VanEd - Real Estate School News

Prince Philip "Graduates" ~ Along with a few other notable people! Our Favorite Stories from May

All month issues surrounding both rulemaking and legislative issues were at the forefront of the real estate industry news cycle. We could hardly even glance at Instagram before we were drawn right back into the fray of policy and debate. 

Below are the top stories this month our staff spent time discussing. Whether we wanted to or........  well, you decide.

 

The ARELLO Mid-Year Meetings went off without a hitch. We were in attendance speaking with regulators from around the world on issues ranging from approvals to policies.  Many were focused on possible changes to the structure of the CFPB and tax reform issues. Also, look for coming changes in Washington's pre-license course outlines.

NAR holds Mid-Year... errr... Legislative Meetings in D.C.

Two years on and we still can't get the name of the Biannual Meeting correct. Oh well.

We posted the NAR 360 video before we saw the Internal News Service Special Report. We would have preferred that option first, and think you may as well. In the report, NAR discusses rule changes to MLS and IDX systems, as well as key issues surrounding UpStreamRE's new structure (and funding through 2018).  Our takeaway was the same as the only comment on the article - should they change the name to DownStreamRE? 

Click Here to Read the Internal News Service Special Report.

Click Here to watch the NAR 360 Video.

 

AdAge

Ad Age magazine reported on the new bill sponsored by Rep. Marsha Blackburn called (ready for this?)  Balancing the Rights of Web Surfers Equally and Responsibility Act of 2017.    That's right.... it's the BROWSER Act.  After voting to remove the privacy rules for ISPs, it appears that this representative may have heard from constituents who wanted some protections put back in place.  Apparently, not without a catchy name for the Bill, which has not yet made it to a committee.

Click Here to read more in Ad Age.

 

Speaking of Bad Acts

In his piece in The Hill David Reiss, Professor of Law at the Brooklyn Law School, writes on the Financial Choice Act and how it will gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This will, in his words, "return us to the Wild West days of the early 2000s".  Hopefully, for Professor Reiss and the rest of us, legislators remember that history repeats itself before they make any changes that would allow predatory lending to again rise to the level of "commonplace".

Click Here to read more in The Hill.

 

Missouri GRI Launch Date Announced

One of our favorite things to do around here is announcing new programs, and this month was very cool!  The Missouri Association of REALTORS® and VanEd are proud to announce that the Missouri GRI program will launch online on June 1st, 2017!   

With the first wave of courses coming we will also be offering a 12-hour CE package that includes Core, Elective and Ethics renewal coursework.  All of us are very excited about the new program and the launch. You can learn more online below or contact us here for more information.

Learn More about the Missouri GRI Program by Clicking Here.

 

Real Estate Book of the Month

We currently have 7 books we are looking at right now, but this month we revisited Mark Leader's book, Mark of a Leader.  You can find his book online at LeadersChoice.com.  Back in 2008, this book became popular and now we are looking back at some of the insights. 

Learn more about when this was the book of the month in 2008 on Lisa Spaulding's Active Rain blog.

 

Graduation Announcements

Prince Philip declares he will retire from royal public duties at the age of 96 (quitter) and now we know more about what his "graduation" to private life will look like. The Sun reported this month that Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen."   

We were pleased to hear that since we're just not settled on if the Queen can still order the Duke's head to be removed or not.  Learn more in this handy article from The Sun.  (Yep - Royal Watch is always on over here)

And then, in what is becoming an almost annual event, we here at VanEd are proud to announce another high school graduation. Congrats go out to Katarina, daughter of Managing Partner, on her recent accomplishment and graduation this month. We look forward to all your coming endeavors, and we even saved all those words of wisdom for the celebrities!

 

You Have Many Options With A Real Estate License

Starting a Real Estate Career

Obtaining a real estate license does not obligate you to sell residential real estate only.  A real estate license offers an array of great career opportunities.  The key to success is finding your niche.  This can be selling waterfront condominiums, golf courses homes, commercial warehouses, and new construction communities.  Or you can lease and manage property; annual rentals, vacation homes, or commercial office space. 

Commercial Brokers

Commercial brokers assist with the sale, leasing, and management of commercial real estate. Commercial broker careers include many specializations. A broker may specialize in retail property, investment property, farmland, businesses, industrial or medical facilities and dozens of other types of property.  Some commercial brokers specialize in resort management or assist government agencies with redevelopment of industrial sites or reclamation of land.

Property Management

Once an investment property is purchased or developed, it needs to be managed. The property manager handles the day-to-day operations of a property which includes staffing, contracting for services, repairs, maintenance and leasing.  Often property management is a salaried position.

Professional Training

It’s not only required, but it’s important to take continuing education courses for additional professional training to advance to more lucrative real estate career opportunities. Advanced real estate designations include the GRI designation.  Earning the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation is a way to stand out to prospective buyers and sellers as a REALTOR® who has gained in-depth knowledge on specific areas of real estate.  The GRI symbol is the mark of a real estate professional that has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. 

Real Estate Professional Organizations

The GRI is a National Association of REALTORS® designation.  Real estate trade associations and professional organizations provide a wealth of information about specific alternative real estate careers, including training, legislative updates, and industry news.  The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the National Property Management Association (NPMA) are invaluable resources for property managers.

“We’re already right in the thick of the most frenzied spring home-buying season on record,” says Javier Vivas, manager of economic research at realtor.com®. The demand for jobs in the real estate business grows daily and there is always a need, especially in growing communities where people are constantly searching for new homes and properties.  An alternative real estate career can offer personal and professional rewards.

A real estate license gives you the opportunity for career growth, flexibility, and high earning potential.  VanEd provides all of the required coursework and exam prep that you need in order to become a licensed real estate salesperson or broker and continuing education courses in property management, commercial leasing and selling, and the GRI designation. 

Authored by Barb Westfall and Renee Macdonald

Barb has been a practicing Broker in Colorado for over 18 years and has been teaching Colorado real estate for 13 years for VanEd.  Barb holds a teaching degree and Real Estate Education Certifications. She is a REEA Member.

Renee is a Florida native that made her way to the Rockies.  After 25 years as a licensed real estate agent, Renee now is Director of Affiliate Sales for Van Education Center.

VanEd Presents: The Florida GRI - Graduate REALTOR® Institute Program ~ available online!

VanEd is proud to be the online home for the Florida REALTORS^® Association GRI: Graduate REALTOR^®Institute program. The GRI designation is recognized nationwide as the standard for real estate professional achievement. Earning this designation will set you apart from the competition.

The entire GRI program is available online and students now have more options than ever available to them to complete this prestigious designation program. 

To earn the designation, Florida REALTORS^® will need to complete each of the 100, 200 and 300 series courses. All of the courses can be found online by clicking here. 

Each 15 hour course can be taken individually, and members have the option of registering for an entire series at a discounted price. All of the course are required in order to earn the Graduate REALTOR^® Institute designation. Courses cover all aspects of Real Estate including comparing investment properties, understanding profit and risk potential, and analyzing individual investment opportunities. The program also discusses tax and management issues real estate professionals face every day in the practice of real estate.

Other GRI courses will cover:

• explaining the basic factors affecting International Real Estate
• description of tax liabilities commonly associated with investment property
• analyzing techniques used to determine buyer and seller needs
• how to assist an clients and customers identifying financing options

Students will receive GRI credit for completing VanEd's online courses in Florida. For details, visit the Florida Graduate REALTOR^® Institute program online by clicking here. 

Note that Florida REALTORS® GRI courses are available for GRI, CE or Post-License credit. Students should determine which credit type they need and register for the appropriate course to ensure the desired credit type is applied. Contact Florida REALTORS® for more information.

 

Live Colorado Continuing Education Classes Coming in February to a Classroom near you!

VanEd has partnered with local REALTOR® Boards and Associations, brokerages, and other hosts to offer many of our Colorado real estate continuing education courses in a classroom setting throughout the state. You can find all of the upcoming classes on our site at VanEd.com/Classroom.

You can then Register for these Colorado continuing education courses online and then attend the class in person at a location near you!  Many of the upcoming classes also qualify for GRI, Graduate REALTOR® Institute credit!

Can't find a classroom course that meets your schedule?
VanEd's online Colorado real estate CE classes are always available

Here's a few of the courses coming up in February!

Date:	Feb 3, 2017  |  08:30 AM
Title:	GRI: Legal Issues & Risk in Colorado Real Estate #5914 CLASS DETAILS >
Host:	Pikes Peak Association of Realtors®

 

Date:	Feb 3, 2017  |  10:00 AM
Title:	GRI: Taxes and the Real Estate Professional #5887 CLASS DETAILS >
Host:	Boulder Area Realtor® Association

 

Date:	Feb 9, 2017  |  01:00 PM
Title:	GRI: Business Planning #5910 CLASS DETAILS >
Host:	South Metro Denver Realtor® Association

 

Date:	Feb 10, 2017  |  08:30 AM
Title:	CREC Annual Commission Update - 2017 CLASS DETAILS >
Host:	Aspen Board of Realtors®

 

Date:	Feb 15, 2017  |  08:30 AM
Title:	Colorado Contracts & Forms Review #6098 - 3 hours CLASS DETAILS >
Host:	REALTORS® of Central Colorado, Inc.

 

To see the full schedule of live classes visit us online at VanEd.com/Classroom!

VanEd Presents: South Dakota Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) Designation Program ~ available online!

In today's competitive business environment you need more than just motivation and initiative to succeed, you need the advantage of the education you receive in the GRI program.

The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation indicates to buyers, sellers and other real estate industry professionals that you have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional service to your clients by securing a strong educational foundation.

VanEd is proud to provide the GRI program on-line for the State REALTOR® Associations in Florida, Missouri, Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. 

And VanEd is proud to announce that in October we celebrate our seventh anniversary of hosting the South Dakota GRI Program. Click on the links to learn more about earning the GRI in your state, or visit http://www.vaned.com/GRI for more information.

Update for South Dakota Students:

The GRI program has been re-approved for continuing education and post license credit! Take a look at the credit hours that you need to fulfill your requirements!

Click Here to see all of the online GRI courses available for South Dakota Students!

 

VanEd Presents: Nebraska GRI 106 - Technology and Taxation ~ On Sale Now!

VanEd is proud to be the home of the Nebraska REALTOR® Association's online GRI, Graduate REALTOR® Institute Program and the GRI 106 - Technology and Taxation course is on sale through December 2016. This course is a combination of two modules:

• Taxation in Real Estate - #0416 (CE & GRI Credit)
• Technology Applications (GRI Credit)

In addition to the 15 hours of Nebraska GRI credit, you will also receive 6 hours of CE credit for the Taxation module.

This course has four objectives.

• Introduce the residential real estate agent to basic taxation and to basic investment analysis.
• Relate that knowledge to the specific concerns of residential homeowners, both primary and second homes.
• Relate that knowledge to the specific concerns of owners of investment real estate.
• Demonstrate how this knowledge can increase the real estate agent's commission income and investment income.

REALTORS® will become aware of the Commission resources available to them as well as find relevant consumer sites and services that can be shared with clients and customers.  Students completing this course will also be introduced (or re-introduced) to business planning systems and communication skills.

Through our responsive course design students can complete their education on their own schedule and on any internet enabled device. 

Learn more about the course and register today for the GRI 106 - Technology and Taxation module online by clicking here.  You can also visit us at VanEd.com to see all of the available CE courses for Nebraska real estate licensees.

VanEd Presents: The Florida GRI - Graduate REALTOR® Institute Program ~ available online!

VanEd is proud to be the online home for the Florida REALTORS^® Association GRI: Graduate REALTOR^®Institute program. The GRI designation is recognized nationwide as the standard for real estate professional achievement. Earning this designation will set you apart from the competition.

The entire GRI program is available online and students now have more options than ever available to them
to complete this prestigious designation program. To earn the designation, Florida REALTORS^® will need to complete each of the 100, 200 and 300 series courses. All of the courses can be found online by clicking here. 

Each 15 hour course can be taken individually, and members have the option of registering for an entire series at a discounted price. All of the course are required in order to earn the Graduate REALTOR^® Institute designation. Courses cover all aspects of Real Estate including comparing investment properties, understanding profit and risk potential, and analyzing individual investment opportunities. The program also discusses tax and management issues real estate professionals face every day in the practice of real estate.

Other GRI courses will cover:

• explaining the basic factors affecting International Real Estate
• description of tax liabilities commonly associated with investment property
• analyzing techniques used to determine buyer and seller needs
• how to assist an clients and customers identifying financing options

Students will receive GRI credit for completing VanEd's online courses in Florida. For details, visit the Florida Graduate REALTOR^® Institute program online by clicking here. 

Note that Florida REALTORS® GRI courses are available for GRI, CE or Post-License credit. Students should determine which credit type they need and register for the appropriate course to ensure the desired credit type is applied. Contact Florida REALTORS® for more information.

 

VanEd Presents: Nebraska Graduate REALTOR® Institute - GRI 105: Real Estate Investment & Management approved for CE Credit!

VanEd is proud to be the online home for the Nebraska REALTORS^®Association GRI: Graduate REALTOR^®Institute program. The Nebraska GRI 105: Real Estate Investment and Management is being offered online to Nebraska REALTORS^® for 15 hours of GRI, Graduate REALTOR^® Institute credit. This course covers all aspects of Real Estate Investment including comparing investment properties, understanding profit and risk potential, and analyzing individual investment opportunities. The course also discusses tax and management issues in investment real estate. The course was also recently approved for 9 hours of Intermediate continuing eduation credit by the NREC.

Topics covered in this GRI course include:

• explaining the basic factors affecting investment in real property
• description of tax liabilities commonly associated with investment property
• analyzing techniques used to determine quality investments
• how to assist an investor client in understanding financing options for investment property

Students will receive GRI credit for completing VanEd's online course in Nebraska. For details, visit the Nebraska Graduate REALTOR^® Institute program online by clicking here. 

The course is approved for 15 hours of GRI program credit through NRA and the NREC has approved the course for 9 hours of Intermediate elective continuing education credit.

 

Have questions or comments?  Let us know! Send us an email at [email protected].

The most successful people in Real Estate use VanEd.  See what they say by clicking here.    

 

VanEd Presents: South Dakota Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation available online

In today's competitive business environment you need more than just motivation and initiative to succeed, you need the advantage of the education you receive in the GRI program.

The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation indicates to buyers, sellers and other real estate industry professionals that you have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional service to your clients by securing a strong educational foundation.

VanEd is proud to provide the GRI program on-line for the State REALTOR® Associations in Florida, Missouri, Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. And VanEd is proud to announce that in October we will celebrate the third anniversary of hosting the South Dakota GRI Program.  Click on the links to learn more about earning the GRI in your state, or visit http://www.vaned.com/GRI for more information.

 

Update for South Dakota Students:

The GRI program has been approved for continuing education and post license credit! Take a look at the credit hours that you need to fulfill your requirements!

http://www.vaned.com/index.cfm/fa/CE/fa2/gri/state/SD 

VanEd Presents: South Dakota Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation ~ available online

In today's competitive business environment you need more than just motivation and initiative to succeed, you need the advantage of the education you receive in the GRI program.

The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation indicates to buyers, sellers and other real estate industry professionals that you have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional service to your clients by securing a strong educational foundation.

VanEd is proud to provide the GRI program on-line for the State REALTOR® Associations in Florida, Missouri, Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. And VanEd is proud to announce that in October we will celebrate the third anniversary of hosting the South Dakota GRI Program.  Click on the links to learn more about earning the GRI in your state, or visit http://www.vaned.com/GRI for more information.

Update for South Dakota Students:

The GRI program has been re-approved for continuing education and post license credit! Take a look at the credit hours that you need to fulfill your requirements!

http://www.vaned.com/index.cfm/fa/CE/fa2/gri/state/SD