A Real Estate Agent's Education Never Stops
Agents who want to succeed must start working on their education the minute they walk away from that last real estate class - and never, never stop.
Becoming a real estate agent in Ohio is relatively easy. Take four courses, pass a state test, get hired by a broker and you're legally authorized to help home buyers and sellers.
But the real learning to be an effective real estate agent? That's a never ending process. We can do things to shorten the time it takes to learn vital lessons, but there is ALWAYS something more to learn in this profession.
There's some bare minimum legal requirements for every agent.
In Ohio I'm required to take 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years.
Since I'm also licensed in Kentucky as of two years ago, I had to complete 48 hours of post licensing education (all done). After that, it's 6 hours of continuing education annually.
The National Association of Realtors require the Ethics course every other year.
That's just the bare minimum to stay licensed, but the things I learn that are most useful on my clients' behalf comes from other sources.
There's of course on the job training. The more buyers and sellers we've helped, the more situations we've encountered and the easier it is to solve problems.
- Multiple offers
- Short sales
- Underwriter requests...what do you mean the cistern is 10 ft too close to the septic tank??
- Inspection disputes
- Appraisal issues
- Financing issues
Then there are the things we choose to do not because they're required, but because they're good things to do to stay up to date on our markets.
Each month on the first day I review my county's performance the previous month. How many houses sold? How many are for sale? How much was the average price? Median price? Time to sell? Percent of sold price vs asking? Foreclosures? Short sales? New construction? Then deep dive about a week later for the biggest communities in our county. I'm an engineer/real estate agent, so give me data and I'll be a happy camper.
Each morning my email has a list of homes that MIGHT match my buyer's needs. Most mornings before I've had my feet on the floor I've reviewed that email and mentally checked off, that house to Sharon, that one to Carol, that one to Bob, and STILL nothing for Marylou.
Daily activities include reading information from other agents from across the country. Is there anything they're doing that can help my sellers or buyers? Evaluate and implement as appropriate.
For our patio home niche I routinely check builder's sites and emails for new communities. Google map searches for small pockets of patio homes. Add new trackers as I find another spot in Greater Cincinnati.
Rinse lather repeat. The learning never stops!
Interested in knowing more? The answers are easy to get, just call Bill at 513-520-5305 for a chat. Like what you hear, we can meet in person and get even more detailed about determining the best path to take care of your future home needs!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Serving Greater Cincinnati home buyers and sellers,
Bill of Liz and Bill aka BLiz
Serving Warren County Ohio & Adjacent Areas
The Liz Spear Team of RE/MAX Elite
Elizabeth Spear, ABR, CRS, Ohio License SAL.2002007747
William (Bill) Spear, CRS, Ohio License SAL.2004011109 Kentucky 77938
Ask for us by name if you visit the office!Two locations: Lebanon & Mason, OH
Bill Direct: 513-520-5305
Liz Direct: 513-265-3004
Fax: 866-302-8418
MailTo: Liz@LizSpear.comSearch Homes: Http://WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com
Our Website: www.LizTour.com
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