What I Learned At The Annual DBPR Real Estate Instructor's Seminar

  The Florida Department of Business and Professionial Regulation held their Orlando session of the seven hour seminar that real estate instructor's have to take to renew their instructor's permit.  Since my instructor's permit expires September 30th, I was there. 
   Unlicensed activity has gone up considerably.  That was topic number one. 
   Topic number two was short sales.  The Department of Business and Professionial Regulation teaches about short sales from a "here is how you are violating chapter 475" point of view.  Chapter 475 requires licenses to be skillful, careful and diligent.  You are NOT being diligent when you advise your customers that they do NOT need an attorney.  Apparently lots of licensees are learning this the hard way.
   Another legal problem that was mentioned by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation was not presenting ALL offers as required by chapter 475.  Chapter 475 requires licensees to present all offers up until closing unless otherwise directed in writing by the seller.  If it is your intent to not present all offers, you better get that directive in writing from the seller. The DBPR investigates all complaints.
   Lots of licensees being fined because they don't have a expiration date on their written listing as required by chapter 475.  Apparently, with short sales, many licensees are not putting expiration dates on their listings.  This is clearly a violation of chapter 475.  All written listings must have a expiration date. 
   The Department of Business and Professional Regulation suggests to us instructors that we notify everyone to check their expiration date on their Florida real estate license.  Fifty per cent of all Florida licenses expire in September.  Check yours.  Right now would be a good time. Your expiration date is on your license or you can check it at the DBPR's website, www.myfloridalicense.com
   If you need any help or need to take a continuing education class, call Kathy at 407 822 3926. That is the number for Climer School of Real Estate or www.climerrealestateschool.com .