agent.
Effectively working with FSBO's can increase your production 20% or more!
Unique New Home Marketing Concepts
Course hours -- 16
CE Approval -- Training only at this time
This extensive 16 hour course will address all facets of new home marketing from breaking ground to closing.
Feasibility studies, planning and zoning issues, CCR's and a host of other regulatory issues will be discussed at length.
You will learn how to create a strategic marketing plan that will initiate immediate buyer interest . In addition a good lead and prospect generation program will be developed.
The course will introduce how to prepare and stage model homes to attract the maximum visitors with a minimum of staff requirements. You will learn how to select the proper sales team including training to know and understand basic construction and educational processes to educate the public. Effective compensation and cooperation programs will be developed to round out the sales team program.
Effective use of sales aids from construction and materials example boards to brochures will be discussed to aid the sales team when they meet prospects.
Once a sale is initiated, a good customer relation program will be utilized to create a total 'open door' communication dialog between the sales team and they buyer.
Good checklists and tracking systems will give the student immediate ammunition to initiate a fantastic new home marketing program to present to builders and developers alike.
Idaho Law & Rules - Do You Know Them?
Course hours -- 4
CE Approval -- Training only at this time
Do you know and understand all 97 statutes that are contained in Chapter 20, Title 54 of the Idaho Code? Are you aware of the Rules or the Guidelines published by the Idaho Real Estate Commission? Would you like to reduce fear and increase your personal confidence when practicing real estate?
Then this course is for you. It will help to keep you out of trouble with a good review of the laws that regulate our industry and assist you to perform the duties necessary to be a good real estate agent. The course is designed to reduce the confusion of not knowing where to find the law or rule regulating licensee activities.
You will learn how the investigative process works should a formal complaint be filed against you.
When you complete this course, you will sleep much better knowing you are in compliance with the Idaho Law & Rules.
