Pretty Important Principles
I finished up my classes the week before Thanksgiving, which is great because that was my goal. So, a few thoughts on the courses:
Principles I and II are long but they cover everything you learn in the classes that come after. With that in mind, I realized that since I took pretty good notes the first time around, I didn’t have to write as much information down when it came up again later.
So, Pro Tip #1: Really pay attention and take excellent notes in Principles I and II.
Pro Tip #2: Get yourself some sticky tabs so you can reference your notes across the different courses. (I know what you’re thinking…are you crazy?! Who the heck writes down notes anymore?! I do! It helps me retain the information better, and not just me. There’s plenty of research out there to back this up.)
Anyway, it was really daunting because it took me months to complete Principles I and II. I thought I’d never finish! But I told myself to just keep plucking away at it. The time was going to pass anyway (however long it was going to take!). I had to ask myself: Did I want to give up now, or reap the reward later? So, I kept at.
The rest of the classes were not as long, and as I mentioned already, I had learned much of it in Principles I and II. I enjoyed all the courses as they all had something new to learn, but my favorite, and I never imagined myself saying this, was Real Estate Finance. I guess I’m a little bit of a legal nerd because I really enjoyed learning about all the finance laws!
Promulgated Contracts was a little boring for me, but I think it was because I was just so anxious to be done! It’s actually a really important course since you will be using all of the contracts in your daily life as an agent.
One other area that I was surprised to be interested in…title insurance! I know, OMG, snoresville! But I really did find it fascinating; the research that must be done on properties to check for liens or other encumbrances. Anyway, if I find the agent path doesn’t work for me down the line, maybe I’ll get into title insurance.
The main take-away from the courses: You are not a lawyer! Don’t give legal advice! Don’t write your own contracts! Don’t change the wording on contracts! Unless you are a lawyer, in which case, forget everything I just said…
What’s next?
I’m devoting a little time each day to study for the exam. (Aceable has 2 courses to review the exam, and they also have practice tests. You can take them as many times as you need to)
I’ve spruced up my resume
I need to choose a date to take my test and apply with TREC. I also need to get my fingerprints taken.
I asked one of my agent friends if I should start talking to brokerages now or wait until after I take the test. She says it doesn’t matter because TREC will send your license to which ever agency you decide to go with. So I can choose one after the exam, if I want.
I’ve also been asking my agent friends if they know of anyone who might be hiring an assistant. I’m anxious to start learning the business, plus, I could really use some extra money for the holidays. I’ll keep you posted!
