Pennsylvania law requires specific education – the Real Estate Fundamentals and Real Estate Practice courses – to be completed and successfully passed before you can receive a salesperson’s license. State law also requires that licensees hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.

You may already have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in any subject, but unless you majored in real estate it’s unlikely that education will qualify you to take the state real estate licensing exam.

The exception (hey, what would life be without exceptions?) is if you are a practicing attorney in Pennsylvania. If so, you should read this.

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Limits of liability

In all circumstances, Polley Associates’ liability to issue refunds or apply credits for products, classes, or courses for any reason is limited solely to the original purchase amount or, if applicable, the unused portion of credit remaining, within 12 months of the original purchase date.

Class or course reservations

Polley Associates reserves the right at its discretion to limit class enrollments. All enrollments are accepted on a first-paid, first-confirmed basis. A student has not reserved a place in a class until registration is complete and the appropriate tuition is paid in full.

Class cancellation refunds

Polley Associates may find it necessary to cancel classes or courses at its discretion. If this should occur, students will be notified and all fees will be refunded or transferred based on the student’s request.

Should classes or courses be canceled due to events, activities, conflicts, or circumstances beyond the control of Polley Associates, tuition and fees will be refunded, less a $15 per course refund fee. As an alternative, transfers to other course options of the same price will be honored for no fee provided the student contacts Polley Associates a minimum of 18 hours before the scheduled class.

Any Materials and/or shipping costs are non-refundable and non-returnable. There are no exceptions.

Pre-licensure Tuition payments, withdrawals, refunds (Classroom & Livestream)

Transfer Policy:

• Tuition can be transferred toward another course for no fee one time for up to one year from the originally scheduled course, provided appropriate notice of at least 72 hours is provided.
• A transfer fee of $15 will apply to a second transfer request within the one year time frame.
• A transfer fee of $25 will apply to all subsequent transfer requests within the one-year time frame.
• A student may also be required to purchase new materials if there are any changes between the original course scheduled and their transfer option. Charges vary based on materials.
• The student is responsible for any price difference if applicable, at the time of transfer, including tuition pricing changes due to the transfer.
• Only the original registrant can use credit.

Refund Policy: 

• Tuition can be refunded, less a $15 processing fee with at least a one week notice prior to the original course start time.
• Refund requests with less than one week’s notice, but prior to the course start time are subject to a $25 Withdraw Fee, as well as the $15 processing fee.
• Refund requests made after the class start time, but prior to the start of the second session of a course are subject to a $50 Withdraw Fee, as well as the $15 processing fee.
• There are no refunds after the beginning of the second class session.
• There are no refunds on any non-credit courses within a package purchase. See below for more information.

Any Materials and/or shipping costs are non-refundable and non-returnable. There are no exceptions.

Pre-licensure Tuition payments, withdrawals, refunds (Self-Paced Online)

• Self-paced classes can be refunded for up to two weeks from the original purchase date, as long as the course has not been completed at that time. After two weeks, there is no refund for any self-paced course option.
• Students have access to complete the courses in full for six months from the date of purchase.
• Extensions can be purchased in increments of four months for $50 fee after the initial expiration. Extensions are guaranteed as an option for up to one year.
• If possible, extensions may be done for up to two years, with the exception of course changes that deem it impossible. However, no course access will be granted past two years from the original course purchase date.

Non-credit program class payments, withdrawals, and refunds

• Tuition credit is valid for one year from original course date.
• No refund is provided for any reason for Career Start Post Licensure non-credit courses.
• No refund is provided for any reason for any Exam Prep programs.
• All non-credit courses may be transferred once for no fee within one year of the originally scheduled course date.
• A transfer fee of $15 will apply to a second transfer request within the same one-year time frame
• A transfer fee of $25 will apply to all subsequent transfer requests within the one-year time frame.
• Credit can only be used by the original registrant.

Continuing education and recertification Tuition payments, withdrawals, and refunds

Payments in full are due upon registration for any continuing education or recertification class or course.

No refunds will be made for any continuing education or recertification classes.

• Students who expect they will not or cannot attend scheduled continuing education or recertification classes for any reason must notify Polley Associates at least 24 hours in advance by phone or e-mail.
• Failure to provide advance notification, or failure to complete a scheduled class or course in its entirety, may result in tuition forfeiture. This is considered a No Show, and is not subject to transfer or refund.
• Students can transfer a course once for no fee within one year of the original course date. The student is responsible for any payment difference at the time of transfer. Credit can only be used by the original registrant.
• A transfer fee of $15 will apply to a second transfer request within the same one-year time frame (must provide appropriate notice as listed above).
• A transfer fee of $25 will apply to all subsequent transfer requests within the one-year time frame (must provide appropriate notice as listed above).

Special CE Note: Those electing for our PA/NJ Dual State Continuing Education Package must attend all sessions as scheduled to receive ANY credit. Attendance of only one day or any partial time of this package may not be able to provide any credit. Each cycle has differing requirements, so this package is unique in its timing and approvals. Reach out with questions via phone or email PRIOR to registering for a course.

Participation in live-streamed courses utilizing digital materials

At registration, students participating in live-streamed classes or courses will be notified that they must have the ability to either view materials digitally throughout the course or print a copy of materials for their use. (PDF)

Digital materials will be sent to registered participants via e-mail no fewer than 24 hours before the course start date and time. Many live-streamed classes provide digital PDF copies of materials.

If you require printed materials to be sent for a class that provides only digital materials, you must be registered in full no fewer than 10 days before the course start date and time, and contact Polley Associates via phone to pay an additional fee for printing, shipping, and handling. Prices vary based on the course.

Student identifications and documentation

To ensure Polley Associates complies with various regulatory requirements, students attending any classes or courses may be asked to provide, upon demand, photographic proof of identity such as a current driver’s license, state or military identification, or other similarly suitable documentation. They also may be required to complete and sign an enrollment agreement and complete an end-of-class or end-of-course survey.

Returned check charges

There is a $100 charge for returned checks.

Other applicable policies

Other enrollment and refund limitations or exceptions may apply.

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The what, where, and when of Polley Associates broker classes

Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission-approved broker license classes are offered by Polley Associates. Polley Associates offers Classroom (In-person), Livestream (Zoom), and Online (Self-paced) courses.

Classroom or Livestream (Zoom) Broker Courses

• Real Estate Law, 30 hours
• Real Estate Brokerage and Office Management, 30 hours
• Real Estate Finance, 30 hours
• Real Estate Investment, 30 hours
• Real Estate Sales, 30 hours
• Residential Construction, 30 hours
• Residential Property Management, 30 hours
• Accredited Buyer Representative, 15 hours
• Seller Representative Specialist, 15 hours
• Senior Real Estate Specialist, 15 hours

Most Polley Associates real estate broker license classes are 30 hours long and they usually are held from 9 AM to 4:30 PM each day, over two consecutive weekdays during two consecutive weeks. A limited number of classes are 15 hours long and are usually held from 9 AM to 4:30 PM each day, over two consecutive weekdays during a single week.

Fifteen-hour classes are worth ONE Pennsylvania broker license credit; 30-hour classes are worth TWO credits.

Online (Self-paced) Broker Courses

• Valuation of Residential Properties, 30 hours
• Commercial Real Estate Brokerage, 30 hours

Additional reading

• See a list of all currently scheduled broker classes
• Download Our Free Broker Guide
• Which Broker Course Should You Start First? The One Available NOW!

The post What’s That Real Estate Broker License Class About? appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

State law demands Pennsylvania brokers be as knowledgeable as possible about the ins and outs of real estate. To that end, it requires prospective broker licensees to take 240 hours of specialized education before they qualify to sit for the licensing exam. Every 15 hours of authorized education equals 1 credit; the accumulated 240 hours equals 16 credits.

Anyone who participates in a broker-level class – whether for the purpose of obtaining a license or simply to fulfill continuing education needs – must take and pass a course-ending test before credit is granted.

Three tiers of broker course

The state Real Estate Commission separates broker-level courses into three different types, or tiers: Commission-Required, Commission-Developed, and Commission-Approved.

Commission-Required courses are just that: REQUIRED. Anyone who wants to become a broker must attend and pass them.

Commission-Developed courses are those for which the commission has created the course outline or syllabus, and all authorized schools must teach to its outline.

Commission-Approved courses are those for which authorized schools have created a course outline or syllabus and received commission approval to teach those courses as outlined.

You must take the two Commission-Required courses

Prospective brokers must take two Commission-Required courses: Real Estate Law, and Real Estate Brokerage and Office Management. Each course is 30 hours long. Together they account for 4 (2 credits each) of the 16 education credits needed to become a broker. Most prospective brokers want to take these courses as soon as possible, or as soon as they become available.

You must take at least three Commission-Developed courses

In addition to Real Estate Law Real Estate Brokerage and Office Management, there are several different Commission-developed live classroom courses: Real Estate Finance, Real Estate Investment, Real Estate Sales, Residential Construction, Residential Property Management, Valuation of Residential Properties, and Valuation of Income Producing Property. Basic Appraisal Procedures and Basic Appraisal Principles are also approved as Commission Developed when done as a classroom course through Polley Associates. You can pick and choose three that interest you most, but you must complete at least three.

Each course is 30 hours long. Together they account for another 6 (2 credits each) of the necessary 16 credits.

A side note: Basic Appraisal Procedures and Basic Appraisal Principles also have value for those interested in becoming certified real estate appraisers.

Combine more Commission-Developed and Elective courses to finish

The remaining 6 credits can be obtained by taking either more Commission-developed courses, Commission-Approved (also known as elective) courses, or both. Polley Associates currently offers a wide variety of elective credit, Commission-approved courses. These included Accredited Buyer Representative, Seller Representative Specialist, Senior Real Estate Specialist, Forms Used in Real Estate, Real Estate Negotiations Expert, Forms Used in Real Estate, and Commercial Real Estate Development. The elective Commercial Real Estate Brokerage is also available as a self-paced online course.

Do, but don’t over-do

No more than 4 credits will be granted by the commission in specific areas of study. An example: although the commission has approved four two-credit appraisal courses  – Basic Residential Appraisal Procedures, Basic Residential Appraisal Principles, Valuation of Residential Property, and Valuation of Income Producing Property – only any two of them will be accepted by the commission in fulfillment of the educational requirements.

• Find Pennsylvania real estate broker courses online here.

The post Broker PA: Commission Course Requirements appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

When you successfully complete both courses (Fundamentals and Practice), Polley Associates will send you your transcripts and provide links and instructions on how to apply to take the state and national licensing exam. Exams are by appointment only at specified testing centers, or web-proctored online. Several centers are available across Pennsylvania and are convenient to a majority of students.

The PA licensing exam is currently administered by a state contractor.

Fees

Pennsylvania charges a fee of $49 each and every time you take the licensing exam, whether in its entirety or only a portion of it. This fee is NOT included in tuition or other costs charged by Polley Associates.

Don’t Test Well?

We understand. Tests can make anyone anxious. There are, however, proven strategies to help make taking the Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing Exam – any exam, actually – a little easier. You also might want to take our Sales Exam Prep course for added insight and a little extra confidence.

Study, Study, and Study Some more

You must pass the state licensing exam with a score of 75 or better. Study thoroughly, and answer questions thoughtfully, and you should do well. Many people succeed on their first attempt. But if it takes you two, or three, tries … so what? No broker ever asks what score you got on the licensing exam, or how many times you took it. Brokers want to know only that you DID pass.

Looking for a way to keep drilling questions? CompuCram® integrates vocabulary tools, practice testing, and comprehensive simulated exams into an “all-in-one” solution to build your confidence and knowledge. 86.5% of CompuCram® users pass their licensing exam for the first time!

Find Courses For:

• Pennsylvania Real Estate Sales Licensing

The post Licensing PA: Going For The PA Licensing Exam appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

There are two practical differences.

First, the relationship between a broker and a salesperson is much the same as that between a boss and an employee. A broker operating his or her own office under state law must supervise and oversee all sales licensees working from that office or on the broker’s behalf.

Second, a broker is the only individual empowered by state law to conduct a real estate transaction. Salespersons have no legal authority to participate in a transaction without their broker’s involvement.

Individuals who hold a Pennsylvania broker’s license but work in the office of, and on behalf of, another broker is known by the state as “associate brokers.” They too are subject to supervision.

Under state law, salespersons and associate brokers are deemed to be independent contractors of the supervising broker.

It’s more difficult and takes longer to get a broker’s license.

To become a broker in Pennsylvania applicants must have three (3) years of experience as a real estate salesperson and earn 16 credits which are equal to 240 hours of pre-broker instruction. Applicants may take courses in the classroom, via live-stream, or self-paced online. Unless you intend to work with another broker as an associate broker, you’ll need to start up your own office and meet the state’s requirements. Learn more about Broker Requirements.

Find Courses For:

• Pennsylvania Real Estate Sales Licensing

The post Licensing PA: Differences In Sales And Broker Licenses appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

By Charles J. Jacobus
Edition: 12

ISBN 13: 978-1-62980-217-6
ISBN 10: 1-629-80217-4

The following information about this book is provided by its publisher, OnCourse Learning.

Book Description

This popular real estate textbook introduces core industry concepts in a clear, organized presentation. A vibrant two-color design and real-world examples keep users engaged. Students will gain the solid foundation they need to succeed in modern real estate. The book includes simple contracts and policies, math review, real-world scenarios, and expanded coverage of the mortgage industry. The book’s self-paced study guide includes exam-style questions.

About The Author, Charles J. Jacobus

Charles J. Jacobus holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Houston Law Center. He is board certified by the State Bar of Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both residential and commercial real estate law. He is a fellow of the American College of Lawyers and a member of the Houston Real Estate Lawyer’s Council, has served as president of the Real Estate Educators’ Association, chairman of the Real Estate Section of the Houston Bar Association, and chairman of the American Bar Association Committee on Real Estate Brokers and Brokerage. He has served on the Board of Editors for the American Bar Association Committee on Books and Publications, and was Mayor of his hometown, Bellaire, Texas. He has also served on the Real Estate, Probate, and Trust Law Council of the State Bar of Texas, and as chairman of the State Bar of Texas Committee on Title Insurance. He is currently on the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Broker/Lawyer Committee.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Real Estate.
2. Nature and Description of Real Estate.
3. Rights and Interests in Land.
4. Forms of Ownership.
5. Transferring Title.
6. Recordation, Abstracts, and Title Insurance.
7. Contract Law.
8. Real Estate Sales Contracts.
9. Mortgage and Note.
10. Deed of Trust.
11. Lending Practices.
12. The Loan and the Consumer.
13. Sources of Financing.
14. Types of Financing.
15. Taxes and Assessments.
16. Title Closing and Escrow.
17. Real Estate Leases.
18. Real Estate Appraisal.
19. Licensing Laws and Professional Affiliation.
20. The Principal–Broker Relationship: Employment.
21. The Principal–Broker Relationship: Agency.
22. Fair Housing, ADA, Equal Credit, and Community Reinvestment.
23. Condominiums, Cooperatives, PUDs, and Timeshares.
24. Land-Use Control.
25. Investing in Real Estate.

• Appendix A: Construction Illustrations and Terminology.
• Appendix B: Real Estate Math Review.
• Appendix C: Measurement Conversion Table.
• Appendix D: Chapter Review Questions.
• Appendix E: Answer Key.
• Index and Glossary.

Last updated 20180911

The post Licensing PA: About Our Classroom Real Estate Textbook appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

Why do I need a license?

Pennsylvania state requirements and qualifications, require individuals to obtain a real estate license to assist in the purchase, sale, rental, or lease of real estate on behalf of anyone other than themselves. The license is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State and is supervised by the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission.

Who qualifies?

To qualify for a real estate sales license you must be at least age 18 or older, pass the Pennsylvania Real Estate Salesperson Exam, and submit a criminal record check.

What are the Education Requirements?

Real estate sales licensees must hold a high school diploma (or its equivalent) at the time they apply for a license. In addition, you are required to take two courses to be eligible for the PA Real Estate Salesperson state licensing exam. The Real Estate Practice class is 45 hours; the other, Real Estate Fundamentals, is 30 hours. It doesn’t matter which class you start first but you must complete both.

You’ll take one exam per course on the content you studied, and you must pass each course exam with a 70% or higher. Upon completion of both courses (fulfilling all 75 hours) and passing both course exams (with a 70% or higher), you’ll receive your transcript from Polley Associates. Your transcript will allow you to apply and register for the state-administered Pennsylvania real estate license exam with PSI, a national testing company.

Things to Consider

• As of Aug. 28, 2018, the state Legislature implemented a requirement that real estate sales licensees must hold a high school diploma (or its equivalent) at the time they apply for a license. No college degree is necessary.

• If you have a criminal record, in Pennsylvania or another state, you need to be aware the Real Estate Commission may decide on your ability to be licensed only AFTER you have passed the licensing exam. Even then, it considers licensing on a case-by-case basis after reviewing many factors. However, there is a published “Schedule of Criminal Convictions that may Constitute Grounds to Refuse to Issue, Suspend or Revoke a License, Certificate, Registration or Permit.” Click here to visit the PA Real Estate Commission’s published list. Consequently, the Real Estate Commission requires you to have the Pennsylvania State Police conduct a personal criminal background check before your license can be issued. Background checks are good for only 90 days. A fee will be charged, payable by major credit card, and results usually are available within four business days.  You can order and pay for one at the “Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History” website.

Find Courses For:

• Pennsylvania Real Estate Sales Licensing

The post PA Real Estate Licensing: State Requirements and Qualifications appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

To earn a Pennsylvania real estate sales license, you must pass the Pennsylvania real estate licensing exam of more than 100 questions. To be able to sit for the licensing exam, you must successfully complete 75 hours of the required education.

Polley Associates offers specialized education to help you meet the required courses. Required courses include a 45-hour course, “Real Estate Practice” and a 30-hour course, “Real Estate Fundamentals”.

Each course includes different exercises and techniques to help you master its content. In addition, we use materials and visual aids to enhance your ability to learn.

About Real Estate Fundamentals (30 Hours)

In Fundamentals, you’ll learn about real estate legal descriptions, real estate property rights and estates, real estate ownership, real estate conveyancing and recording, real estate contracts, real estate land use and development, the Pennsylvania Licensing and Registration Act, and the commission’s rules and regulations.

About Real Estate Practice (45 Hours)

In Practice, you’ll learn about real estate brokerage, relationships with consumers, serving sellers of real estate, serving buyers of real estate, real estate financing principles, mortgage loan characteristics, settlement procedures, federal taxation and investing, and property management and appraising.

Which course do I take first?

The one that’s convenient for you and best fits your schedule or sounds most interesting. It doesn’t matter which course you take first, but you must take both. You’ll save money by buying both courses in a package. You can take these courses in a classroom at a Polley Associates location, via Livestream (Zoom), or Online Self-Paced.

Thinking about taking Online Self-Paced courses, but not sure it’s the right fit for you?

• What to expect from an online course?
  
• Is an online course a good fit for you?

The post Licensing PA: About Fundamentals And Practice appeared first on Polley Associates School of Real Estate.

Polley Associates makes it easy to enroll in the Pennsylvania sales licensing courses you want, with our money-saving packages.

PA Pre-Licensing: Choose from Classroom or Livestream (Zoom) Packages

• Career Start Package: you’ll receive both required courses, Fundamentals and Practice, and required textbooks. Additionally, you’ll get our Sales Exam Prep course to prepare for the licensing exam and valuable study materials. Classroom Career Start Package: $600; Livestream (Zoom) Pre-Licensed Package: $532
  
• Career Start Package PLUS: You’ll get everything listed in our Career Start Package PLUS… you’ll get our “Real World Real Estate” course: Best Start. Best Start includes an additional year one guidebook and a one-day virtual class that reviews helpful information and ideas to help get you up and running successfully in the real estate business. Classroom Career Start Package PLUS: $635; Livestream (Zoom) Career Start Package PLUS: $650

PA Pre-Licensing: Online (Self-Paced) Packages

Self-paced online courses combine the comfort and convenience of learning at home. Use your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You get both courses, Fundamentals, and Practice. No need to purchase books or other materials; everything’s online.

• Pre-Licensed Package: Includes both required courses, Fundamentals and Practice. ($495)
  
• Pre-Licensed Package PLUS: Includes both required courses, Fundamentals and Practice and the highly-rated CompuCram®, a course to prepare for the licensing exam. ($560)

Looking for individual courses? Choose from Livestream (Zoom) courses, Classroom courses, or Self-Paced Online

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