During the first five weeks of 2008, my colleagues and I have experienced some situations that have myself and professionals like Sue Cabrera ask in their blogs...Who Thinks Getting A Real Estate License Should Be Tougher?
Along with Sue's post (above), let me share with you my January 16, 2008 post.
One of my students introduced me to a lady that recently purchased a home. Let's call her "Brenda". 
Unfortunately, there might have been some material facts that were not properly disclosed to "Brenda" during her purchase. Also, there are some signs of fraudulent signatures on the Contract of Sale. Let's put the fraud piece aside for a minute...
In South Carolina, we have a document called the Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement. As required by South Carolina law, the Seller must provide the Purchaser this disclosure PRIOR to the acceptance of the Contract of Sale.
According to "Brenda", this document had not been signed by her prior to acceptance. Furthermore, there might not have been full disclosure of the subject property's condition on this statement. Hence, even if she was "properly" disclosed, she might not have been FULLY disclosed.
We could say....."Wow! That's a bad agent! She could have done a better job of representing Brenda. These are the types of individuals that are killing the perception of Realtors and other licensees."
This could be true. However, could it also be the lack of solid training programs that contribute to these occurrences? In South Carolina, you spend 60 hours in a classroom with the FOCUS on HOW TO PASS AN EXAM. Yes. We do have a 30-hour Final Sales class that focuses on Agency Laws, Contracts, Ethics, Valuation and Fair Housing. However, you cannot learn and understand the key particulars of a contract in six hours.
Do I have a solution? More training would be good. But, that's the easy statement!
Having a one-year apprenticeship requirement could be better.
I know. I know. That's the responsibility of the Broker-in-Charge. Yes....The Broker-in-Charge must be licensed for three years. HOWEVER....if the Broker-in-Charge has NEVER sold a piece of property in those three years, how can they coach someone?
Yes. There isn't a transaction requirement to be a Broker-in-Charge in South Carolina. This could also contribute to the BAD TRAINING theory.
What are your thoughts about Broker-in-Charge transaction mandates, more required training for new agents before representing buyers/sellers and a one-year apprenticeship program?
Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts!
From the author of The Patterson Files
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