A Guide To Help You Reach
New Heights in Real Estate
Superior School of Real Estate
superiorschoolnc.com
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 1 of 14 Why A Real Estate Career?
People are attracted to the real estate profession for a number of reasons. It is one of
the most rewarding professions that you can get into. We don’t want to mislead you that
success in real estate is easy. Success in any business requires hard work, dedication and a
commitment to excellence in what you do. But if you are willing to apply yourself and develop
your skills, a career in real estate offers:
1. Freedom and Independence
As a real estate professional you most often operate as an independent contractor. You get
to set your own hours, your own work schedule and create your own client base. Real
estate professionals operate with a lot of freedom, autonomy and independence.
2. Unlimited Potential for Income
Because you are responsible for your own success only you can limit the potential you attain
and the income you earn as a real estate professional. There is no cap on the income you
earn. There is no limit as to how much you can improve your lifestyle and the lifestyle of
your family.
3. The Ability to Help Others
For many people, owning a home is the American Dream. Families save for a substantial
amount of time and make lots of sacrifices just so that they can own their own home. There
are few things that are as rewarding as helping other people be able to attain their dreams.
Once you have assisted a couple of first time homebuyers, guided them through the
purchase process and actually handed them the keys to their dream home, you will
experience a deep and rewarding sense of accomplishment and dedication to others that a
lot of professionals in other industries never witness.
4. The Ability to Direct Your Own Future
One of the key things that attracts people to a career in real estate is the fact that you have
control over your future. While you will begin your real estate career as a Provisional Broker
working under the supervision of a firm or a Broker-In-Charge you get to decide what you
want to accomplish, how quickly and for what purpose. Your days of having a “Boss” as you
know it are about to come to an end. Your future will be what you make of it and we are
here to help with that success.
5. A Diverse Array of Options
As you go through the course and the licensing process one of the things you will learn is
just how diverse the practice of real estate can be. Today more than ever real estate is a
career of specialization. Some agents decide to build a career around working with sellers,
some focus on first-time home buyers and some work primarily with investors. An agent
may choose to focus on practicing in the world of commercial properties, luxury homes and
areas like property management. In real estate there are lots of choices as to what you can
do.
6. The Ability to Make a Difference
More than anything else, being a real estate professional allows you to make a meaningful
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 2 of 14 contribution to others and to society. No other segment is as important to the American
economy as real estate. You will get to be involved in the single largest purchase that most
families make. Being involved in that process and helping people achieve the dream of
homeownership is a rewarding and enriching experience. Why Superior School?
Superior School has years of experience helping people just like you launch their real
estate careers for several years. We know what it takes to get you through the process and we
are here to help you whatever that commitment requires. When you choose Superior, you
choose to work with an entire team of dedicated professionals. We believe in working
collaboratively between our staff and our instructors to make the most meaningful contribution
to your success possible. The professional instruction staff at Superior has over 100,000 hours
of experience in the classroom helping people start real estate careers.
In North Carolina you have many choices as to where you obtain your real estate
education. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission reports and tracks the passing rates for
those involved in that education. Currently the statewide average for first time takers on the
state exam is 61%. There are many schools who have pass rates below the statewide average.
At Superior our dedication to our students and our expertise at staying on top of industry
changes has earned us a 76% pass rate. Why would you take chances with your future?
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 3 of 14 Over the years we have had the opportunity to fine tune the way our students learn and
perfect a system that leads to a high degree of success. We believe in a high-touch, high-tech
approach to education and we provide our students with unique tools that are tops in the
industry: •
Carefully selected textbooks and study materials
•
Custom crafted PowerPoints that help you learn and retain the information
•
Online Quizzes and Reviews so that you can test and we can measure your
progress
•
Easy to understand approaches to math problems and step by step guides to
working out the right solutions
•
Interwoven “Time Machine Adventures” to bring life and a deeper
understanding to the study of real estate
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 4 of 14 Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 5 of 14 Who Gets A Real Estate License?
Of course people who are interested in a career in real estate attend Superior to obtain their
real estate license and launch a whole new profession. However, over the years we have had
hundreds of people complete our courses and attend our training for their own personal benefit.
Often people take the Superior courses because they:
•
Want to know more about homeownership and the real estate process
•
Want to invest in and expand their incomes through real estate
•
Want to buy a home in the future and now that they will receive lots of
benefits from the education and knowledge
Don’t Take Our Word For It
Watch What Our Students
Have to say
YouTube.com/SuperiorSchool
What Is the Process? At Superior we make the path down the yellow brick road
very clear for you. We have created a simple ten step
process to get you started on the road to success.
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 6 of 14 The Superior Plan for Becoming A Real Estate Professional In 10 Easy Steps
1. Register for Superior’s 79 Hour Provisional Broker Pre-licensing Course
2. Complete the 79 Hour Course
3. Pass the Superior School Final Examination
4. Obtain Your Licensing Pamphlet
5. Obtain Your Background Report
6. Submit Your Licensing Application
7. Receive Your Approval To Take the State Exam
8. Get Your Testing Appointment
9. Pass the Examination
10. Associate With a Firm
When Can I Do This?
You can start as soon as you are ready. Superior School teaches classes across the
entire state in a lot of locations so that it is convenient for you. We are starting new classes all
of the time. You can find the times and most convenient course by visiting our website at
SuperiorSchoolnc.Com or by calling one of our career counselors at 877-944-4260. They will
discuss with you the available options, your needs and help you choose the course that’s right
for you.
How Long Does It Take?
How long it takes for you to get your license
depends on you. We offer courses in a variety of formats
and times. If you take class during the day we cover the 79
hours of instruction in 10 days from 9:00 to 5:00. Those
classes are usually two days a week. We also offer the day
courses often on the weekends as a Saturday / Sunday
schedule. Day students complete the course in five weeks.
If you choose one of our evening courses, you will
attend classes for two nights a week from 6:00 to 9:45.
That means our evening students complete the 79 hours of
instruction in about ten weeks.
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 7 of 14 You can start as soon as you are ready. Superior School teaches classes across the
entire state in a lot of locations so that it is convenient for you. We are starting new classes all
of the time. You can always find a current schedule and sign up and register for classes on the
Superior School website, www.superiorschoolnc.com.
What Are the Costs?
(Just What Do I Get For My Money?)
The cost of the 79 Hours of Instruction for the Broker Pre-licensing Course with Superior
is $449. That price includes all of the following:
•
Full 79 Hours of Live Classroom Instruction
•
Access to Over 500 Practice Test Questions & Quizzes
•
The Superior Study Guide & Workbook
•
Access to Online Study Materials
•
Final Examination
•
Superior School Course Completion Certificate You will also need the textbook, Modern Real Estate Practice in North Carolina, 8th Edition
UPDATE Revised, which is required by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. The textbook
sells for $47.00 and is available for purchase either from a Superior School representative or it
can be ordered on the Superior School website.
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 8 of 14 How Do I Get Started?
You can get started right now. Ask your instructor or a school representative how you
get started. You can learn a lot from the Superior School website at www.superiorschoolnc.com.
You can purchase the textbook Modern Real Estate Practices in North Carolina right now
to get a sneak peak at the material we will be covering in the 79 Hour Broker Pre-licensing
Course. You may choose to take the high tech approach to learn more about getting started in a
real estate career by watching the video on YouTube by Superior School owner and leader in
the industry, Bill Gallagher.
Portrait of a REALTOR®
The Typical Real Estate Professional
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Worked 40 hours per week
Averaged 7 transac7on per year
Had median income of $37,500
Had annual business expenses of $5,480
With 16+ years experience earned a median income of $52, 300
With 2 or less years experience earned a median income of $8,800
16% earn more than $100,000 annually
Works for a firm that employees 29 agents
2/3 have some type of ownership in the firm
Average age is 54 All Data is Compiled & Validated By the National Association of REALTORS®
Visit Superior School Online
You can find a complete schedule of classes in your area and register. SuperiorSchoolnc.Com
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 9 of 14 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much money will I make the first year?
We wish we could give you a guarantee, but there aren’t any. We know that success of a
real estate agent is dependent on many factors. It includes things like how hard you
worked, how many hours you dedicated to your business, how skilled you are at building
relationships, the size of your sphere of influence and the particular brokerage and
compensation plan under which you are working.
2. I’ve heard the real estate market is tough. Is now really a good time?
While the real estate industry is always subject to cycles, the industry is once again
experiencing strong and steady growth. Most experts predict that the next few years will
bring increases in sales, market prices and opportunities in real estate. There is no better
time to get started in the real estate industry than now.
3. Do I just get my real estate license and go to work on my own?
You can open your own office and work entirely on your own once you are a full Broker in
the State of North Carolina. Everyone who starts in the real estate business begins as a
Provisional Broker and must complete 90 hours of education in their first three years of
practice, though many practitioners complete that post license training sooner. The North
Carolina Real Estate Commission requires you to complete the 90 hours of post-licensing
training and have two years of full-time experience or 4000 hours, if working part-time,
before you can become a Broker-In-Charge of your own firm. During the time that you are
a Provisional Broker you must work under the supervision of a firm or a Broker-In-Charge.
4. Can I do this part time?
There is no requirement that you work full time in real estate and a lot of real estate
professionals began their careers part-time. However, real estate is a demanding profession
and you get out of it what you put in to it. Those who devote more time have more
experience quickly, are able to work on a unrestricted basis to meet client needs and are
generally more successful than those who practice real estate part-time.
5. How do I find clients and make money?
Real estate clients are everywhere. Beginning real estate provisional brokers often begin by
working for friends and family. Because you will need to be under the supervision of a firm
or a BIC while you are a provisional broker they can help you in the development of your
business. Many firms have sales training programs, lead generation policies and the
reputation and strength of the firm generates clients for their agents.
6. What other expenses will I have when I start in the real estate business?
That depends on what you do with your real estate license. There is a fee for the taking of
your state exam through a national testing center of $69.00. The Commission will also
require you to obtain a background character report which is performed by an outside
service. The cost of that background check (usually less than $100) will depend on your
circumstances and the number of counties and states you have lived in over the last several
years.
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 10 of 14 There are costs for belonging to the local REALTOR® Association and the local MLS system.
Those costs and fees vary from location to location throughout the state but generally run
between $500 and $790 on an annual basis.
There may be start up business costs, such as business cards, letterhead and signage which
you will want to acquire and each brokerage has different policies and procedures regarding
those items. These are great questions to ask any brokerage before you begin working with
them.
7.
How do I find the right firm to work for?
There is no one firm that is right for everybody. Each firm operates differently, has different
policies and procedures, different compensation plans and different fees and costs. Some
agents enjoy the flexibility and closeness of small firms, some agents enjoy the prestige and
benefits that larger firms offer. We want you to understand your options and wide range of choices. During our courses we
often have different firms and brokers provide a lunch and learn session during the course.
The firms bring lunch for the students. It gives them an opportunity to explain their
business model, how they work with agents and what they provide. It will give you an
incredible opportunity to ask questions.
Finding the right firm is a matter of understanding what you want and asking the right
questions of any brokerage with which you interview. If you have general questions about
firms, ask your Superior instructor to help you. While we don’t recommend or endorse
particular firms we can help guide you through the right questions to ask your potential
brokerage.
8. What if I start and find out that it’s not right for me?
As a long standing approved school with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, we
want you to be happy and to succeed at your career choice. If for some reason you decide
not to continue with the program Superior School has refund policies outlined in our School
Bulletin. You can always reschedule the start of your class or switch classes prior to the
start of a class for free. If you decide to cancel or withdraw from class by the third class you
can get a full refund of your tuition less a $100 administrative fee. If you cancel or
reschedule the start of a class please let your instructor or a school representative know
and we will work with you as much as possible.
9. What if I miss some classes?
The Commission requires you to complete all 79 hours of instruction in order to be able to
take the school examination and receive approval to take the state examination. There is a
small percentage of time that you can miss from class. The Commission allows for up to
20% or 7.5 hours of class time that a student can miss and still satisfactorily complete the
course. Your instructor will review these policies with you.
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 11 of 14 10. What happens if I can’t pass the test?
We are going to do everything possible to make certain that doesn’t happen. If however,
you do not score 75% or better then you will need to retake the exam. In fact everyone is
eligible for a retake of the school exam and some students take it to better prepare for the
state examination. 11. Are there other resources available to help me?
We have developed effective resources and additional study guides to help you attain the
success you are seeking.
12. It’s been a long time since I have been in school. How do I know I can do this?
You are not alone. You are in good hands with Superior. We understand that returning to
school and taking tests will be a new experience for many of you. That’s why we have
devised the right materials, presentations and preparation you need to succeed.
13. What if I am concerned about things in my background that may keep me from
getting a license?
The North Carolina Real Estate Commission requires you to obtain a good character
background check. There are few absolute reasons why someone would not be given a real
estate license. Usually when there are pending criminal charges or legal actions the
Commission will delay the issuance of a license until those items are cleared up or
explained. If you have particular concerns please discuss them with a Superior School
representative. We are not the Commission, what you tell us is confidential. Keep in mind
our goal is to help see you succeed.
14. What if I was licensed before or currently in another state?
North Carolina is not a state that grants automatic reciprocity and licensure to someone just
because they were licensed in another state. However, if your license is in good standing
and meets certain requirements the Real Estate Commission may waive the requirement
that you attend classes or take the national portion of the examination. In most cases you
would just need to take the 40 question state specific examination. Questions about such
situations should be directed to a Superior representative or to the Real Estate Commission.
15. Don’t I have to keep taking classes once I get my license?
Yes. Once you are licensed in North Carolina you become a provisional broker. The goal is to
become a full broker. As a provisional broker you are required to complete post-licensing.
You must complete three 30 hour courses of Post-Licensing instruction in your first three
years. You are required to complete at least 30 hours per year, though you can choose to
complete it sooner. Once you have completed the 90 hours of Post-Licensing (three 30 hour
courses) you will become a full broker.
In addition, every licensee in North Carolina must complete 8 hours of continuing education
(CE) every year. You will be subject to the CE requirement on your second full year of
licensing.
Superior School offers the 3 Post-Licensing Courses which cost $249 each. If you take all 3
of those courses with us then we will provide you with a voucher for 8 hours of FREE CE
courses (a $134 Value and Savings For You).
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 12 of 14 STUDY AIDS & EXAM REVIEW
The study guides, interactive software and audio CD’s offered by Superior School of Real Estate
can greatly improve your exam performance.
Hiking the Real Estate Trail ($75.00)
9 AUDIO CD set, Narrated by Terry Wilson
10 hours of North Carolina Real Estate review
Guide to Passing the AMP Real Estate Exam ($35.00)
Following the new content outline for the AMP licensing exam, this study aid includes a 70-question test after each chapter and two
additional 110-question tests in both the book and on the inclusive CD-ROM.
Exam Guide North Carolina ($46.00)
Interactive Software to Help You Pass the North Carolina
Real Estate Pre-licensing Exam, Over 1200 questions!!
Mastering Real Estate Math ($31.00)
Parts and Pieces of the Total, Surface and Space, The Economies of Real Estate, Doing the
Business and Practice Makes Perfect
Modern Real Estate Practice FLASH CARDS ($41.00)
Studies have consistently shown that vocabulary terms cause students the most difficulty on
state real estate exams. Bypass this common pitfall and ensure you pass the real estate exam
the first time with Real Estate in a Flash.
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 13 of 14 Purchase these "Bundles" to help you study for the
NC real estate examination and receive "Superior" discount prices!
STUDY GUIDE BUNDLE #1 ($65.00)
Includes the Guide to Passing the AMP Real Estate Exam
and the Exam Guide North Carolina interactive software.
SAVE $16.00!
STUDY GUIDE BUNDLE #2 ($111.00)
Includes the Guide to Passing the AMP Real Estate Exam book,
the Exam Guide North Carolina interactive software and Hiking the Real Estate Trail audio CD
SAVE $46.00!
For more study guides and to purchase the products, visit www.superiorschoolnc.com, then click on “Student Resources” tab and then the "Bookstore" link or call 877-944-4260.
We look forward to having you join us for a Superior
Experience on the way to your success!
Superior School of Real Estate (877) 944-­‐4260 Page 14 of 14