Modglin - Real Estate Licensing Exams

Publisher: Mike Sanders

Associate Publisher: Billy Fields

Acquisitions Editor: Jan Lynn

Development Editor: Christy Wagner

Cover Designer: Lindsay Dobbs

Book Designer: William Thomas

Compositor: Ayanna Lacey

Proofreader: Lisa Starnes

Indexer: Tonya Heard

PRODUCTION, LONDON

Digital Producer: Alex Valizadeh

Senior Digital Producer: Miguel Cunha

DIGITAL OPERATIONS, DELHI

Head of Digital Operations: Manjari Hooda

Producer: Rahul Kumar

Editor: Etika Kapil

Operations Coordinator: Md Tauhid Nasir

First American Edition, 2017
Published in the United States by DK Publishing
6081 E. 82nd Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250

Copyright 2017 Dorling Kindersley Limited
A Penguin Random House Company
001-305394-July2017

All rights reserved.
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Published in the United States by Dorling Kindersley Limited.

ISBN: 9781465462749
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2016962253

This digital edition published 2017
eISBN: 9781465471079

Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author(s). It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author(s) and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted. The author(s) and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

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Introduction

As a REALTOR, I enjoy my work immensely. I love the interaction with people, helping them make life-defining decisions on their housing needs, solving problems, and the freedom to manage my own schedule. After several years in a corporate job, I became a licensed agent, and to this day I have no regrets. After 13 years and almost $100 million in sales, I have decided to pass along some knowledge that I have acquired over the years as a broker and an instructor to new prelicensing according to the style sheet students in my school.

The test is by far the hardest part of this process, and studying for the test is a long, arduous task, but it will pay off in the end when you pass. The test, in Indiana, is comprised of two sections: 80 questions of general information, which is covered in this book, and 50 state-specific law questions. Check with your state on the exact layout of your exam.

This book is designed to give you insight into the information and knowledge required to take and pass the real estate salesperson/broker exam. Topics covered include the latest information on brokerages, federal laws, financing and the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), appraisals and valuation of real estate, title work, real estate taxes, and more. With nearly 500 practice questions and a 100- question practice exam complete with answers that explain key concepts, this book is the go-to guide to preparing for your state licensing exam.

How This Book Is Organized

This book is divided into six parts:

In I discuss how real estate is sold and why a professional such as you is needed in the process. I also cover the differences between a salesperson, broker, and REALTOR.

In I introduce you to the day-to-day job expectations as well as the skills youll need to excel as a real estate professional. I also review the ethics, skills, and activities a successful real estate agent must practice.

In we take an in-depth look at the different types of ownership and deeds that transfer ownership. I go over the covenants that are promised and transferred during a sale and some of the involuntary ways property can get transferred, such as foreclosure, tax sales, and more.

In I discuss the federal, state, and local laws a new agent needs to know to ensure theyre practicing legally. I cover fair housing, federal finance laws, and numerous others laws that could potentially give a practicing REALTOR issues.

In I share information about appraisals and the valuation models appraisers use. I talk about key factors at play in the valuation process and how to recognize them as a real estate agent. I also discuss the financing options available to a buyer and how a licensed agent can play a role in helping a client find the right financing.

I give you 500 practice questions, with answers, that cover many common real estate problems a licensed agent faces in the real world, including real estate tax calculations, loan and interest valuations, commission splits, and much more.

At the back of the book, Ive included a number of appendixes, including a handy glossary of real estate-specific terms, a national sample test with 100 unique questions and answers, a list of state real estate commissions, and some useful sample real estate forms.

Extras

Throughout the book, we include three kinds of sidebars to enhance the text. Heres what to look for:

DEFINITION

Read these sidebars for easy explanations of common real estaterelated terms and concepts.

REALTOR WARNING

These sidebars present warnings on issues I have seen in practice that can cause severe problems if left out or forgotten during the buying and selling process.

HELPFUL HINT

Check out these sidebars for insights I would suggest you follow as best practice procedures and other interesting information.

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank my wife, Kelly, for understanding and accepting all the hours I spent completing this book. I also want to thank my children, Brandon, Justin, Ian, Connor, Olivia, and Sean, for encouraging me to undertake this glorious adventure. And lastly, I want to thank you, my students, for trusting me as I guide you on the way to a successful career in real estate.