When Buying A House, Can I Talk Directly To The Seller?

     Of course, you can talk directly to the seller.  Often, when we deal with a Realtor, the Realtor wants to keep the buyer and seller away from each other.

     There are many reasons for this.  Sometimes this is very desirable for everyone.  Sometimes that is not the case.  If you believe your transaction would go smoother if you talked with the seller, get in touch with the other seller.

     The Realtors are governed by the rules of the MLS and the code of ethics of the Realtors association.  You, as a buyer or seller are not governed by these rules.

     For instance,  if you believe that the Realtor is not submitting your offer to the seller,  call the seller and ask them.  Your Realtor can not do that but you can.  You don't need anyone's permission.

     Realtors have two legitimate fears.  One fear is that the buyer and seller will make some effort to eliminate the commission.  This is almost impossible.  Realtors figure why take a chance.  If we can physically keep the buyer and seller apart, this is good.

     The Realtor's other legitimate fear is that the buyer and seller will somehow offend each other and get into a fight or flight mode.  Everybody gets mad and no closing.  This is a genuine fear.

     There could be some other reason one Realtor wants to keep the parties apart. One of the Realtors, for one of a dozen reasons, does not want this buyer to buy this property.

     If this seems to be the case, that is when you as the buyer want to certainly get in touch with the seller.  Your Realtor (governed by the rules of the MLS) can not contact the seller.  You are not bound by those rules. 

     If things smell fishy, contact the seller.  It is a pretty good bet that the seller wants the deal to close as much as you do.           
   
     http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/

How To Write A Google Review

      I hope this does not seem too self-serving.  I am writing this because I believe many of my students would post favorable Google reviews for Climer School of Real Estate if they knew how. Before you start you must have a Google account.  If you don't have one, create one.  If you are in business, there is a dozen reasons why you should have one.

     After you have created your Google account, go to Google's home page.  Click on "MAPS".

     Type in Climer School of Real Estate.

     Click on the little orange pin in the map.

     Click on MORE.

     Click on WRITE A REVIEW.

     Sign in to your Google account and write a review .

     If you are in real estate, you need to know a few basics like this.  If this is new for you, go to your neighborhood and write some reviews for your favorite restaurant or title insurance company or home inspector or florist or pest control company.  This is good karma.

     Thank you and we believe the best review is when you show up to take another real estate course.  We will see you at the 45 hour post license class.

     http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/

How To Get A Florida Real Estate License

      To get a Florida real estate license, the first thing you have to do is to apply with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for a real estate license.  The fee for this is $105. The DBPR's website is www.myfloridalicense.com . 

     You have to get your fingerprints taken. The fee for that is $57.  It has to be done at a place approved by the DBPR.

      You can find information about qualifications at my website at www.climerrealestateschool.com . You can also find out when my next 63 hour pre license class is. That is the class you need to pass before you take your Florida real estate exam.  You can take this class in a classroom for $220 or you can take it on line at Climer School of Real Estate for $199.  If you take it on line, we suggest that you buy a textbook.  You do not have to but it helps a lot.  If you take the 63 hour pre license class in the classroom, the textbook is included in the $220.  The textbook we use is " Florida Real Estate Principles and Practices and Law" by Linda Crawford.  Do yourself a favor.  Do not take an on line class from a real estate school that is not in Florida.  Read some of my previous articles to learn the consequences of that mistake.  Do not learn this the hard way.

      After you apply for your Florida real estate license through the DBPR, and you take your course from a Florida real estate school, now you need to pass the Florida real estate exam given at fifteen sites throughout Florida.  You can take this test anywhere there is a Pearson Vue testing facility.  One of my recent students is taking his test in Alaska.  There is a $31 fee to take the test. The pass rate is about 52% for first timers and about 33% foe repeaters.  That is why it is important that you go to a good Florida real estate school.

      We have a bunch of study aids to help you pass the Florida state exam. We have books and audio discs and You Tube videos.  Most of my students just come to class and go pass the Florida state exam.

     That is it . Apply $105. Get your fingerprints done $57.  Take the course $220. Pass the Florida real estate exam $31.  You are a Florida licensed real estate agent.  We even have career opportunities from local Realtors that are willing to reimburse your school tuition with your first commission.  Call Kathy in Orlando at 407 822 3926.  Get started now.  Contact us at www.climerrealestateschool.com .

Florida On Line Real Estate Course

     You can take your Florida online real estate course anywhere or you can take your Florida online real estate class from a Florida real estate school. 

     At Climer School of Real Estate, we know nothing about the other forty nine states.  We know everything about Florida real estate law.  If you take your Florida real estate course from us, we will teach you about Florida real estate laws.  We will not teach you about dower rights.  We don't have dower in Florida.  We will not teach you about community property.  We do not have community property in Florida.

    If you want to get your Florida real estate license, save your self a lot  of aggravation.  Take your basic course from a Florida real estate school with a brick and mortar location in Florida.

     What about price?  There is not enough difference between the lowest and the highest price. 

     If you are going into residential real estate, most brokers will reimburse your real estate school tuition, with your first commission.

     Climer School of Real Estate may not be the best real estate school in Florida.  Then again, maybe Climer School of Real Estate is the best real estate school in Florida. This is very important. Climer School of Real Estate is in Florida.  We have been teaching Florida rules and laws for thirty years.

     Go to http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/ and sign up for a on line real estate class.  Better yet, if you are near Orlando, come take that class in person.  Call Kathy at 407 822 3926.

An Equestrian Visit To Tryon , North Carolina

     On VRBO.com , vacation rental by owner , there is a beautiful house in Tryon, North Carolina for weekly vacation rentals.  We call it the North Carolina Stone House.

     If you are going to Tryon, North Carolina for an equestrian event, you could not find a better place to stay.

     Six adults can stay here in luxury for the price of a motel room.

     If you are taking your horse to Tryon, stay in the Stone House.

     If you need more details, call Kathy at 407 822 3926

     http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/

Can You Guarantee That I Will Pass The Florida Real Estate Exam?

     At Climer School of Real Estate, we are often asked, "Will you guarantee that I will pass the Florida real estate exam?"
     I know that the study aids that we sell are top notch.  I know that my audio dics state exam review class is exactly what you need to know to pass the Florida real estate exam.  I know that my Florida real estate math videos on You Tube are exactly what is on the state exam.
     I know that my two day cram course is the best real estate exam review class in Florida.  I know that the exam study manual that we sale with four hundred practice questions is the best book you can find to study for the Florida real estate exam. 
     I know that the one hundred question practice exam on my website at http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/ is a very close replica of the Florida real estate exam.   If you can pass that, you will pass the state exam.
     I know what you need to pass.  What I don't know is will you study?
     Fifty per cent of the people that take the Florida state exam fail.  Avail yourself to the study aids that Climer School of Real Estate has to offer.  It cost thirty one dollars every time you take the real estate test.
     If any school tells you they will guarantee you pass or offers you a refund if you fail, check with the Department of Business and Professioial Regulation to ascertain if they have a Florida real school permit.
     Since this is a violation of Florida Statute 475, they probably do not have a Florida permit.
     If you want to pass your exam next time, call Kathy at 407 822 3926.  We have a Florida permit and  our ZH number is posted right on our website.

How Well Do You Know The FAR_BAR Contract Or Whatever You Use?

     I have written a short test so you can test yourself. It is better to test yourself here instead of between contract and closing when a question comes up and the other Realtor says, "According to what your customer agreed to in the contract...."

     Take this test and answer the questions by quoting the contract form that you usually use.

     What if the house has termites?
   
     If we have a escrow dispute, how do we settle that and who pays those expenses?

     What if I don't qualify for the loan?  Do I get my deposit back?

     What if the seller backs out, what does the buyer get?

      If I am the seller, when do I get my money?  Is that in the contract?

     If the house is empty, who turns on the utilities for the inspections?

     If there is a small kitchen fire between contract and closing is the buyer still bound to close?  Who pays for those repairs?

     If it says one thing in the fine print and the opposite in the handwritten addendum, what wins?

     If the survey reveals an encroachment, what happens?

     Are the HOA fees mentioned in the contract?  How do I know for sure how much they are?

     Here are ten questions. I could write twenty more. What I want you to realize is that you have to understand this document.  Your customer is agreeing to lots of things.  I am sure there are people reading this article that have never read the contract that we use every day.

     If there are things you don't understand, get more training. Things you don't understand will get you sued or get your Florida real estate license suspended.  This is very important.


     If you are a sales manager or team leader, ask your team to answer these questions from the contract.

     If you need in help or want some additionial training, call me at Climer School of Real Estate at 407 822 3926 or http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/ . This is important.

   

What You Need To Do To Earn Money As A Florida Real Estate Agent

     You need to talk to prospects.  Everything else is a detail.

     The definition of a prospect is someone that needs or wants your product, can afford it, and will probably buy it soon from you or your competitor.

     My previous posts were about contacting forsalebyowners, expired listings and foreclosure victims.  If you did not like that field of prospects, I suppose you could send post cards to obits and search divorce records. 

     Death, divorce and duress are what keep us in business.
     Let's be practical. If you are going to get some listings and make some money, you need to talk to a prospect. 

     If you don't want to pick up the phone and call a forsalebyowner of expired listing or foreclosure victim, just admit it.  You don't want to call them.  That is OK. Send them some mail or find another way to make them call you.  Make them call you. That is the ticket.  Get them to call you.  How can we do that?

     You could start a blog.  This is a blog. How did you get here?  Did you google a word or a question?  Did I meet you somewhere and asked you to read this article?  How did you get here? 

     If you started a blog about :
     Getting Your House Sold
     Great Neighborhoods in Orlando
     Why Be Foreclosed On?
     America's Best Real Estate Agent

     If you started such a blog, would anyone read it?  Would that person need a Realtor?  If they needed a Realtor, would they call you?  If they did call you, would you list their house and get it sold?  Can you think of a reason why this would not work?  If you can, leave me a comment.

     You could start your blog at eblogger.  How much does it cost?  It is free. 

     You could start your blog at Active Rain.  That is also free.

     Or, you could not start.  Everything has to start.  Your real estate career has to start.  It does not have to start slow.  You can make it start fast.  You are probably going to have to dial the phone to do that.
    
     You could start by calling one forsalebyowner or one expired listing or one foreclosure victim.

     If the only thing stopping you is you don't know what to say, send me an email at ronclimer@yahoo.com . I am working on a short ebook  that I intend to sell for $5 and  that will be released soon.  If you would like to be notified when it is ready.

     Selling real estate is such a wonderful way to earn a living.  Do not let unrecognized fear or lack of skill slow down your start.

     http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/

How Does That Happen?

    At Climer School of Real Estate, we were discussing "goodwill", that intangible asset that some business posses.

    I used as an example of a local Bar B. Q. restaurant called Four Rivers Smokehouse in Winter Park.  I asked my twenty students how many had heard of this place.  Every hand in the room went up.  Clark, a young man that just recently moved here from Texas, remarked that he had not only heard of Four Rivers but he had checked it out.  He professed that this was better barbecue than he had ever eaten in Dallas.

    The only problem with Four Rivers is the line to get in the door is a half block long.  I first heard of this restaurant when I saw on the six o'clock channel 9 news that the neighbors two blocks away were calling the police to complain about people parking in front of their house and walking two blocks for this delicious barbecue.  You can not buy advertising like that.

    In class, Helen raised her hand and asked," How does this happen?  The answer is word of mouth.  I mentioned Seth Godin's book, "Purple Cow".  Two students wrote that author's name and title down.  Will they read that book or buy that book or recommend that book?  Probably, because it is remarkable. 

    Remarkable.  We need to be remarkable.  We need people to remark about us.  In person, on their facebook pages, on their twitter.  To be remarked about, you have to do more, be more, try more and get better results.

    It starts with a desire and continues with an attitude.

    Be remarkable.

    We all do business every day with ho hum people.  Have you read "The Fred Factor"?  It is a book, an entire book, about a remarkable postal worker.  Anyone can be remarkable.  It requires a lot of effort.

    When would be a good time to start?
    www.climerrealestateschool.com

Compute Your Own Mortgage Payments

    Mortgage brokers and Realtors like to keep a shroud of mystery around computing mortgage payments.
It is simplest, easiest way is to buy yourself a Hewlett-Packard 10 -B calculator for thirty dollars.  I strongly suggest this. There is, no doubt, an app to put this on your phone.

    The second easiest way is to understand mortgage factors. 

    Very simply, a mortgage factor is the payment on one dollar for a period of time.

    The monthly mortgage factor for 5% for thirty years is .0053682.  That means if you borrowed one dollar and paid it back over thirty years, your payment would be about one half penny per month. If you borrowed $100,000, multiply that by .0053682.  Your payment would be $536.82. Multiply the factor times the mortgage amount.

    If you know the mortgage factor, you can compute mortgage payments.
                                       15 yrs                     30 yrs
    4%                               .0073723              .00475829
    4.5%                            .00762135            .00504792
    5%                               .0079079               .0053682
    5.5%                            .0081708               .0056779
    6%                                .0084386               .0059955
    6.5                                 .0087111               .0063207
   Just multiply the factor times the loan amount, there is your principal and interest payment

   If you need more details watch my You Tube video at climerschool
   http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/ or 407 822 3926
  

Foreclosures, Love Em or Hate Em but List Em

    Yesterday, at Climer School of Real Estate, we talked about listing expired listings. The day before that, we talked about calling forsalebyowners.

    Here is another source of listing prospects that we can not ignore. People that cannot make their mortgage payments and are being foreclosed on are certainly prospects.  They are moving.  We don't know exactly when but it is for certain. 

    Short sales are 50% of the market in Orlando.  Half of the possible listings are people that can't make their mortgage payments.  They can't make their mortgage payments.  Their house is worth $150,000 and they owe $225,000 to the mortgage company. 

    Many Realtors tout themselves as being short sale experts.  I am a short sale expert.  How can you be a short sale expert?

    Step one, get a listing on a house where more is owed on it than it is worth and it is being foreclosed. That should not be hard to find. Next teach yourself what to do next.  How do I know this will work?  This is how I learned to do it twenty years ago. 

    You can go to seminars and get designations.  Nothing matters until you get a listing.  You will find it easy to list foreclosures if you call and talk to people that are being foreclosed.  They are looking for a solution. Did I say you would find it easy. Easy.  They don't have to pay you a commission and you can get them several thousand dollars at closing from the bank. How can it get easier than that.

    You can work on ways to get them to call you if you have patience.  If you are impatient, go to the clerk of the circuit court, find out who is being foreclosed and get in touch with them.  Do not over complicate this.

    As I mentioned about forsalebyowners and expired listings, if this sounds like it will work but you don;t quite know how to start, Attend my forty five hour post license class soon.  You have to take this class somewhere before you renew your Florida real estate license for the first time.

    If you want to learn how to start your real estate career, join me at Climer School of Real Estate in Orlando.  www.climerrealestateschool.com .  Call Kathy at 407 822 3926

Expired Listings, Cash Flow Generator

    Yesterday, we talked about forsalebyowners.  They are not the best prospects.  They are just the easiest to find.  They advertise for you.

    Expired listings are super hot prospects.  They expired in the MLS today.  They will probably list with with you or your competitor today.  That is a hot prospect by any definition.

    There is one little piece of bad news. Your competitor is calling them also.  That is no problem.  Call them first.  Get them listed before your competitor gets out of bed.  Expired listings are easy.

    If you are new, leave me a comment and tell me one reason why you would not want to call today's expireds.

    Is it a waste of time?
    Is it unprofessional?
    Is it not lucrative?
    Is it scary?
    Do you not need the money?
    Do  you doubt that they will list today?
    This is for people that need money.  Here is what I will suggest for new people.

    Run today's expired off the computer.  Do this every morning for ten days.  Don't call them.  Just see if you can find a phone number for them.  There is nothing scary about that.

    New people, if you need money, here is your instructions. Run the expireds
.  Find the empty houses.  Find the owners and list them.  You will have no competition.

   What if you are only successful with one per week?  Are you taking one listing per week now?  What are you doing with your time?  What time do you start to work?  How many prospects have you talked to today?

    Call some expireds.  Go see them.  Find the ones that have moved.  Expired listings will either list with you or your competitor.

    If you think this will work but you are not sure how to start and what to say, come to my 45 hour post license class that is required by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before you renew your Florida real estate license for the first time.  You have to take this class somewhere.

    We have a class starting soon.  Call Kathy at 407 822 3926 or www.climerrealestateschool.com .






  

Who Are For Sale By Owners?

    Now that you have your Florida real estate license, you need to start making money.
    In order to make money, you need prospects to talk to.  If you have done any research at all into the subject of making money in real estate sales, you have figured out  that listing is the most lucrative side of the transaction.  How can you meet some people to list? 
   
    This is a simple question.  Right now in your real estate career, life is simple.  You have few or no buying prospects.  You have few or no listing prospects. 

    What you need is prospects.  For Sale By Owners, are perfect prospects for you.  They advertise that they want to sale their house.  They put a sign in their yards.  They are easy to talk to. 

    For some reason, you are afraid to call them.  I believe if you understood them, your reluctance to dial the phone would go away.

    The first thing you need to know about Mr. Forsalebyowner is that he is just a "do it yourselfer".  Selling a house and laying tile looks so easy. Why would anyone pay a Realtor seven percent for something that looks so easy.  Why wouldn't someone at least "give it a shot". You can't be mad at someone for trying something that looks so easy.

    Mr. Forsalebyowner thinks he can handle this alone.

    Another thing you need to know about Mr. Forsalebyowner, he doesn't know nearly as much as you think he does.  Almost always Mr. Forsalebyowner's level of knowledge is dangerously low. 

    They usually don't know how to fill out a contract. They rarely know about legal matters that can get them sued like fair housing laws and lead base paint disclosures.  Don't take my word for this, go visit with a forsalebyowner with a house built before 1978 and ask them if they have a lead base paint brochure for their buyer.  Ninety nine out of a hundred will not.  They need you but they don't know it.

    Another misconception that you have about Mr. Forsalebyowner is that he does not like Realtors. This is not true. Most have no feeling one way or the other about Realtors.

    Another thing you need to know.  If they have been at it very long, they are frustrated.  As I mentioned, it looks easy.  After a few weeks, where is that buyer and who are these people with no money that keep walking through my house?

    Another thing you need to know is they are looking for a solution.  This is not a game. Mr. Forsalebyowner is not having fun.  This is important.  They need to get their house sold and they are looking for a solution to a big problem.  If you look like you have a solution, they are happy to talk with you.

    Be sure you understand this.  Ninety percent of forsalebyowners will list with a real estate agent.  They will list with you or they will list with your competitor.  When you finally come to understand this, how can you not believe these are wonderful prospects?  They need your product. They are easy to contact and they will buy your product from you or your competitor in the near future.  That is the definition of a HOT prospect.  If older agents tell you Mr. Forsalebyowner is not a good prospect, I think what he really means is he never learned how to work with these wonderful prospects.

    It is a learnable skill.  It is worth learning.
 
    Many forsalebyowners don't see the value of a 7% commission. You can't be mad at them for that.  You have never explained it to them. Many forsalebyowners have never thought about it.

    I have been to visit with thousands of forsalebyowners.  I am certain this is true.  You need to know this.  They are friendly and courteous.  After twenty four years, I can count on my fingers the number of forsalebyowners that have been rude or diccourteous to me.  Most of them treat me like a guest in their home.  That is what I am. That is how I act. That is how I have been treated by 99% of the forsalebyowners I have been to visit.  Where does this universal trepedation come from?  It is nonsense. Get rid of it.

    Because this is true, forsalebyowners are perfect practice for developing the skills to be a super lister.  You can't get good at answering objections and presenting your program without practice.  If you don't get face to face with some prospects, you will take a long time to learn vital skills.

    If you have plenty of other prospects, practice on them. If you have more time than you have prospects, then waste some time calling a few forsalebyowners. 

    If this seems like a good idea but you really don't know what to say or how to start, join me for my forty five hour post license class at Climer School of Real Estate ( http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/ ). I will teach you lots of essential skills and prospecting techniques. You have to take this class somewhere before you renew your intial Florida real estate license.

    Also, subscribe to this blog. My intent is to write for new Realtors that want to excell. If that is you, subscribe.

   

Barter, It Is Older Than Money

    At Climer School of Real Estate, I never know from where my next blog idea is coming.
    I  talked to my son, Greg last night.  Greg is a fashion designer in New York City.
    He told me he was becoming frustrated because his website would not do what he wanted it to do.
    He went to his face book page and announced that if some one would work on his computer, he would make them some clothes.
    It was not long until one of his friends called and a deal was made.
    Computers are new but barter is older than money.
    http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/

You Can Expect A Christmas Card From The Climers

    Today is Thankgiving morning.  It is time to start thinking about sending out Christmas cards.
    I just want you to know if we are close enough to exchange cards, I will be sending you a Merry Christmas card .  That is the only holiday that we celebrate in December at the Climer household. If you celebrate any other holiday, feel free to send me a card for your holiday.
   Our address is : 5104 N. Orange Blossom Trail
                            Suite 218
                            Orlando,Florida 32810
    Let me be the first in 2011 to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous 2012
    http://www.climerrealestateschool.comrel/

Correction To My Previous Post

    On November 10th, I posted a blog that reported that you could review your Florida real estate exam from home on your own computer.  If it sounds too good to be true, it is.  As my first student tried, we discovered that this does not work. Sorry for the false alarm.
    Much of the information we learn turns out to be myth.  We have also debunked the spanish rumor.
     http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/

Short Sale, There Is No Free Lunch

    There is no free lunch but some lunches are more expensive than others.  There are consequences to all bad decisions. 
    If you marry the wrong person, there will be big consequences.  If you choose the wrong vocation, that  will be an expensive mistake.  If you buy a house that you can not afford, that is a big problem.
    Suddenly or slowly you realize you can not afford your monthly mortgage payments.  This can be caused by a myriad of problems, lost jobs, decreased income, death of a spouse.
    It does not matter what caused the problem, it matters what you seek as a solution.
    There is an old cliche, " If you find yourself in a hole, quit digging."  That means when you realize that you have a problem, quit making it worse.  Start looking for a solution.  If you are behind on your mortgage payments, realize you have a problem.  Start looking for a solution.
    Do not expect the problem to go away.  It will not.  It is your problem.  No one else cares.  Accept this responsibility.
    I only see two solutions.  Find a way to make the payments or get with a Realtor and short sale the house.  Maybe in the future, loan modifications will be a reality but right now, banks are not changing the balance.  In some rare instances the bank is changing the interest rate to make the payments more affordable.  Explore this option if you want to stay in your house.  My observation is that it is rare for the bank to modify the loan enough to solve your problem.
    What will work for certain is to sell the house for what it is worth.  Don't try to cheat the bank or manipulate the value of the house.  Just call a Realtor and sell it for what it is worth.  Get on with your life. 
    Don't worry about your credit rating or your reputation or what the neighbors think.  Just sale the house and move into a house that you can afford.
    Get rid of the stress.  Start learning how to make more money.  Start learning how to spend less money.  Be honest with yourself and with your family.  Quit pointing fingers and assigning blame.  Solve this problem.
    Call a Realtor if you can't make your payments or refuse to make your payments.  If you need any help or advice, contact me at www.climerrealestateschool.com .

What is your plan?

    It is a  simple question.  It is amazing how many people don't have an answer. 
    If you want to be successful at selling, you need a plan.  Your plan should include a way for you to get some prospects to talk to.  This seems so obvious.
    Many new sales agents don't seem to get this basic tenant.
    In our post license sales training at Climer School of Real Estate, this is the first thing we talk about.  I have talked to sales agent that have not been face to face with a prospect lately.  You have to talk to prospects to succeed in sales.
    If your plan is to create a website that attracts prospects, how is that working for you?  If your plan is to blog to attract prospects, is that working? 
    You need a plan that will work. You need to implement that plan.  Then you need to evaluate that plan.If it is working, improve it.  If it is not working, either improve it or abandon it.  Get a new better plan. 
    Test your plan.  Ask your mentor what he thinks of your plan.  Get a plan.  Implement it .  Evaluate it.  Take quick corrective action if your plan is not working.
    If you are new to real estate sales and you don't have a plan, join Climer School of Real Estate for post license sales training.  We will help you to plan a career.  http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/

The Florida Real Estate Exam, You Can Review It At Home

    At Climer School of Real Estate, we listen to what our students tell us.  Today, I almost fell out over. 
    I was teaching a Florida real estate exam review class.  This is what many people call a cram course.  It is a two day class that students take just before their state exam.  It is just me going over what is on the Florida state exam. 
    One of my students, Felicia, told me that she took the state exam last week.  The clerk at the Pearson-Vue test center gave her the bad news.  She failed. 
    The good news is they told her that, when she got home, she could go to Pearson-Vue's website and review her exam online FOR FREE from home.
    Are you kidding me?  I almost fell over.  Felicia told me that she went home, brought up Pearson-Vue's website and looked at the questions she missed on the Florida real estate exam just a few hours ago.
    This is Fabulous!  If you fail your Florida real estate exam ( 50% do ), review your exam from the comfort of your own home.  Take notes.  This is worth it's weight in gold and it is free.  If you fail the state exam, do not miss this golden opportunity.  Thank you Pearson-Vue.
    If  you need help passing the Florida real estate exam, we can help you pass.  Check out our free real estate math videos on You Tube.  Our user name is climerschool.  Also we have a 100 question free practice test on our website at http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/
   

What Is A Deed? What Is A Mortgage?

     If you are being foreclosed on, you have a big problem.  When you have big problems, you need all the help you can get. You need legal advice.  You need to be reading and studying how foreclosure works.
     If you sign a deed and give your house to Mr. Scammer " subject to the mortgage", you have just made a terrible problem worse.  This problem can't get any worse.  Think again.
     In Florida, a deed is a very simple document.  It can be filled out by hand with a ball point pen.  If you own a house, you can sit in your living room and deed it to Mr. Scammer.  When you do, he owns it.  What if he doesn't pay the mortgage? 
     If someone doesn't pay the mortgage payments, the bank will foreclose.  In Florida in 2011. this takes about four hundred days.  In the meantime, Mr Scammer is living in the house or collecting rent from someone that is.
     Next year when the house is foreclosed, it will be sold by the clerk of the circuit court at a public auction.  If you owe $100,000, it will probably sell for about $40,000.  Then the bank will sue you for the difference.  This is called a deficiency judgment.  Will they?  Why not?  That deficiency judgement is a asset to the bank.  They will probably get some money from you sooner or later. 
     Here is my suggestion.  If you sign a deed to give your house to Mr. Scammer " subject to the mortgage" sign that deed in the presence of YOUR attorney and ask your attorney to witness that deed.
     If you want more information, read my article " How To Get Super Cheated While Your House Is Being Foreclosed" at www.ezinearticles.com or call me at 407 822 3926 or contact me at www.climerrealestateschool.com . Think before you sign.

Short Sale Fraud Is Fun

     Short sale fraud is fun unless you are the defraudee.  It is kinda like going snipe hunting in the boy scouts.
     This happens every day.  Many people, many Realtors don't think this is fraud. 
     If you are the person being defrauded, this is not fun. 
     Here is Mr. Beingforeclosedon. He is approached by Mr. Scammer or he approaches Mr. Scammer from his signs around town. Mr. Scammer says " I will buy your house and your troubles are over".  Since Mr. Beingforeclosedon  owes $150,000 on his house and it is only worth $100,000 , Mr. Scammer can't give any money to Mr. Beingforeclosed on.  Mr. Beingforeclosedon gives Mr. Scammer a deed to the property.  Mr. Scammer owns the property.  Mr. Beingforeclosedon owes the $150,000 mortgage.  Most laymen do not understand the difference between a deed, which transfers ownership, and a mortgage and note, which creates debt and a lien.  That is another blog.  I think I will write that blog and get it posted soon.
     Then Mr. Scammer lists the house with a Realtor ( that may or may not be in on the scam) for $100,000.  Then Mr. Innocentbuyer buys the house from Mr. Realtor for $100,000, a good buy.
   Now the Realtor contacts the bank and convinces the bank that the house is only worth $85,000.  The bank accepts the $85000 because they believe that Mr. Beingforeclosedon stills owns the house.  Mr. Scammer has never recorded the deed.
     The bank agrees to accept the $85000.  Mr. Beingforeclosed on deeds the house a second time to Mr. Innocentbuyer.  The bank gets $85,000.  Mr. Innocentbuyer gets the house for $ 100,000.  Mr Scammer gets  $15000 which may show on the closing statement as a "assignment fee" or "consultation fee" or "scam fee" (just kidding).  Mr. Realtor gets a commission.
     Who got cheated in this story?  Mr. Innocentbuyer  paid too much.  Mr. Beingforeclosedon got cheated out of $15,000. Is this fraud?  I think it is.  If you disagree with me, call a prosecutor at the Division of Real Estate in Orlando and read this article to them.  See what they say.
     If you have to keep secrets from anyone,( yes,including the bank ) , that is fraud.  Do you think Mr. Appraiser knew about the sale from Mr. Beingforeclosedon to Mr. Scammer?  Do you think the bank knew about the sale from Mr. Scammer to Mr. Innocentbuyer?
     If you are a Realtor, do not participate in fraud.  If you do, don't be mad when you get caught and the Florida Real Estate Commission suspends your real estate license.  If you are Mr. Innocentbuyer  in this story, seek legal advice  from an attorney before you spend your money.   If I can help in any way, call me at 407 822 3926 or http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/ .
   
 

The Extra Mile, There Is No Traffic Jam There

   At Climer School of Real Estate, every day, about 30% of my students arrive late for class.  About ten per cent arrive about fifteen minutes early.
   Vince Lombardi will always be one of my heroes.  It is a sign of the times to ask an audience if they know what "Lombardi Time" is.  If you don't know, you need to know. Google it.
   There is no traffic jam on the extra mile.  You will never reach extraordinary success if you don't travel on the extra mile.  Napoleon Hill and Earl Nightingale says this is obvious.
   How can you expect to be paid more than you are now if you are not doing more than you are being paid to do?  You can't.
   Some people can not figure this out.  People with a leadership personality can see it as plain as day.
   At Climer School of Real Estate, I see this all the time.
   Many of my students have a goal to "just barely pass" the Florida real estate exam.  They want to put in just enough effort to make a 75%, a passing grade.
   Back in the old days (the 20th century),when the Department of Business and Professional Regulation gave the State exam with pencil and paper, they gave you a grade whether you passed or not.  Today you only get a grade if you fail.
   I had a  student that sat a goal to make 100% on the Florida real estate exam.  This guy was a studying machine.  He had the book memorized.  He called with questions and clarification.  He made a 96%.
   I believe he enjoyed his getalicense experience more than Mr. Iwanttobarelypass.
   Get out there on the extra mile.  Do more, do better, than you are required to do. Give people extraordinary service and extraordinary results.  You will enjoy your work more and you will make more money.

If You Would Like Me To Teach You To Make Money Selling Real Estate, Call Me

   At Climer School of Real Estate, I teach people to get a Florida
real estate license. 
   That is not the same as teaching people to make money selling real estate.  It amazes me how many people get a Florida real estate license and don't make any money with it. 
   I know how to make money selling real estate.  I have done it for many years. 
   If you would like for me to teach you how to make money selling real estate, call me at 407 822 3926.
   Here is what you need:
   You need a desire to make money.  It is very frustrating to try to teach someone to earn money when they tell you they don't want to make money.
   You need a Florida real estate license. If you have a criminal background and can not get a Florida real estate license, I have nothing to teach you.  If you want to get a Florida real estate license, call Kathy at 407 822 3926.  Then, I can teach you how to make money if you want me to.
   You need to be willing and able to read.  You will likely not make any serious money in real estate if you don't read a lot. It slows down the learning process when you don't read.
   You must have some time to devote to doing what you have to do.  Many people want to earn $$$$$ but they want to work three hours a day.  This is a dream not reality.
   You need a reasonably pleasant personality.  Obnoxious people don't do well in the learning stages of real estate.
   You have to know how much money you want to make.  I can't figure it out for you.
   You have to have some energy.  If you are too tired or too lazy or too busy or too comfortable or too preoccupied with something else, I can not teach you anything. 
   You have to have a few dollars already.  If you are so broke that you can not put gas in the tank to get to my office at 5104 N. Orange Blossom Trail, selling real estate is not for you right now.
   You have to know how much money you are making now. If you are not making any, I can improve on that quickly.  If you don't know how much you have made this year, figure it out before you call me.
   You have to be willing to implement the things I teach you.  Selling real estate is basic.  It matters what you do. 
   If you are tired of your current income, call me.  http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/  407 822 3926
  

The Strongest Force In The Universe

   The strongest force in the universe is the power of habit.  Napoleon Hill called it cosmic habit force.  Habit is powerful medicine.  Og Mandino's "The Greatest Salesman In The World" says " Form good habits and become their slave."  We are slaves to habits.  Be sure you have good habits. 
   The habit of saving would be a good habit to acquire.  It is just a habit.
   The habit of reading might be a good habit.  Some people read one book per year.  Some people read one book per week.  It is just a habit.
   The habit of exercise is a winner.  Some people get up every morning, brush their teeth (that is a habit) and put on their running shoes and hit the road every day.  There is a good habit. 
   The habit of smiling is another good one.  Some people smile almost all the time and other people prefer to frown.  I wonder why those frowners prefer to frown.  I think it is just habit.
    Giving compliments would be a good habit to form if you don't have it already.  Some people always have a compliment ready.  What a great habit.
    What about the habit of telling your loved ones that you love them?  Can you overdo that?  I don't think so.
   The habit of prospecting is a great habit if you are in sales.  Sometimes habits get dull and boring.  Too bad.  It is hard to get really good at something without a little boredom creeping in. 
   Here is a good idea.  What if you had a habit of always returning phone calls promptly?  That would enhance your business reputation.  You probably already have that habit.  I hope so.
   As something becomes a habit, it gets easier and easier to do.  Pretty soon, it is easier to do it than it is not to do it. 
    Form good habits and become their slave.

Is A Walk As Good As A Hit ?

   A walk is as good as a hit.  In baseball lingo, that means that if the batter lets four balls go by and he gets to go to first base, he is on base.  Many coaches teach young baseball players this cliche. No wonder we are having so much problems in business today.
   A walk is not as good as a hit that gets you to second base. A walk is not as good as a hit that gets you to third base.  A walk doesn't hold a candle to a home run. You can't get a home run if you don't swing the bat.  Can you strike out if you don't swing the bat? Yes, you can. 
   Opportunities knock on the door.  They rarely kick the door down.  Opportunity taps on the door.  You have to answer the door.  Strike one or home run or what if you swing and miss.  That is called failure.  Fear of failure is a big problem.  It does not have to be.  Swing the bat.  You rarely embrace an opportunity that doesn't work out that doesn't teach you something.  Often, it teaches you something that you really need to learn.  The road to success is paved with failure.
   When I meet people in a social setting and mention that I teach classes for people that want to get a Florida real estate license, they often comment that have "always wanted" to explore a real estate career.  Why haven't they yet?
   Swing the bat.
   Most people know that Babe Ruth hit more home runs than anyone in the history of baseball.  He also struck out more than anyone in history.  It is funny how we forget those strike outs.  History records the home runs. 
   Embrace opportunity when it taps on your door.  Swing the bat.  You might get a home run.

A Few Suggestions To Increase Your Income

   In today's world, it would seem that anyone and everyone would be interested in increasing their income.  Here is a few suggestions that anyone can do, starting now.
   Work harder.  That seems simple.  It is simple.  If you work as a salesman, make more calls and be more effective with those calls.  If you work by the hour, work more hours. I am certain you can volunteer to work more. Let your co workers know, that if they ask you to work their shift, you will say yes. 
   Stay busy at work.  Be tired when you leave at the end of the day.  Wait on more customers.  Do more of what you are paid to do and do it better than your co workers.  It is simple and it will increase your income. 
   Learn more.  Start learning. Learn about your products.  Learn about current events.  Learn about stuff that is important to your boss.  Keep learning.  Read a book or two.  Attend a seminar.  Learn skills that will make you more effective at your job. 
   Computer skills are available for anyone to learn. Learn a foreign language.  Learn another foreign language. 
   Create a blog on the internet and become known as an expert in your field.  Anyone can do this if they will.
   Here is an idea that will increase your income.  Invest more wisely.  Figure out ways to get a better yield on your investments that you have.  Don't have any investments?  Start saving ten per cent of your income and get some interest.  That will increase your income.
   Focus your thoughts and energy on making more money.  You will amaze yourself.
  

The Florida Real Estate Exam, You Can Review It

   At Climer School of Real Estate, I get most of my best ideas from my students.
   Last week, a student called me from the exam site in Orlando to give me the bad news that she had failed the Florida real estate exam.
   I mentioned to her that she had the right to review her Florida real estate exam given by Pearson Vue.  She made an appointment to review her test. There is a fee for that. 
   She called me back the next day after she reviewed her Florida real estate exam. She told me this was very well worth the time and the fee.  She said I should be hawking this like I hawk Climer School of Real Estate T- shirts.  She said this was a very valuable experience.
   The biggest lesson is she did not read the question carefully.  Read my previous post, " Did You Carefully The Questions On The Florida Real Estate Exam?"
   Let me make this clear.  If you fail the exam like 48% of first time takers do, spend a few shekels and go review your Florida real estate test. 
   This is not a waste of time.  You can only review the questions that you got wrong.  You can not take notes.  As soon as you are out of there, you can write down notes. 
   If you will get back as soon as possible for your retake, you may get some of the same questions again.  It certainly would be nice for you to know, for sure, the correct answer to the questions on the Florida real estate exam.

Did You Carefully Read The Questions On The Florida Real Estate Exam

   At Climer School of Real Estate, I get emails and phone calls and post cards about questions on the Florida real estate exam.  I encourage this.  The questions on the Florida real estate exam are confidential. There is no legal way that any Florida real estate school could have exact questions from the Florida real estate exam.
   Everything I know about the questions on the Florida real estate exam is hearsay, second hand information. Fortunately, I have been accumulating this information for thirty years. My students send me emails. They talk to me in our review class that they did not attend before their first attempt at the Florida real estate exam. I really appreciate this. I wish I could read the question myself.
   Here is why.  Here is an example of an email I received from a successful student today. This is word for word.
   " A bought a house for $190000.  The purchase money mortgage loan to value ratio was 20% .  He got a second mortgage for 46% of the financed principal. What is the down payment. 
   I am always getting this information second hand.  I wish I could read the question from the Florida real estate exam for myself.  Reading the question is vitally important.
   If the above question is reported correctly, here is the solution:
   $190,000 X .20 ( loan to value ratio ) = 38000 (purchase money mortgage)   If the second mortgage is 46% of the financed principal,   $38000 x .46= $17480 would be the second mortgage.
$190,000 - $38000 - $17480 = $134,520 .  $ 134,520 would be the down payment.  Since I have not personally read the question, I cannot know if this is really the way it is on the Florida real estate exam.
   The Florida real estate exam is full of what I call forehead slappers.  These are question that make you slap yourself on the forehead when you get the right answer and realize that you were careless in reading the question.  Reading the question is imperative.  It costs $31 to fail the Florida real estate exam.
   Question 97 on page 453 of our textbook that we use at Climer School of Real Estate is a perfect example.  I get more questions at home about this questions than any other question.  The students tell me that there is no correct answer. Then I tell them to read the sixth word in the last sentence, I can hear them slapping their forehead.
   I can teach the material but I can not read the question on the Florida real estate exam for you.  Read the questions carefully.  It cost $31 to fail the Florida real estate exam.
   If you want to pass the Florida real estate exam the first time, attend my review.  For schedules and details, check out http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/ .

Are You Ready For The Florida Real Estate Exam?

   At Climer School of Real Estate, we have added something new and exciting. We have added to our website www.climerrealestateschool.com a one hundred question test that will let you know if you are ready for the Florida real estate test. 
   If you think you are ready for the Florida real estate exam, go to my website and take the Climer School of Real Estate practice test. I promise it is very indicative of the real thing.  If you make less than a 75% on my practice test, you will probably fail the Florida real estate test. Mine is free.  It cost $31 every time you fail the Florida state exam.
   If you make less than a eighty on my test, keep studying.  If you did not get ten out of ten on the math, go to my You Tube math videos. My user name is Climerschool.  The videos where I am wearing the blue shirt is Florida real estate exam question help.  The videos where I am wearing the red shirt is Chapter fourteen right out of the book. This is free.
   If you need more help, buy my review class in an envelope.  It is me teaching my review class with no audience. It is eight CD discs.  Put them in the dash of the car and listen until exam day.  Pass that exam the first time.  It costs $31 every time you fail it. 
   We teach the state exam cram course two times per month. Attend that. We teach this at 5104 N. Orange Blossom Trail.
   If you have a friend that is attending real estate school, please recommend us. We appreciate it.
   If we can help you pass the Florida real estate exam, call Kathy at Climer School of Real Estate at 407 822 3926.

Who Says Bumblebees Can Fly?

   I don't usually answer the phone at Climer School of Real Estate.  This day I did.  I enrolled a student that told me she was a Mary Kay pink Cadillac winner. I was impressed.  I told her so. 
   When Darlene Misciagno came into class on October first, within three minutes she knew everyone in the room.  The entire class seemed like old friends that had got together for a class reunion.
   A week long 63 hour pre license real estate class is not easy.  It is very stressful on most of the students.  They worry about passing my class at Climer School of Real Estate.  They worry about passing the Florida real estate exam.  These fears are legitimate.  The Florida real estate test is not easy.  The state wide pass rate is 52%.  Lots of people fail that test.
   I never heard Darlene say, " I can't ".  I think they teach you not to say that at Mary Kay.  She certainly showed some signs of stress.  She studied.  She encouraged her classmates to study.  She orchestrated coffee and snacks.  She was the first to buy a Climer School of Real Estate T shirt.  She brought a gift to the teacher on test day.
   Classes, like people, have personalities.  There are certain characters that are in most classes.  There is a class clown. There is a class cynic.  There is a class plodder.  There is a class grouch. and sometimes, with a little luck, there is a class leader. 
   Some classes have better leaders than others, but few classes have better leaders than our Mary Kay pink Cadillac winner, Darlene.
   As a spectator, from where I am standing, I don't always see classroom dynamics but I always see the results.  Good leaders create rapport within the class.  I can not explain rapport but I can tell when a class has it and when they don't. 
   I try to encourage class rapport but I can not make it happen. Only a class leader can make it happen.  Sometimes students pitch in and work together and sometimes they don't.
   In Darlene's class everyone helped each other.
   Leadership is a skill.  Leadership is a learnable skill
   If you find yourself in Clarmont, Florida and you see a pretty lady driving a pink Cadillac, tip your hat, honk your horn and wave.
   It is probably Darlene.  If you would like to learn some leadership skills and get your own pink Cadillac, call Darlene at 352 241 6363

A Florida Real Estate On Line Course, How To Decide

    It costs $105 to apply for a Florida real estate license.  It cost $31 to take the Florida real estate exam, every time you take it.  It cost $57 to get your fingerprints taken.  How much you spend for your FREC course is important.  The most important consideration might not be price.
    If you are considering taking a Florida real estate course on line consider this:
    A Florida real estate school is in Florida.  Any school that does not have a brick and mortar school in Florida that you can walk into should be dropped from your consideration.
    Our school is in Orlando. I have a young man in my class that I am teaching now that has already graduated from some online school in Timbuktu.  He is in my class at Climer School of Real Estate so he can learn to pass the Florida real estate test.  He showed me the book that his foreign school sold him.  This book taught him how to compute revenue stamps.  We don't have revenue stamps in Florida.  We call then documentary stamps in Florida. The rates in his book were from some other state.  If you are taking an online course to get a Florida real estate license, Take your course from a Florida school.
    There are no questions on the Florida real estate test about what is going on in another state.
    What about price?  Is that a good way to decide?  I mentioned the other expenses above of getting a Florida real estate license.  Saving a few shekels on the price of the required course seems insignificant.  This is significant.  Be sure the school has a Florida real estate school permit. To be sure that a school has a Florida permit, go to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's website at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/
    Here is a few questions to answer:
    Will I learn what I need to know to pass the Florida real estate exam?
    Is there a fee to retake the school test if I fail?
    Will I need to buy any other study aids to pass the Florida real estate exam?
    Is there a live Florida Instructor that I can talk to?
    Does this school have real estate math videos on You Tube that will help me?
    Does this school have a Florida school permit?
    Before you choose an on line Florida real estate course, check out Climer School of Real Estate in Orlando.  The state wide pass rate on the Florida real estate exam is 52%.  If you do choose a school that doesn't teach you enough to pass the Florida real estate exam, come join us for our two day state exam review.  If you want to know if you are ready for the Florida real estate exam, we have a practice exam on our website at http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/ .  Check that out.  If you have any questions about the license process call Kathy at 407 822 3926 .  We make getting a Florida real estate license simple.

October First, A New Beginning

    At Climer School of Real Estate, September 30th is a busy day.  Kathy and I turned down a social invitation last night because it was September 30th. 
    Twenty five per cent of  Florida real estate licenses expire on September 30th.  A lot of Florida real estate licenses expired yesterday, needlessly.

    The reason Kathy and I have to stay home on September 30th is because many real estate agents take their real estate post license course online and finish it at 10  P.M. on September 30th.  They email Kathy and she issues them a certificate from Climer School of Real Estate before midnight.  I tell Kathy this is beyond the call of duty, but she does it every year on September 30th and March 31st.
    Here is the sad part of this story.  Many on line students procrastinate.  There is nothing new about procrastination.  It is certainly expensive. 
    Many on line post license students purchase an on line course and don't work on it for several months.  Then on September 28th or March 28th, they kick into action and are chagrin to learn that they failed.  When you fail the on line post license real estate course, you have to wait thirty days to take it again.  You cannot wait thirty days if your license expires in two days.  What to do? 
    There are two solutions to this problem.  Solution number one is to buy another post license course at an expense of $150.  Solution number two is to let your real estate license become NULL and VOID, an equally expensive solution.
    Maybe this article is preaching to the choir.  Maybe it is not.  Check your expiration date. It is on your Florida real estate license.  Check your license. Look at it. Do not let your Florida real estate license expire.  Do not wait until the eleventh hour to take your post license course.  An expired license can be terribly expensive.
    If you need a laugh and a lesson, watch my video on You Tube, " If You Don't Keep Your License Active" Our user name is Climerschool.

Victorious,The Best Feeling

    On the wall at Climer School of Real Estate is a plaque that was given to Kathy, our employee of the decade.  This plaque has Vince Lombardi's essay, "You Have To Pay The Price" engraved on it.  This is the essay that ends with the phrase," I believe in God and I believe in human decency.  But I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle VICTORIOUS."
    I could not agree more with Lombardi more. 
    Yesterday, I had a teacher's delight experience.  I was teaching a pre license real estate class when one of my past students, John showed up at the back of the room.  John had been in class about three months ago.  He had struggled to pass the Florida real estate exam. 
    He had attended my two day state exam review cram course.  He bought the skinny book with the four hundred practice questions.  He bought my audio discs.  He told me he listened to them many times.  He watched my math videos on You Tube.  It was a struggle for John.
    When John walked in the back of my classroom, I knew by the look on his face that the struggle was over for John.   I pointed at him and said,"Do you have a real estate license?"  He proudly replied, " As of an hour ago, yes I do."  He was proud of himself but I was more proud of him.
   He told me he passed on his eighth attempt.  This getting a real estate license is harder for some people than it is for others.  Everything in life is easier for some people than it is for others.
    Vince Lombardi is certainly right. Nothing feels better than lying on the field of battle, exhausted and victorious.

The Habit of Smiling

    If we could teach our students at Climer School of Real Estate only one thing that would start their real estate career right, it would be to smile.
    Smile all the time.  Make it a habit to smile.  A smile tells everyone around you that you are happy.  It tells everyone around you that you are pleasant to be around.  A smile is an invitation to strangers to say hello and be friendly. 
    It is much more fun to be around happy smiling people.  Everyone prefers a smile. 
    Smile.  Make it a habit.  It is probably the most lucrative habit you can form. 

Florida Real Estate Exam, Are You Ready?

    To determine if you are ready for the Florida real estate exam, take my practice exam at www.climerrealestateschool.com 
    This practice test, written by me, is a very good indication of how ready you are for the real Florida real estate exam.  This is free.  The real  florida real estate exam costs $31 every time you take it.  Take this practice test and see if you are ready. As I said this is free. 
    If you make an eighty per cent on this test, you are ready.  If you make less than a eighty, you better be studying. If we can help with any of our study aids, call Kathy at 407 822 3926

Inaugual Meeting of The Climer School of Real Estate Alumni Association

   If you are looking for the answers to the Climer School of Real Estate Florida state practice test, it is the previous post.
   Today is the last day of  my post broker class at Climer School of Real Estate.  Most of my broker students have over six years experience in selling real estate in Orlando.  Most of them have been with me since their pre salesman license class. 
   This class has a extra ordinary amount of rapport.  This is because they realize we are all in this together. 
   Everyone has exchanged business cards.  Some referrals had been exchanged.  It was a good class. 
   At the suggestion of these students, we believe we can start a club called the Climer School of Real Estate Alumni Association.
   We believe the Alumni Association can provide a monthly program that will benefit our real estate school graduates.  We believe we can teach new real estate agents some things they need to learn.  We also know we can share ideas from your peers about what is new and better in the real estate business. 
   We are having our first inaugural meeting on November 9th 2011 at 8:30 AM  at 5104 N. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. 
   Climer School of Real Estate has a Alumni group on Active Rain. com.  Check that out. If you are working at improving your sales skills and attitude, I am certain you are familiar with Active Rain.  If not, check it out.  It is free.
   I hope I see you on November 9th .  We have nothing to sell you.  We have no continuing education credit for this.  The only reason you would want to be there is to learn something that will go straight in your pocket.
   http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/

Answers To Florida Real Estate Practice Exam

   Here are the answers to Climer School of Real Estate's practice exam.  Do not look at these answers until you have taken the test at http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/
   If you make a good score, you are ready.  If you make a poor score, you need to be studying.  The pass rate on the Florida state exam is 51%.   We want you to pass the first time.
   Here is how we can help if you need help.  We have:
   Our math videos on You Tube,  Our user name is climerschool.  It is free.
   We have our Florida state exam review cram course on audio CD
   We have a live Florida state exam review cram course at 5104 N. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando.
    We have four hundred more practice questions.
     Please go take the test if you have not already.  Take it like a real test and come back here to  grade yourself.  Climer School of Real Estate's phone number is 407 822 3926.                          

1-B
2-A
3-B
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8-D
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17-D
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21-B
22-B
23-A
24-A
25-C
http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/
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50-A
  http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/
51-C
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55-D
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  http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/
76-A
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84-D
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97-A
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99-B
100-B
  http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/   
   
 

Give More, Get More

    Climer School of Real Estate is in Orlando Florida.  Kathy received a call yesterday from Fort Meyers, about one hundred miles away.  The caller told Kathy she had looked all over the Internet for some help to help her pass her Florida real estate exam.  She told Kathy that my math videos on You Tube were the only real help she had found. 
    That feels good.  This is working.  I believe fervently in the law of compensation.  I believe, if you work, you must be compensated.  I also believe what Zig says, "If you help enough other people get what they want, you will get what you want."
    I am trying to help people pass the Florida real estate exam.
    What are you trying to help people do?  Whatever it is, work at helping more and helping them better.
    If you are selling real estate, figure out how to help more people get their property sold. 
    If you are constantly looking how to do your job better, how to help people better, your income will get better.
    Do your work.  Do it diligently.  Do it well.  Do it better today  than you did it yesterday. Pay attention to your industry.  You will be amazed at how fast you can get better.
    You can get better at finding leads
    You can get better at converting leads to appointments.
    You can get better at your presentation.
    You can get better, smoother,  faster, prettier.
    Did I say prettier?  Have you noticed some people just look better doing their work than others.
    Work at, think about, getting better at what you do.
    When you are better, start thinking about how to take your advanced skills and convert it to $$$$$.
    It starts with getting better at what you do.

The Florida Real Estate Commission Is Concerned With Your Criminal History, Not Your Credit History

    When you apply for a Florida real estate license, there is a question on the application that asks; have you ever been convicted, pleaded guilty, or pleaded nolo contendere to crime.  This question is very clear.  It means any crime other than a speeding ticket.  It means anything that is illegal.  It means misdemeanors.  It means traffic offenses.  It means felonies.  It means DUI.  It means any violation of any law. 
    You can not lie about this question.  Do you remember that you have turn in your fingerprints?  What do you suppose the FREC does with those fingerprints?  They process them through the FBI.  If you committed a crime, the Florida Real Estate Commission will know.  You will not be getting a Florida real estate license  if you lie about your criminal background on your application.
    You just can not get away with this in today's world. 
    Have you ever been convicted, pleaded guilty or pleaded nolo contrendere.  What if you were arrested but were not convicted?  What if you were acquitted like Casey Anthony?

  You do not need to reveal this information.  If Casey was applying for a Florida real estate license, she would not have  to reveal her murder arrest. 
    Also keep this brief. Just answer the question. Answer it honestly.
    The Florida Real Estate Commission is not going to turn your application down because of a disorderly conduct conviction from five years ago.  However if you lie on your application, that is fraud. Answer honestly.
    If you need more details, call Kathy at 407 822 3926 or contact us at http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/

Half The Florida Real Estate Licenses Expire In September

   Check your expiration date on your Florida real estate license. 
   Fifty per cent of Florida licenses expire in September.
   Your expiration date is right on the face of your license. Also, you can check it at the Florida Real Estate Commission's website at www.myfloridalicense.com .
   You can renew it online at the same address.
    If you need a laugh, watch my video about expired licences on You Tube.  My user name is Climer School.
   If you need any education to renew your Florida real estate license, call Kathy at 407- 822-3926 or contact us at www.climerrealestateschool.com

How Many People Passed The Florida Real Estate Exam in August

     In August 2011,  the Florida real estate exam was attempted by 1113 people for the first time.  Five hundred sixty seven of those people passed. That is a 51% pass rate. 
     Retakers did not do quite as well.  Of the 1286 people that took the Florida real estate exam for the second or more time,  only 447 passed.  That is a 34% pass rate for retakers. 
     This information is sent to Climer School of Real Estate by the Florida Division of Real Estate.
     If we can help you or any of your friends pass your Florida real estate exam, please contact us at 407 822 3926 or www.climerrealestateschool.com . Watch my real estate math videos on You Tube.

The Answer to Florida Real Estate Exam Brain Teaser

   If you are reading this because of my video on You Tube, here is the answer.  If you are reading this because of my previous post,"Florida Real Estate Math Another Brain Teaser", here is the answer.
   If you take the $44,000 and subtract $6000 (the difference between house #1 and house #2), then subtract $10,000 (the difference between house # 1 and house #3) that will give you $28000.  Are you with me?  divide $28000 by 3.  That gives you $9333.33.  That is the price of house #1  Are you sure? Will you bet $31 that is the right answer? 
   $9333.33     first house
+ $15333.33   second house
+$19333.33    third house    
=$43333.99
   If this is too complicated, memorize the answer. It is amazing how many people make a 74 on the Florida real estate exam and only got nine out of  ten on the math. If that student got ten out of ten, they would have passed.  Watch my math videos on You Tube. Pass the Florida real estate exam.

Two things Every Real Estate Broker Can Do To Make More Moneey

     If you want to make more money, recruit quality people. 
     When you recruit quality people, they make you money.  Recruiting is to real estate brokers like listing houses is to sales people. It is critical to growth.  If you intend to grow, you have to recruit new, quality agents.
     There is only two kinds of agents; experienced and new real estate school graduates. All the experienced  real estate agents were, at one time, new real estate school graduates.  Wouldn't it have  been easier to recruit them then?  If you had,they would have been earning you money all this time.  Some broker has been earning a share of their income. 
     Please read my blog post " Your Florida Real Estate Class for No Money".  If that concept makes sense to you, call Kathy at 407 822 3926.
     While you have Kathy on the phone, ask her about the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's secret list of every real estate license application in Florida.  This list is available for certain people. In central Florida, there is only about three companies that call these people and offer them a job.  The only ones that don't welcome that call are people that have already made plans to go to work for XYZ Realty. The rest of them are happy to hear from you.  In fact, they are extremely complimented.
     You can recruit these people.  They will make you money. 
     Just yesterday, I received an email from a young man that attended my sales associate class. He made a 96 on my test at Climer School of Real Estate and two days later he passed the Florida real estate exam. My bet is that young man will make a nice living selling real estate in central Florida.  Lately, my classes are full of sharp,smart,well educated experienced people.  Link to my website and start recruiting these wonderful people.  It is free. It will put money in your pocket. Check us out at www.climerrealestateschool.com

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 .

Get Your First Broker To Pay For Your Real Estate School

   A few days ago, I put  a post on this blog,"Your Florida Real Estate Class For  No Money". If you have not read that, go back and read it. 
   To get your first broker to pay for your real estate school tuition, you need to ask them to .  A real estate broker will rarely pay your real estate school  tuition in advace.  Most will reimburse you if you ask them IN YOUR JOB INTERVIEW.  In fact this should be your first question.  An extra $220 added to your first commission check would be nice. 
   You can go to http://www.ezinearticles.com/ and read my article "A Dozen Questions For Your First Broker" or check my website http://www.climerrealestateschool.com/  for a list of brokers that are already participating in our tuition reimbursement program.

The Florida Real Estate Commission Has A Deal For Military Personel

   If a person is in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines,Coast Guard and is transferred to do active duty in Florida, the FREC has a deal for you.  Maybe I should say for your spouse. 
   If a military person's spouse has a real estate license in any other state, the spouse can get a Florida real estate license instantly.  The spouse does not have to go to real estate school or take  a test.  That is the good news.  The bad news is that temporary real estate license expires in six months and can not be renewed. 
   The purpose of this law is to allow that military spouse to get started selling real estate in Florida with no career interruption.  Get more details at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's website.  That website is www.myfloridalicense.com .
   If you still need help, call Kathy at 407 822 3926  or www.climerrealestateschool.com

Active Prospecting Will Make You Money

   I can tell you for certain, if you do not actively prospect, you will not make much money in real estate sales. 
   If you have not started a blog. now would be a good time to start. The number one source of prospects for new Realtors is people you already know.  Send your friends and relatives a letter, email,tweet.post card., phone call,text or something to let them know you are in real estate.  Ask for referrals.
   You get what you give.  Have you sent a referral to your friend lately?   Have you sent a referral to your hairdresser, your doctor, your mechanic, your dentist,  your CPA?  When you meet people that need their services, refer them to your lawn maintenance man,  your plumber your locksmith.  Tell them I sent you.  It makes a difference. 
   Prospect.  Find prospects.  Call prospects.  Forsalebyowners,  expired listings, and  foreclosure victims are obvious prospects. Call them.  Unless you are so busy you don't have time to cash a commission check, you have time to contact these people and ask them to list with you.  They will list with you or they will list with your competitor.  That is for certain.
   Prospecting is an essential skill.  Learn to prospect.
   Ron Climer   wwwclimerrealestateschool.com   Orlando, Florida

Ask Questions For More Rapport

   If you want people to like you, understand this.  The more they are like you, the more they like you.  In sales training at Climer School of Real Estate, we call this common ground.  Discover common ground between you and your prospect.  Discover that you both collect stamps or you both belong to the same group or you both like antiques or whatever.  How do you discover this?  Ask questions. 
   The magic word is discover. To discover things, ask questions.  Form a habit of asking questions.  If you are going out to visit a new listing prospect for the first time, ask questions.  Ask lots of questions.  Ask open ended questions.  That is questions that can not be answered with a yes or no.  Questions like:
Where are you moving?
Why are you moving?
When you visited there, what was it like?
What is your new job?
   Ask people questions about their stuff.  If they have an antique, where did you find that?  If they have a boat, where do you go fishing?  Catch anything?   As long as you are asking questions, you are building rapport.  When you are asking questions, the other guy is talking.  Most people would rather talk than listen. The more they talk, the more you listen, the better they like you.  If your goal is to establish rapport, let them talk.  Listen.  Be interested.  Do not worry about being interesting.  Be interested.  That is enough.
   They do not want to hear your stories.  They want to tell you theirs.  You can tell if they want to hear your stories.  They will ask you.  Until they do, remember why we are here.  This is not play.  This is work.  Work at establishing rapport.  Work at getting people to like you.  If it was easy, they would lower the commission.  Work at it.  It is worth the effort

Instant Rapport Is An Essential Skill

   Of all the skills you need to develop, establishing instant rapport is the most important.
   How many times have you been to a sales training seminar and had the trainer tell you, "Don't take rejection personally.  It is a numbers game.  The more you see , the more you sell."  That last sentence is true.  "Don't take it personally."  That is BULL. 
   The number one reason that someone that has heard your presentation does not list with you is because they don't like you personally.  They just don't like you.  If I could find a way to sugarcoat it, I would.  I can't. 
   You need to be more loveable if you want to make more money.  This is simple.  This is true.  Are you working at making yourself more loveable?  Are you? 
   Do you make a conscience effort to smile?  If your answer is no, when would be a good time to start?
   Do you need any scientific evidence that people like people that smile?  Smile.  It is almost magic.  Most sales people do not smile enough.  Stand out. Smile too much.
   You can wait until you are face to face with a prospect to practice.  Or, you can start practicing right now.  You can practice on the clerk at the convenience store.  You can practice on the toll taker.  If you practice enough, you will get good at it.  If you want your prospects to like you, smile at them. 
   It is so simple.  If you are new in real estate sales, let this be your first new habit.  Smile.
   If you want your customers to like you, call them by name.  Everyone loves the sound of their own name.  Get their name right when you first meet them and use it a lot. 
   In my post license class at Climer School of Real Estate, I teach my students how to better remember names.  It still amazes me that people brag about how bad they are at remembering names.  Students declare "I can't remember names." like there is a prize for the person that can forget names the fastest.
   When you meet someone important, do you remember their name?  Yes you do.  If your prospect is important, maybe it is important to remember their name.  It will certainly make them feel important.  They will probably like you.  They will probably list with you. 
   Ron Climer   www.climerrealestateschool.com   Orlando, Florida