You may have heard someone say, “You have to know the rules before you can break them.” While that phrase applies to many aspects of life, it rings true particularly for the real estate industry. The most successful agents and brokers live by it. At Brooklyn Real Estate Institute, or Brooklyn REI, we are all about teaching you the basics inside and out. From there, you can create your very own real estate career.

Create Your Own Schedule

If you are thinking about a career in New York real estate, you may be worried about the cubicle-and-paperwork side of the job. It’s true, you won’t spend all of your time driving clients around town or networking at an open house. With the buying and selling of property comes a long list of rules and a large stack of forms.

But don’t worry; we have some good news too. You get to decide how and when to manage the deadlines and deskwork. One of the most appealing parts of a real estate career is the flexible schedule. You set your own hours, and you can use technology to streamline much of the paperwork. Some agents create a home office, hire an assistant, or work with other agents to balance their workload. So get creative with your schedule. Find what works for you.

Create Your Own Image

Another creative outlet that many real estate agents enjoy is deciding exactly how to market oneself in the industry. We’ve all seen the signs in front of homes, the ads for open houses, the online reviews and recommendations. Good marketing is vital to creating a healthy clientele. So ask yourself—whom do you want to attract? Agents and brokers often specialize in a particular type of real estate like commercial property, vacant land, or residential property. Find what you most enjoy in the industry, and start marketing for clients in that category. Your image is what you make it.

Build on the Basics

Successful real estate agents and brokers have molded their careers to be exactly how they want it—schedules, client load, marketing style, and more. There is plenty of room for you to be creative. However, any of these successful men and women will tell you that they didn’t get there by luck. A New York real estate career requires a foundation based on fundamentals.

At Brooklyn REI, we offer licensing courses for brokers, salespersons, appraisers, mortgage loan officers, and home inspectors. In any of these programs, you will learn everything you need for the field ahead. We take you from the basics to the essential details of real estate in New York. You will come out with the necessary tools to build the career of your dreams.
But don’t stop just because you’ve received your license. A real estate career is a lifetime of learning. At the very least, you will need to renew your license periodically by spending a set number of hours back in class. However, those agents and brokers who want to get ahead know that education is one of their greatest tools. At Brooklyn REI, we offer continuing education courses to keep you up to date with the latest trends and tricks in the industry; we also provide career courses where you can learn about other aspects of real estate like construction project management or electronic notary record-keeping.

With resources like ours, you’ll never forget the fundamentals; and that leaves you all the room in the world to be creative.

The key to a successful real estate career is not “list to last”; it’s education. The Brooklyn Real Estate Institute (Brooklyn REI) offers you the opportunity to learn more and earn more no matter if you’re a novice in the real estate world or if you’re an experienced agent of 30 years. We have classes and programs for anyone who is into or wants to get into the New York real estate industry. Which category below do you fit into? Explore your options and see how we can help.

Curious Newcomers

If you are just beginning your journey to becoming a real estate agent or another related profession, Brooklyn REI is the perfect place for you. Many people believe that a successful agent is a flashy salesperson that knows how to pitch an offer. While sales skills may be helpful, they certainly aren’t the key to success. Actually, being a good researcher is more effective because you will be able to find the perfect home for your clients instead of pushing them into a lesser property. You will learn all about strategies like these in our licensing courses.

Through our 20-session program, you can earn your real estate license in as little as 10 days. We also provide courses to for you to become a licensed broker, appraiser, and mortgage loan officer. Many sessions can be taken in any order, making it easy for you to fit us into your schedule.

Brand New Agents

So you finished your classes and passed the licensing exam. Now what? One trick to a healthy business is talking to other agents whose careers you respect. This is why at Brooklyn REI we have real estate mentoring and coaching programs where you are paired with experienced, successful men and women in the industry. With a mentor, you will have the opportunity to work alongside an expert as he or she makes offers and closes deals. With a coach, you can choose a project, and he or she will help you develop a step-by-step plan to achieve your goals.

Continuing your education is also important to staying afloat in the real estate world. Learn about the details of the industry with our career courses. Professionals at Brooklyn REI teach sessions on related fields such as property management, Electronic Notary Record keeping, green buildings, and more. You can never know too much about your business.

Seasoned Veterans

If your experience has taught you anything, it’s that staying current on the industry tricks and trends is vital. You can’t let past success lull you into laziness or ignorance. Our career courses cover a variety of fields related to real estate, and they can give you a great advantage as an agent.
Even if you are well educated in every aspect of the business, you still need to renew your license every now and then. Renewal doesn’t have to be a hassle with Brooklyn REI. We hold at least 12 different day or night sessions every month so you can meet the requirements on whatever schedule works for you. Our students usually finish in the same week they started. Plus, you can choose the courses that are most applicable to your personal career.

At Brooklyn REI, you get more than just words in a textbook; our experienced instructors, mentors, and coaches give you the secrets you’ll need to succeed. You don’t want to be a second-rate real estate agent, so don’t choose a second-rate education. Start off the right way with the Brooklyn Real Estate Institute.

Question: When would be a good time to get into New York real estate?

Answer: Yes!

You’re right, it doesn’t make sense; but then the question isn’t a very good one. Real estate in New York is like any other commodity, it is either a buyer’s market or a seller’s market; or there might even be parity. Regardless, those who have the best information and skills will know how to navigate the current market.

So when would be a good time to start? Now—Obviously. It doesn’t matter if you are getting your feet wet for the first time or if you are looking to get back in the game, obtaining the right knowledge and skills will give you the confidence to make the right moves at the right time.

Get Licensed

Getting your real estate license is a lot like getting your first driver’s license. Even if you somehow pass your written test and then do OK on the driving test, if you don’t really know what you are doing, you are just an accident waiting to happen.

You don’t want to merely get a real estate license, you will want your license to represent what you know. Brooklyn Real Estate Institute has a real estate license program that will help you get your license and arm you with the tools and know-how to succeed for yourself and your clients.

Stay Educated

Successful real estate professionals are ever learning, studying the market, and taking courses to improve themselves and their career. They may pursue a broker’s license or seek other profit centers by getting an Appraisal License or by becoming qualified as a Mortgage Loan Officer.

If commercial real estate interests you, then taking a course in Property Management can not only arm you with another marketable skill. It can give you a better understanding of the dynamics of commercial real estate. Add to that a Construction Project Management course and you will have skills that will take away your fear of putting together multi-million dollar deals and closing them.

Stretch Yourself

The more you know about real estate in New York, the more you will begin to see that it’s always a good time to be a part of the action. Not only is Brooklyn Real Estate Institute a good place to network, learning new ideas and strategies from your colleagues, it is also a place where you can learn the secrets to higher commissions and more sales. By enlisting the help of a Real Estate Coach you can learn these tricks and more.

As you become more sophisticated and ambitious in the market, our Real Estate Mentoring will provide you with a mentor where it counts, out in the field. At this level, you aren’t making schedules and plans for next month, but next year and the years ahead. You will begin to see, that a real estate career is a lifestyle. And if you approach it wisely, it will provide you with a great life.

Most licensed professions such as doctors, dentists, lawyers, and many others require continuing education to maintain the active status of their respective licenses. New York actively licenses nearly 40 professions. Real estate is one of these professions. As a licensed profession under the authority of the State of New York, real estate salespeople and brokers are required to enroll in and complete state-approved courses before renewing their license.

Continuing Education Requirement in New York

New York requires real estate salespersons to complete 22.5 hours of approved continuing education within the 2-year period before their renewal. The 22.5 hours must include at least 3 hours of instruction related to fair housing and /or discrimination laws and regulations. The fair housing rules apply to the sale or rental of real property, including even the interest in fair property.

Real estate salespersons may substitute a qualifying real estate broker course for the continuing education requirement within their current term as long as they pass the final exam. However, that particular course does not satisfy the 3-hour requirement for continuing education regarding fair housing and discrimination. This must be taken separately to fully qualify for renewal.

Continuing Education Courses

All real estate courses must be approved by the State of New York. Continuing education courses must be completed before your renewal and you must produce documentation that you have completed the required courses when renewing your license.

Brooklyn Real Estate Institute offers both in-class and online courses. You can pay for each class individually or purchase package deals. Both alternatives will satisfy your continuing education requirement. Which one should you choose?

You should choose an in-class course if you are interested in rubbing shoulders with other agents and you like the interaction available with an instructor in a “brick and mortar” classroom. For many agents, this becomes a great networking opportunity to get ideas and listen to the success of other agents.

You should choose an online course if you like taking attending class in your pajamas with your laptop and no distractions. You can select the time you take each class since they are online.

Real Estate Continuing Education courses from Brooklyn Real Estate Institute don’t just fill the requirement of the State of New York. They are designed to boost your real estate business. Whether you choose an online course or choose to participate in a classroom, you will find information that you will use everyday.

The real estate market is in constant flux, with each year bringing new developments across the housing market. While 2013 was a year marked by positive changes for many home and property owners in New York, predictions for 2014 are promising for those already in or entering into this industry. Before the year is over, consider taking an online certification course with Brooklyn Real Estate School and expect to witness these five things:

1. Expect Positive Equity

The financial crisis led to countless homeowners entering into negative equity on their homes, leaving the housing market in shambles. But over the past few years, home prices have risen again, and it’s estimated that in the second quarter of 2013,2.5 million homeowners regained positive equity status. As prices continue to climb, more individuals with property will continue to benefit.

2. People Love Brooklyn – and Queens, Too

By 2013, prices in Brooklyn reached the highest point they had been in the last ten years, with inventory dropping to a five-year low. Real estate investors will most likely continue fuel this growth in Brooklyn, although those looking elsewhere may turn to Queens for more opportunities and less competition.

3. Bill de Blasio – Taxes and More Developments

In February of this year, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed a tax on the rich in order to help further fund pre-kindergarten programs in the city. While meeting with the Real Estate Board of New York, he also mentioned that he would have no “hangup about allowing [the real estate developers] to supersize their developments if it means creating more affordable housing.” He went on to mention his hopes for seeing 200,000 more units of affordable housing in New York City.

4. Illegal Pets May Make More of an Appearance

It is often difficult to find apartments in New York City that allow cats and dogs, and even keeping these animals within the confines of brick buildings can be a hassle. Many local residents have noticed this, and have begun turning to other, less conventional options such as snakes, piglets, and even ferrets, even though they are illegal to house within the city.

Although this may be nothing more than a trend, it could contribute to more housing being created with spaces specifically meant to house these types of animals.

5. Manhattan Could Become More Affordable

Manhattan is notorious for being one of the most expensive areas to live in the city. But according to Gary Malin, president of Citi Habitas, “the vacancy rate in Manhattan has…gone up in the last seven or eight months, so I think you’re going to see some more value…with more landlords offering concessions, and maybe a little negotiability for pricing.” This higher vacancy rate and an improving economy may lead to more affordable prices in this area.

Seek Information from Brooklyn Real Estate School

The upcoming year holds numerous new positive developments within the real estate market. If you want to be part of the process, or want more information, contact the Brooklyn Real Estate School, and find out how to become certified in order to get started in this industry.

No matter how you are involved in the real estate industry, you have inevitably needed the services of a notary public. While the work of a notary public may seem simple, it is integral to nearly every financial transaction that occurs in this business.

Notary publics are state-commissioned public servants that act as witnesses during the signing of bank documents, and may provide a variety of other services as well. If want to add a new facet to your career, you may want to consider  becoming certified as a notary public through the Express Real Estate school. 

What Exactly Does a Notary Public Do?

In nearly every real estate transaction, the buyer of the property will need to acquire a loan through a third party in order to have the necessary funds for purchase. And though the specifics of the loan may only affect the lender and the borrower, the documents must be notarized by a state official (notary public) in order to be deemed legitimate.

A notary public is ultimately responsible for delivering the loan documents to the borrowing individual for signing. The notary must also verify the identities of each signatory, and place an official stamp, a “notarization” on the documents to declare their legal legitimacy. Because the loan signing process is a delicate procedure, one that can be tainted by even the slightest misunderstanding or hint of coercion, notary publics must be present to act as impartial witnesses, and to ensure that all parties present are signing the documents in accordance with the law.

The Brooklyn Real Estate School Offers Certification

If you have any interest in having this authority, you can gain it by taking a class through the Express Real Estate School, after which you will receive certification as a notary public.

If you aren’t sure about this field though, consider this:

Although notary publics are commissioned by the state, they are not employed by this entity, and solely work as independent contractors for real estate lenders, signing agencies, or even closing agents. Furthermore, unlike real estate agents, notary publics are not paid on a commission basis, and can instead charge fees on a per-signature basis.

For many real estate agents, attorneys, and other professionals, acting as a notary public offers supplementary work opportunities. Those certified as notary publics can choose which projects they would like to handle, and when and where their services are available.

With this, notary publics may work from a designated location, or may travel as mobile notaries to those who are unable to do so themselves.

Become a Notary Public with the Express Real Estate School

Getting certified as a notary public can open up an entirely new world of work opportunities for you in the real estate field. If you want to do so quickly, efficiently, and with a reputable institution, consider taking a class at the Brooklyn Real Estate Institute to get started immediately.

For many real estate agents, it isn’t the search for potential property buyers or sellers that keep them churning through this field. Instead, it is the moment that the deal is completed, when an agreement is made between all parties, and the commission is all but in the pocket.

Though this final piece of work may seem like a finishing touch, it is the culmination of determined efforts made by a devoted agent. And if you want to elevate your abilities as a skilled title closing agent, consider taking a title closing course at the Brooklyn School of Real Estate.

Classwork

Before you can begin work as a title-closing agent, you must complete coursework to demonstrate your accumulated knowledge, all of which can be completed through schools like the Express Real Estate School. And while many classes will focus strictly on basic real estate principles, be prepared to delve deeply into a variety of complex legal concepts, as these will give you a framework through which you can interpret all of the necessary documents for a closing.

Piles of Documents

Because the closing of a real estate purchase is such a detailed process, as a title closer you will find yourself responsible for the discovery and retaining of numerous documents about the sale. It is your job to hang onto inspection reports, legally binding contracts involving future services, all financial paperwork for your clients, and anything else pertinent to the sale. Create a checklist for each document that should be reviewed before making any agreements, and review it each step of the way.

Painstaking Precision

At the very end of a real estate deal, it is important that every possible step of precaution has been taken in order to ensure a successful agreement and satisfied clients on both ends. This means that every document and notarization must be created and witnessed with extreme diligence, and every necessary process should be double-checked. Simple appointments such as pest and fire inspections can uncover information of value that might alter the terms of the future agreement, and a basic title search can alert you of what claims might currently exist on the property in question. Ultimately, as the title closer in this deal, it is up to you to maintain a level of extreme precision in order to cover all bases and facilitate the deal.

Use the Resources at the Express Real Estate School

Of course, with basic experience, it is possible for nearly any real estate agent or broker to begin working as a title closer, either alone, or with a service or organization. Any real estate professional would benefit by taking a 15-hour title closing course at the Brooklyn School of Real Estate. This set of comprehensive classes can teach you all you need to know about this finalization process, and give you the skills and tools necessary to begin working today.

The real estate industry is very competitive, especially since everyone knows that those at the top make an excellent living. It only makes sense that you would want to do everything possible to excel and reach the pinnacle of your career.

To accomplish your goals, you may want to consider receiving personalized investor training from a real estate mentor or coach at the Express Real Estate School. The real estate classes available at the Brooklyn Real Estate Institute can provide you with tips on investing, hands-on experience, and a wealth of extra knowledge that can help you on your path to success.

Get Wisdom from Above

Like in any other part of life, those with years of experience in a specific field are bound to have knowledge and information that is unobtainable by simply reading through a book. And in the world of real estate, this wisdom could be what propels you to a higher rate of sales and a healthier commission.

To achieve this ability, taking a real estate coaching class at the Express Real Estate School is the best start. This program gives you the freedom to choose a project and receive detailed training from a qualified coach. Your coach can walk you through specific steps, give you advice on the best course of action, and answer any questions you may have with the understanding of a real estate veteran.

Learn More from a Panel of Professionals

For anyone just entering the real estate industry, or for those struggling with various aspects of the process, it is beneficial to listen to the words of seasoned brokers, salespeople, and other successful businessmen who have found their niche in real estate.

For those looking for advice, the Profit Lab seminars may be the key to a prosperous career. These real estate classes in Brooklyn, NY, consist of two days in front of qualified real estate professionals, as they speak on the most important topics for newcomers. Those taking part can expect to learn about the details of real estate financing, how to increase property values, good strategies for entering and exiting the market, and more on investing and purchasing to maximize monetary gains.

Further, this real estate seminar awards those who attend with 19.5 hours of continuing education credit, which can be used to help secure an additional certification in the real estate industry.

Invest in Your Success

As a real estate professional, it is important that you constantly strive to improve to raise your success and improve your career. And if you are looking to learn more from some of the best in the business, take a real estate class in Brooklyn, NY, to acquire information and invest in your future.

For some, the mention of the phrase “real estate” conjures up ideas of well-dressed salespeople, hosting open house events, and other meetings in order to secure a deal and score a solid commission. But while this image may act as the stereotypical image for the real estate industry, there are a variety of career paths down which you can venture by getting a real estate license with the Brooklyn School of Real Estate. Don’t focus on this single aspect – instead, open your eyes to these four excellent career options that could be the right choice for you:

1. Appraiser

Unlike a regular real estate salesperson, an appraiser is responsible for evaluating certain types of property, and coming up with a comprehensive report that values the overall worth of the property. Aspiring appraisers can opt to focus on an exact type of appraisal, such as real property valuation, business property appraisal, personal property appraisal, or even a form called mass appraisal. Ultimately, the word of the appraiser is used to declare the worth of the property, which eventually determines the value of the sale.

2. Real Estate Broker

Often confused with a real estate salesperson, a broker can act as an intermediary between those buying and selling property, but also has the freedom of opening up a firm in order to manage their own business, as well as other agents involved in the industry. Those hoping to become real estate brokers should consider pursuing their license at the Brooklyn Real Estate Institute – this comprehensive certification course gives you the ability to use their services all while working around your own schedule.

3. Mortgage Loan Officer

Many people claim that the best day of their lives occurred when they were approved for a loan in order to buy the house of their dreams, and this monumental event often couldn’t happen without the hard work and diligence of qualified mortgage loan officers. These real estate personnel are responsible for working with banks and other financial institutions in order to approve select people for loans to cover their mortgages. In effect, mortgage loan officers help lead individuals down the path towards home ownership.

4. Salesperson

Though many choose to pursue work in the first three careers, others truly excel at working as salespeople, acting as the direct connection between buyers and sellers in the real estate market. Salespeople must work with everyone involved in the transaction, creating a deal that best satisfies the needs of all parties.

And for anyone looking to break through into the arena of real estate, securing a salesperson license with the Brooklyn School of Real Estate is an easy and effective entry into this lucrative career. Over the course of four months, you can work at your own pace with the Real Estate School in order to complete the certification and begin work in the business.

Try a New Beginning Today

The real estate industry is full of opportunities for those looking for a new start. Consider these four career options today to begin a new life with a job you love.

Take a look around any city across the globe – they are all teaming with commercial properties that provide a space for the workers of the world. For though everyone needs a place to sleep, many need a separate shelter to house their technology, their business, and their bright ideas.

And while it is these individuals that labor tirelessly to provide the world with wonders, it is the commercial real estate agent that facilitates and helps make it possible.

Becoming a commercial real estate agent can help you take part in this process. If you are willing to make this move, you can try a class on commercial real estate at the Express Real Estate School, and read the following guide to begin your quest.

The Basics of Commercial Real Estate

Unlike residential real estate agents, those who work in commercial real estate are responsible for providing their clients with a place that meets their needs. And though this may sound simple enough, it requires an intuitive individual that understands the nature of the client’s business, and can match it with an available structure that will contribute to the overall success.

Additionally, while the residential real estate industry is rife with quick transactions and an often large pool of potential clients, commercial brokers must remain patient and diligent as they both search for possible lessees, and promote transactions that can take months or even years.

Of course, with the difficulty and delayed nature of the business come higher commissions, and skilled commercial real estate brokers often earn much greater salaries than their residential counterparts.

What You Need to Know

Even if you are already set on the prospect of becoming a commercial real estate salesperson, it is important to grasp a few important ideas before you take the next step.

First, and most pertinent, you must acquire a real estate license before you begin. The easiest way to achieve this is by taking a course at the Real Estate School at Brooklyn REI after which you will have the knowledge and certifications necessary to start on your first sale.

Further, if you have been involved in the residential real estate market before, you may already be familiar with the emotion and sentimentality that is often expressed by clients that stumble upon their ‘dream home,’ declaring immediately their intent to purchase. Though some commercial clients may be immediately swayed by the ambience within a specific property, you may expect to instead work with individuals or groups that are more scrutinizing when examining the overall nature of the structure.

And of course, in the commercial real estate industry, confidence is key. Because though it may be more difficult to emerge quickly as a star in the business, hard work, diligence, and a patient demeanor can help yield the success for which you have always hoped.

Get Started at the Express Real Estate School 

Starting a career in the commercial real estate business might be difficult in the beginning, but you can help your prospects by using the resources available at the Real Estate School in Brooklyn, NY. And once you take the first step, you can look forward to a bright future working in one of the most fascinating fields in real estate.