It’s important to plan your CE strategically. Courses are available online, self-paced, or in live classroom settings, offering flexibility to fit your schedule. If you’re newly licensed after July 1, 2024, you’re exempt from these CE requirements for the 2025 term. However, keep in mind that CE credits do not roll over to the next cycle, and you cannot earn credits by retaking the same course within the same renewal period. You can find a variety of approved CE courses with Polley Associates School of Real Estate in the classroom, online and on livestream zoom.

The post New Jersey Real Estate Continuing Education: A Guide to the 2025 Deadline appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

The journey from a salesperson to a broker also signifies a significant professional growth. With 240 hours of additional education covering real estate law, finance, and management, brokers gain a deeper understanding and expertise, equipping them to handle sophisticated transactions. Ultimately, the transition to a broker’s license in Pennsylvania not only broadens your business scope but also enriches your professional life with more control, knowledge, and opportunities.

Students who are interested in upgrading to a broker’s license looking for class schedules and more information on the requirements can find it here.

The post The Advantages of Becoming a Real Estate Broker in Pennsylvania appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

To qualify, you must be at least 21 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Crucially, you need a minimum of three years of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson in Pennsylvania. This experience must accumulate to 200 points based on the state’s point system, where activities like closing deals, managing properties, or handling leases contribute points.

Step 2: Complete the Required Education

You’ll need to complete 240 hours of broker education, which translates to 16 credits. These must be from courses approved by the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission. This includes mandatory courses in Real Estate Law and Real Estate Brokerage, among others. If you possess a bachelor’s degree in real estate or a Juris Doctor degree, you might be exempt from some or all of these educational requirements. However, if not, you’ll need to enroll in these courses, which can be taken with Polley Associates either in-person, online or on livestream zoom.

Step 3: Pass the Broker Examination

After your education is complete, you’ll need to pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker Examination. This exam consists of both national and state-specific sections, and you must score at least 75% on each to pass. To schedule this exam, you’ll need to apply for eligibility through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS), submit the necessary fees, and provide documentation of your education and experience. Once approved, you can book your exam through Pearson VUE, the state’s testing service.

Step 4: Apply for Your License

With your exam passed, you’re ready to apply for your broker’s license. This involves submitting an application via PALS, along with a background check, proof of your exam results, and your broker education documentation. You’ll also need to decide on the type of broker license you want – whether you’ll be an Associate Broker, Broker Sole Proprietor, or part of a Broker Entity like an LLC or corporation. The initial licensing fee is $97, with an additional $40 for the broker examination.

Step 5: Maintain Your License

Once licensed, remember that Pennsylvania requires 14 hours of continuing education every two years to keep your license active. This ensures you stay updated with the latest in real estate law, ethics, and practice.

Students who are ready to begin the scheduling process can call the main Polley Associates office at 610.353.6776 or can schedule classes online and find more information here.

The post How to get a Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker’s License appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you embark on this journey, ensure you meet these foundational requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is necessary. However, if you have a Juris Doctor degree or a bachelor’s degree with a major in real estate, you might be exempt from some educational prerequisites.

Step 2: Complete Pre-Licensing Education with Polley Associates

Pennsylvania mandates a significant educational component:

• Course Hours: You need to complete 75 hours of approved real estate education. This includes:
  • 30 hours of Real Estate Fundamentals
  • 45 hours of Real Estate Practice
• Where to Study: You can take these courses with Polley Associates School of Real Estate in-person in a classroom, livestream on zoom or online.

Step 3: Pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Exam

Once your coursework is complete, you’re ready for the exam:

• **Exam Structure:** The exam consists of two parts:
  • A national section with 80 questions to be answered in 150 minutes.
  • A Pennsylvania-specific section with 40 questions to be answered in 60 minutes.
• Passing Score: You need to score at least 75% on both sections.
• Exam Provider: After you complete the required education with Polley Associates you will schedule with Pearson VUE who administers the exam. You can schedule your test online or by calling 833-551-0235. The fee is $49.

Step 4: Secure a Sponsoring Broker

In Pennsylvania, you must work under a licensed real estate broker:

• Brokerage: Research and choose a brokerage that aligns with your career goals. Consider the reputation, support, and culture of the firm. 
• Employment: You’ll need to be employed by or affiliated with a broker before applying for your license. They will sign off on your application as your sponsor.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

With your exam passed and sponsorship secured, you can now apply for your license:

• Application: Use the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) to submit your application. You’ll need:
  • Proof of completed education
  • Exam results
  • Criminal history check (within 90 days of application)
  • Broker’s sworn statement of employment
• Fees: The initial fee is $107, which includes the license fee, application fee, and a contribution to the real estate recovery fund.
• Processing Time: Typically, it takes about 7 to 10 business days for your license to be processed and issued.

To being your real estate journey please check out the Polley Associates School of Real Estate pre-license education schedules here.

The post How to Get Your Real Estate License in Pennsylvania: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

SFR course Details: Knowing how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales and foreclosures, as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities are not merely good, but critical, skills to have in today’s market. While short sales and foreclosures are not for the faint of heart, agents with the proper tools and training can use these specialty areas to build their business for the long term.

As many agents can attest, your ability to close short sales and foreclosures depends partly on your confidence in seeing these transactions through.

Designed for real estate professionals at all experience levels, the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR®) course offers information to direct distressed sellers to finance, tax, and legal professionals; qualify sellers for short sales, develop a short-sale package, negotiate with lenders, tap into buyer demand, safeguard your commission, limit risk, and protect buyers.

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

All Pennsylvania real estate licensees – salespersons, associate brokers, and brokers – must renew their licenses every two years. The current renewal period will end on May 31, 2024. In order to renew their licenses, real estate licensees (including brokers and associate brokers) must complete 14 hours of education during the renewal period. This MUST include at least 3 hours of training on the Required Topic: Broker Supervisory Duties, Policies & Risk Management, the remaining elective hours can be any topics approved by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission, with the following exceptions:

• Recent Licensees: Agents taking PA real estate continuing education for the first time must complete 14 hours of mandatory CE, with the General Module (7 hours) being a requisite. Students can choose their additional 7 hours from either the Residential Module or the Commercial Module, culminating in a total of 14 CE hours. It’s important to note this is the educational requirement for renewal the first time completing.
• New or reactivated Pennsylvania Licensees: Licensees who receive their first license within the last six months of the 2022-2024 renewal period (December 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024) are not required to complete continuing education. However, to renew their license, they must submit the renewal application and pay the relevant fees to the Real Estate Commission.

The post Complete Your ABR® or SRS® Certification with the SFR® Elective appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

OCTOBER 25th, 9 AM – 5 PM; Livestream (Zoom)

Real estate licensees are greeted with many challenges but the one that is not addressed often is the inventory of home styles and options that are present in the marketplace. Clients and customers expect that agents to impart knowledge regarding the inventory of homes in the marketplace. 

After being exposed to housing styles and choices, agents will be able to accelerate their understanding of the choices in the marketplace, trends, and opportunities available to their customers and clients.

All Pennsylvania real estate licensees – salespersons, associate brokers, and brokers – must renew their licenses every two years. The current renewal period will end on May 31, 2024. In order to renew their licenses, real estate licensees (including brokers and associate brokers) must complete 14 hours of education during the renewal period. This MUST include at least 3 hours of training on the Required Topic: Broker Supervisory Duties, Policies & Risk Management, the remaining elective hours can be any topics approved by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission, with the following exceptions:

• Recent Licensees: Agents who are taking PA real estate continuing education for the first time must complete 14 hours of mandatory CE, with the General Module (7 hours) being a requisite. Students can choose their additional 7 hours from either the Residential Module or the Commercial Module, culminating in a total of 14 CE hours. It’s important to note this is the educational requirement for renewal the first time completing.
• New or reactivated Pennsylvania Licensees: Licensees who receive their first license within the last six months of the 2022-2024 renewal period (December 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024) are not required to complete continuing education. However, to renew their license, they must submit the renewal application and pay the relevant fees to the Real Estate Commission.

The post New! Featured Continuing Education Course: Navigating Housing Styles and Choices appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

It’s not just the broker’s responsibility to be aware of these duties. All licensees must understand the supervision they can expect and deserve. This course will review the broker’s responsibilities and highlight key aspects of licensing law, rules, and regulations.

It is the broker’s duty to provide adequate and reasonable supervision to licensees. Brokers are required to supervise the people who work for them in all states. This specific requirement makes the broker responsible for the actions of the salespeople who work for them, including violations of state licensing laws, fair housing laws, and illegal or fraudulent activities.

This course is designed to help real estate licensees understand the legal requirements under Pennsylvania law concerning broker supervision, advertising, and property management. You will learn about supervisory duties, advertising regulations, property management requirements, and violations of real estate license laws. You will also gain a deeper understanding of the Commonwealth’s Landlord and Tenant Act and study cases heard by the Real Estate Commission.

All Pennsylvania real estate licensees – salespersons, associate brokers, and brokers – must renew their licenses every two years. The current renewal period will end on May 31, 2024. In order to renew their licenses, real estate licensees (including brokers and associate brokers) must complete 14 hours of education during the renewal period. This MUST include at least 3 hours of training on the Required Topic: Broker Supervisory Duties, Policies & Risk Management, the remaining elective hours can be any topics approved by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission, with the following exceptions:

• Recent Licensees: Agents who are taking PA real estate continuing education for the first time must complete 14 hours of mandatory CE, with the General Module (7 hours) being a requisite. Students can choose their additional 7 hours from either the Residential Module or the Commercial Module, culminating in a total of 14 CE hours. It’s important to note this is the educational requirement for renewal the first time completing.
  
• New or reactivated Pennsylvania Licensees: Licensees who receive their first license within the last six months of the 2022-2024 renewal period (December 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024) are not required to complete continuing education. However, to renew their license, they must submit the renewal application and pay the relevant fees to the Real Estate Commission.

Finished CE? You’ll need to renew your license. The Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission e-mails renewal notices two to three months before the license expiration date. Notices are sent via e-mail to e-mail addresses registered on the PALS website. 

Need to change your e-mail address? Do it here.

Is Your PA License in Escrow? Your license may be “in escrow,” or temporarily inactive if you decided against renewing it or missed the previous renewal deadline. You can’t legally work in real estate sales unless your license is active. We recommend you partner with your broker to fill out the application together to make sure everything is filled out properly. You may need CE to reactivate. Contact us for help with what courses to take for re-activation.

The post 2024 PA REQUIRED CE COURSE: <br><strong>Broker Supervisory Duties, Policies & Risk Management (3.5 Hours)</strong> appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

“Basic Appraisal Principles” is a Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission–developed course useful in obtaining a Pennsylvania real estate broker license.

Approved for residential and general appraisal certification. This introductory appraisal course provides:

• Real property concepts and characteristics
• Legal consideration
• Value influences
• Real estate finance
• Types of value
• Economic principles
• Real estate markets
• Analysis
• Ethics in appraisal practice.

Course Information

A thorough discussion of appraisal principles, accompanied by practical examples, provides a solid foundation in appraisal basics. This is a four-day, 30-hour commission-developed course. This course also is approved by the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission for 2 credits toward PA broker license requirements. It fulfills ALL 14 hours of mandatory continuing education (MCE) required by the Commission for salesperson’s or broker’s license renewal or reactivation.

• This is a four-day, 30-hour course.
• It is categorized as Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission-developed for use in PA Broker Licensing. See the Polley Associates free Pennsylvania Broker Guide for more information.
• It is worth two credits toward earning a Pennsylvania real estate broker license.
• Depending on Commission requirements issued during any renewal cycle, it has the potential to fulfill up to 14 hours of mandatory continuing education for salesperson’s or broker’s license renewal.

Student Material: This course may be accompanied by in-class materials distributed by Polley Associates.

The post Polley Associates Course: Basic Appraisal Principles appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

“Residential Construction” is a Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission–developed course useful in obtaining a Pennsylvania real estate broker license.

Course Information

• This is a four-day, 30-hour course.
• It is categorized as Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission-developed for use in PA Broker Licensing. See the Polley Associates free Pennsylvania Broker Guide for more information.
• It is worth two credits toward earning a Pennsylvania real estate broker license.
• Depending on Commission requirements issued during any renewal cycle, it has the potential to fulfill up to 14 hours of mandatory continuing education for salesperson’s or broker’s license renewal.

Student Material: This course may be accompanied by in-class materials distributed by Polley Associates.

The post Broker Course: Residential Construction appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

After taking this course, the student will be able to:

• Defining the problem
• Collecting and selecting the data
• Analyzing the data
• Reconciliation and final value opinion
• Communicating the appraisal
• Scope of work will be defined and illustrated and its importance will be stressed.

Course Information

• This is a four-day, 30-hour course.
• It is categorized as Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission-developed for use in PA Broker Licensing. See the Polley Associates free Pennsylvania Broker Guide for more information.
• It is worth two credits toward earning a Pennsylvania real estate broker license.
• Depending on Commission requirements issued during any renewal cycle, it has the potential to fulfill up to 14 hours of mandatory continuing education for salesperson’s or broker’s license renewal.

Student Material: This course may be accompanied by in-class materials distributed by Polley Associates.

The post Broker Course: Basic Appraisal Procedures appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.