Fingerprinting: Safety or Invasion?

There have been a number of Real Estate Commissions across the US that have added, or are adding fingerprinting as a requirement to getting/renewing your license. Once it's done, you don't have to do it again, they just want everyone on record for the public's safety.

But many real estate agents think it's not only just an added cost to getting/keeping a license, but also an invasion of privacy. It's just another way to keep "big brother" in the middle of our lives.

I've asked a few friends what they think, and it most of them seem to think what I do. It is another annoying cost (about $50 in Texas I think), but if you don't have anything to hide, why not? It can be used as a marketing tool for RE agents - adding trust back into those relationships.

I am all about keeping real estate licensing costs down, but I am also in favor of keeping the public safe. From a marketing standpoint at AgentCampus, how many of you would like to see us offer a voucher for a free fingerprinting after passing the classes you take with us?

I'm not saying this is possible, I'm just thinking out loud. I am just a simple marketer thinking about how I can make my student's lives easier. :)

Virginia Puts Time Limits on Real Estate Post-Licensing Requirements

Thinking of getting your Virginia Real Estate license? Make sure you have time to complete all of your first year required courses before you sign up. Virginia’s new time restrictions are giving agents two fast-paced options:

1. Take an additional 30 hours of training within 12 months after obtaining their license
2. Allow their new license to become inactive after the first year

Salespeople who obtain their Virginia real estate license on or after July 1, 2008 will be required to complete an additional 30 hours of post-license curriculum within one year from the date they obtained their license.

Currently new licensees have two years to complete these courses. Originally, the Virginia Association of Realtors pushed for a bill that would have required licensees to complete the mandatory 30 hours within 6 months, but that bill was not passed. Mandated by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, and supported by the Virginia Association of Realtors, the General Assembly’s legislation will affect anyone obtaining a new Virginia Real Estate license.

With the amount of time to complete initial curriculum being cut in half, new agents are going to be looking for the quickest, convenient ways to meet these licensing requirements. Online real estate license training is likely to increase in Virginia in 2008, and educators are already getting prepared for the demand. AgentCampus.com just launched its campaign for its new 60 hour Virginia Real Estate Pre-License Package to help agents earn their initial Virginia requirements online. Additional courses to meet post-license curriculum will be available through AgentCampus.com before the July 1, 2008 cutoff date.

Welcoming New Investment Resources

The real estate industry is ever-changing and I enjoy learning about new programs to help real estate professionals, investors and clients. One that I came across the other day is an online resource to those looking to invest in real estate in Mexico.

Uncovered: A New Resource for Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico describes how the real estate investment boom in Mexico has been capitalized by FundVallarta.

FundVallarta announced a full online resource for discovering real estate investment opportunities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, along with a comprehensive knowledge-based resource center providing applicable articles.

This can surely facilitate the process of discovering possible investment opportunities. Such resources not only encourage the prospective agents to get their real estate license and to start this promising career, but also encourages practicing agents to pursue continuing education or post-license education to ensure their existence in the market.

I am hoping to see other such programs develop in other US markets to drive more business and interest in real estate. The more education we are exposed to, the better real estate professionals and neighbors we become.

Real Estate Apprentice Programs in spotlight

I used to think that Real Estate was only about property, agents, brokers, selling and buying, and of course marketing gimmicks. Then I realized that I was underestimating the growth potential and wide concentration of this industry. It has gone through drastic changes over the past few years, and now stands prominent in terms of growth, professionalism, investments and opportunities.

Few days back, I read about Real Estate Career Grants and Apprentice Programs. I was totally surprised because such programs could be great credible ventures for all prospective agents. They are designed to spotlight the importance of real estate apprenticeships for the public good, the enhancement and betterment of the U.S. residential real estate brokerage industry and to raise the standards and levels of professionalism for real estate agents in general.

The other aspect of the programs that captivated me was the eligibility criteria for the grants. Participation is opened for only legal US/Canadian residents or citizens, who have recently taken a real estate pre-licensing course, for the first time, from an accredited, state-approved school. This not only shows the transparency of the selection process but also promotes the ethical practices in Real Estate Industry as only qualified agents will be entering the business.

I believe that such career grants programs have potential to provide the industry with trained, dedicated agents, and also to assist new licensed agents to overcome fears and obstacles. These programs can also bring employment and investment opportunities, benefiting the entire economy.