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.

The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation is for REALTORS® who want to be able to meet the special needs of maturing Americans when selling, buying, relocating, or refinancing residential or investment properties. By earning the SRES® designation, REALTORS® are prepared to approach mature clients with the best options and information for them to make life-changing decisions.

During the two-day training program, you’ll build skills in key areas of senior real estate, like selling the family home and moving to an active-adult community, and learn how to:

• Counsel rather than sell to seniors
• Develop and maintain relationship marketing
• Harness the power of generational demographics
• Create competitive differentiators

SRES® designation course learning objectives: Learn distinguishing characteristics and trends of the 50+ market so that you can discern them in your own market area. Evaluate your market area attractiveness to the 50+ market. Master the vocabulary of the range of housing options for the 50+ market. Learn the application of federal laws for the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). Develop business-building outreach methods for communicating and gaining 50+ market share. Adapt methods for counseling the 50+ buyer and sellers. Stay focused on the transaction and avoid inappropriate involvement in family matters. Develop sensitivities to 50+ issues and priorities when counseling buyers and sellers, showing properties, and managing transactions. Develop services that win and sustain client and customer relationships and position you as a trusted real estate advisor. Assemble a team of experts to help you serve 50+ clients and customers. Learn about the uses, benefits, procedures, and issues involved in reverse mortgages. Learn about the uses of pensions, 401k accounts, and IRAs in real estate transactions. Gain an understanding of how Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security impact 50+ real estate decisions. Recognize mortgage finance and loan schemes and scams that victimize 50+ borrowers. Identify key life stages, viewpoints, and transitions in relation to housing choices. Recognize how a home can be adapted for safety, comfort, and aging in place. Help clients integrate the disposition of real property into estate plans.

This is a two-day, 15-hour course. It is Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission authorized for 1 credit towards broker’s license requirements.

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, except for first-time continuing education students.

As an SRES member, you’ll continue to receive ongoing education that keeps you at the forefront of senior issues such as retirement planning and healthcare.

Exclusive resources

By earning your SRES^® designation, you gain access to a variety of members-only resources, including:

• Bi-monthly newsletters to help you stay in touch with your customers and reach prospects
• A vibrant interactive community of peers who share advice and best practices
• Webinars to enlighten you on emerging topics
• Consumer one-sheets, special reports, and more

The post Broker Course: Senior Real Estate Specialist® 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.

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“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.

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The two-day SRS® Designation Course provides a comprehensive foundation of skill development, training, and resources to help real estate professionals represent the interests of sellers in today’s marketplace.

Students learn to:

• Increase listings and grow their business;
• Demonstrate and communicate their value package to seller clients;
• Understand and apply the Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice;
• Understand and comply with state license laws when representing sellers; and
• Understand and apply methods, tools, and techniques to provide the support and services that sellers want and need.

SRS® is the premiere seller agency designation to recognize real estate professionals who have completed special education in seller representation. It was created in 2006 by three recipients of the National Association of REALTORS® Distinguished Service Award: Bruce Aydt, Adorna O. Carroll, and Steve Casper.

On January 2, 2014, the designation became a wholly-owned division of the Chicago-based Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers, a not-for-profit affiliate of the NAR®. The council in May 2015 was renamed the Real Estate Business Institute®. The SRS® is recognized by NAR® as an official designation.

Course Information

• This is a two-day, 15-hour course.
• It is categorized as Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission-approved for use in PA Broker Licensing. See the Polley Associates free Pennsylvania Broker Guide for more information.
• It is worth one credit 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: Seller Representative Specialist appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

After taking this course, the student will be able to identify quality tenants, as well as those who are poor risks; develop an effective property management system; compare lease contracts and select one that meets the needs of both landlord and customer; compare management contracts and select one that meets the needs of both owner and manager; predict and prevent potential management problems; use and benefit from the Section 8 program; explain property management contracts and leases; select special contract provisions that solve unique problems; develop a property management contract that benefits both manager and client; establish a Fair Housing Policy and avoid accidental violations; evaluate real estate investment opportunities from a management perspective; complete a lease contract. 

Course Information

• This is a four-day, 30-hour course.
• It is categorized as Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission-developed for 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.

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The overall goals of the ABR® Designation Course are to 1) prepare real estate professionals to thoroughly represent buyer-clients in real estate transactions, and provide the quality of service and degree of fidelity to buyers that sellers have customarily enjoyed; 2) offer ideas and methods for building a buyer-representation business; and 3) develop a self-customized tool for conducting a buyer counseling session.

Students learn to:

• Win the buyer as a client;
• Form a buyer relationship;
• Put buyer representation into action;
• Make offers, counter offers, and engage in negotiations;
• Bring transactions to a successful close; and
• Win repeat business and referrals.

The Real Estate Buyer’s Agents Council® (REBAC®) was founded in 1988, in part to promote exclusive buyer agency. Over several years it redefined its mission to endorse buyer representation in all its legally-recognized forms, altered its direction and strategy, and expanded its sphere of operation. REBAC® membership grew significantly, along with public interest in buyer representation.

That resulted in changes to state real estate regulations, away from sub-agency – especially undisclosed dual agency – and toward direct representation of buyers. NAR® purchased REBAC® in November 1996, and the council has continued to oversee the ABR® Designation course and others.

Course Information

• This is a two-day, 15-hour course.
• It is categorized as Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission-approved for use in PA Broker Licensing. See the Polley Associates free Pennsylvania Broker Guide for more information.
• It is worth one credit 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: Accredited Buyer Representative appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

“Real Estate Investment” is a Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission-developed course useful in obtaining a Pennsylvania real estate broker license.

Private property rights in the United States give an owner the power to designate to whom the property will pass upon his or her death. That means owners can effectively translate their work into tangible real and personal property assets as an estate to be enjoyed and controlled by others in the future. The ability to accumulate measurably valuable estate, and to generate a revenue stream, is a prime reason for the nation’s high and continuing interest in real estate investments of all types.

Real Estate Investment covers forms of ownership in real property, conducting feasibility studies and financial analyses of real estate investments, sources of funds and types of financing, income tax considerations for investors; investments in land, residential properties, office buildings, commercial real estate including strip stores and shopping centers, and industrial properties, and the markets for each; and specialty and alternate investment opportunities.

Course Information

• This is a four-day, 30-hour course.
• It is categorized as Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission–developed for 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.

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