If you want to obtain a California real estate license for yourself, you must know what is involved. For starters, you must be up and running and ready to complete a pre-licensing education course, followed by passing a licensing exam in the state of California.
At RealEstateU, we cover various topics related to real estate law, principles, practices, and ethics.
Here are some key topics typically covered in our California real estate license courses at RealEstateU:
- Real Estate Principles: This will include the fundamental concepts and principles of real estate, including property ownership, interests, deeds, estates, and encumbrances.
- Real Estate Practice: you will be made to understand the practical aspects of real estate transactions, agency relationships, contracts, and disclosures. This may include you getting to practice negotiation skills, marketing, and ethical considerations that may come across you in real-world scenarios.
- Real Estate Finance: you will get an overview of the financial aspects of real estate, which will include mortgage types, lending and financial institutions, processing of loans, and financing options that are usually available.
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate: topics like California real estate law, regulations, and legal requirements about real estate transactions will be taught to you. These include contracts, agency relationships, disclosure obligations, and fair housing laws.
- Property Management: you will get a hold of the basics of property management, including landlord-tenant relationships, leasing, maintenance, and legal considerations related to property management.
- Real Estate Appraisal: you will learn the principles and methods of property valuation. It will also involve understanding how appraisals are conducted and the role of appraisals in real estate transactions.
- Real Estate Economics: the economic factors affecting the real estate market, such as supply and demand, market cycles, and the impact of interest rates on property values will be given good consideration.
- Real Estate Math: you will learn to practise the practical application of mathematical calculations in real estate transactions, including prorations, property taxes, loan calculations, and commissions.
- California Real Estate Commission (CALBRE/TREC): it will involve you understanding the role and regulations of the California Bureau of Real Estate (CALBRE) or Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), including licensing requirements and continuing education.
- Ethics and Professional Conduct: The importance of ethical behaviour in real estate transactions, the Realtor Code of Ethics, and maintaining professionalism in client interactions will be also taught to you in full versions.
At RealEstateU, we provide the full 135 hours of pre-licensing course education that is stipulated by the California Bureau of Real Estate.
For a better understanding of what to be prepared for, here is a breakdown just for you.
This course education is divided into three courses:
- Real Estate Principles (45 hours): This course covers mandatory basic foundational concepts and principles of real estate, including property ownership, interests, deeds, estates, and encumbrances.
- Real Estate Practice: This 45-hour course will guide you on the practical aspects of real estate transactions, agency considerations, contracts, and disclosures at hand.
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate (45 hours): This course covers California real estate law, regulations, and legal requirements for real estate transactions. It includes topics such as contracts, agency relationships, disclosure obligations, and fair housing laws which are very important for you to learn.
In California, these three courses come in a package together. The courses can be completed through various approved real estate education providers, which may offer classes in person, online, or through a combination of both modes. We at RealEstateU offer all possible combinations and formats that you can avail to get educated from us.
The total duration of the course depends on the format that you choose. Some students like you may complete the 135 hours in a few weeks, while others may take longer as per their own pace, ability and speed.
You as a new aspirant must be wondering by now if it is really that important to go through all this for a license. The straight answer is yes, taking the California real estate license course is very important for you for the following reasons:
- Foundational Knowledge: Real estate transactions involve complex legal, financial, and ethical considerations. Therefore, it is natural that pre-licensing education provides you with a foundational knowledge of real estate principles, practices, and laws.
- Consumer Protection: when you complete a pre-licensing education course, you can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to assist clients in real estate transactions. This contributes to consumer confidence and protection.
- Competency and Professionalism: it allows you to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to be a competent professional in this field.
- Career Advancement: For you, if you are entering the real estate industry, you must complete a pre-licensing education course because it is the first step toward building a successful career. It provides the necessary foundation to you for your further professional development.