Here Are Tips to Get Your Realtor’s License Online

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Working in the property market offers a dynamic work environment with enough room for growth as you build your brokerage business. However, before you do anything else, you must first get a practicing license. It is a legal requirement that allows you to manage and sell property while also providing professional help to investors looking for opportunities in the property market.

For those looking to switch careers or work as realtors, you are in the right place.

Herein, we explain all the steps to get your realty license online. This guide will also include tips on selecting a pre-licensing program and the costs involved.

Understanding the Basics

The process and prerequisites for getting a realtor's license vary, depending on the state. In some states, you must have a high school diploma, while in others, like NY, it isn't a requirement. Visit your state's department website and check the requirements before you enroll in a course.

The next thing is looking for a pre-licensing program. It is a state-mandated course covering property laws, contracts, ethics, and other essential topics. Online courses offer various benefits, especially if you have limited time to attend in-person classes.

How to Choose a Pre-Licensing Program

There are many schools offering realtor courses online. Start your search by identifying reputable online realty schools like RealEstateU that are approved by your state's realtor’s commission. Also, take your time and look for reviews and testimonials from students who have used the program.

Focus on the pass rate, instructor quality, and materials provided in the course. Have a budget ready, but don't select a course based on money alone. The best course should complement your learning style and provide adequate learning materials, forexample quizzes and practice tests.

Prepare For the State Exam

Exams will test you on how well you understand the course content. Most states offer the exam online through examining partners like PSI and Pearson VUE. Ensure that you prepare well for the exams before registering.

You can buy a preparation course or hire a professional tutor to help you during revision. Another cheaper option would be looking for free practice tests online to gauge your understanding. Also, don’t forget to download the candidate's handbook.

It has all of the exam rules and regulations, including steps to follow when registering for the test.

Apply for Your License

You will get your results after completing the test. You can retake the exams if you have failed, but you must repay the registration fee and schedule a new exam date.

However, you can submit your license application if you have passed the test.

The process is easy and is done online in most states. The state will run background checks to ensure that you don’t have a checkered past. If you had prior criminals with the law, the state’s realtor’s commission will review your case before providing the way forward.

Wrapping Up

With your license in your pocket, it is time to find a sponsoring broker to take you under their wing. Their role is to mentor and guide you as you begin your career as a property market agent or salesperson.

PEF supports relief efforts in weather-stricken communities

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Report, the habagat (southwest monsoon), intensified by Typhoon Carina, has affected approximately 1.4 million households in 65 provinces across the country.1 Extensive flooding submerged large areas, with Metro Manila and surrounding provinces experiencing the most severe overflow since Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. 

The extreme weather has also hit the agriculture sector. Over 34,900 hectares of land have been damaged and multiple oil spills have occurred, affecting 38,000 farmers and fisherfolk.

In response to this crisis, the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) has allocated Php 3 million to support relief efforts of different institutions nationwide. Relief packs containing food and hygiene kits have been distributed to nearly 4,000 households in Metro Manila and in Rizal, Bulacan, and Maguindanao provinces. 

In Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas, PEF supported the relief efforts of Caritas Kalookan in providing food packs to flood-stricken communities. Meanwhile, the Kabuhayan sa Ganap na Kasarinlan Credit and Savings Cooperative gave essential supplies, including rice, noodles, and canned goods, to 715 affected households in Montalban and Rodriguez, Rizal. 

The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, another PEF partner, distributed 275 hygiene kits in Rodriguez, Rizal to maintain health and sanitation amid the calamity. 

Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. also delivered food packs and hygiene kits to 500 client households in Paombong, Malolos, and San Miguel in Bulacan. 

In Maguindanao del Sur, the Maguindanao Development Foundation has extended relief assistance to 900 households affected by the flooding. 

The collective efforts of these organizations demonstrate a robust and compassionate response to the severe weather’s impact on affected communities.

Alsons Power and Holcim Philippines Seal Retail Electricity Partnership

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Alsons Power Group, the power business unit of the Alcantara Group, has signed its first retail electricity supply (RES) agreement with Holcim Philippines, Inc., a leader in innovative and sustainable building materials in the country.

Under the terms of this partnership, Alsons Power will supply 80% of the energy requirements of Holcim Philippines' facilities in Davao and Lugait, Misamis Oriental. Holcim Philippines is optimistic that its RES deal will yield substantial savings on electricity costs, given Alsons Power's track record of being one of the most dependable and cost-effective suppliers in the market.

“We are confident that our partnership with Alsons Power will help us achieve our business goals and sustainability aspirations. Partnering with Alsons Power is the right choice given its strong and trusted reputation for providing reliable and affordable electricity in its three decades in the energy industry,” said Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain Edwin Villas.

Alsons Power, through its subsidiary Alsons Power Supply Corporation, has officially entered the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) market following the program's launch in Mindanao earlier this year.

With a diversified power portfolio, Alsons Power assures its RES partners of consistent and dependable electricity. The Alcantara-led power business unit offers affordable power supply options tailored to the specific needs of its customers and designed to reduce costs. Additionally, RES customers will have access to a wide range of value-added services, including energy management, energy audits, and other supportive measures to help enhance efficiency and performance.

“We are delighted to announce Holcim Philippines as our inaugural partner for our retail electricity supply service. Leveraging our extensive expertise and robust power portfolio, we are fully committed to powering Holcim Philippines as they continue to advance the country’s progress through their world-class construction and building solutions,” said Alsons Power Chief Executive Officer Antonio Miguel B. Alcantara. “This partnership with Holcim marks a great start for our RES business. We are eager to provide a reliable and affordable power supply to other industries and businesses as we continue to grow our RES portfolio.”

The Alcantara Group has maintained a long-standing relationship with Holcim since 1968, beginning with a partnership in the cement industry. In 1998, Alsons Power entered into a power supply arrangement with Holcim’s cement plant in Vietnam. Further strengthening their relationship, Holcim Philippines tapped Alsons Power in 2013 to provide emergency power supply to their Lugait and Davao plants.

With its successful RES deal with Holcim Philippines, Alsons Power looks forward to collaborating with other industry players, particularly in the Visayas region, where power supply is forecasted to be in short supply next year.

Alsons Power operates four power facilities with a combined capacity of 468 megawatts, serving over eight million people in the Southern Philippines. The Group is actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio, with several solar and hydropower projects at various stages of development. Currently, Alsons Power is gearing up for the commercial launch of its first foray into the renewable energy landscape—the 14.5-megawatt Siguil Hydro Power Plant in Maasim, Sarangani.