renewing your Alabama real estate license

What You Need To Know About Renewing Your Alabama Real Estate License

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As dedicated members of the Lee County Association of REALTORS, understanding the nuances of renewing your Alabama real estate license is essential for maintaining your professional standing. Whether you are a seasoned broker or a passionate salesperson, ensuring your license renewal is a priority. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the renewal process smoothly.

General Renewal Information

All licensed Alabama real estate professionals, including active and inactive licensees, must renew their licenses. Temporary salesperson and broker licenses are exceptions, but can be renewed as salesperson licenses.

The online renewal process for your Alabama real estate license began on June 15. You can use eCheck, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover for payments, which will appear on your credit card statement as a transaction from the “State of Alabama.”

Postcard renewal notices will be mailed in mid-July 2026 for those who have not yet renewed. Remember, the deadline to renew without incurring a $150 penalty is August 31. Licenses expire at midnight on September 30, and those not renewed will automatically become inactive the next day.

Remember, renewing your license ensures you can continue practicing legally. Visit the Alabama Real Estate Commission’s website to initiate the renewal process.

Continuing Education Requirements

Salespersons, qualifying brokers and associate brokers must meet specific continuing education (CE) requirements.

More specifically, a total of 15 hours of CE credits is required. For salespersons, this includes a three-hour “Risk Management: Initial Contact to Accepted Offer” course and 12 hours of commission-approved electives. Brokers need an additional three-hour Mandatory Broker CE Course.

The best way to check your CE credit status is to log in to Online Services and review your Education History. Make sure all credits are completed before September 30. Not sure where to find courses? 

Find approved courses through the Alabama Real Estate Commission or by using AREC-approved online real estate education providers, such as The CE Shop or License Classroom, for example.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Failing to renew on time can lead to unnecessary penalties and inactive status. It’s important to track your CE credits and renewal deadlines. Try setting reminders and regularly check your status online. Proactive management of your renewal process will prevent last-minute stress.

Summary 

To summarize, renewing your Alabama real estate license is essential for uninterrupted practice. By keeping track of deadlines, completing CE credits and utilizing online resources, you can ensure a hassle-free renewal process. For further assistance, contact us anytime and visit the Alabama Real Estate Commission website. Stay tuned for more industry insights by following our blog!

things for home buyers and sellers to consider in 2024

5 Things for Home Buyers and Sellers to Consider in 2024

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Does 2024 include a big move for you? From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, here’s a list of five things for home buyers and sellers to consider in 2024 to better prepare them for the real estate journey ahead.

Interest and mortgage rates.

It’s always a good idea for potential home buyers and sellers to keep an eye on interest and mortgage rates. Since October 2023, mortgage rates have begun to steadily decline from 8% to 7–6%. But rates will most likely remain volatile.

Experts suggest paying attention to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions for a hint at where mortgage rates are going in 2024. 

The long-term value of owning a home. 

Homeownership is one of the most reliable and quickest ways to build wealth for a variety of reasons. First of all, it stabilizes a homeowner’s housing expenses with fixed monthly payments. Second of all, as you continue to pay off your mortgage loan, you build equity in the home.

Hence, you add value to your net worth.

Think about what you need versus what you would like. 

Whether you are a first-time home buyer or you’ve done it before, figuring out your needs versus what you want helps you narrow your search. And, from there, you can begin adding on those wants. 

Industry experts have predicted that a few of those key features for 2024 include sustainability, luxury amenities and seamless outdoor-indoor living spaces. 

Calculate your budget. 

Knowing your budget is not a new idea, but it remains one of the top things for home buyers and sellers to consider in 2024. In general, designating about 25% of your net income toward a mortgage payment is a good rule of thumb. 

It’s a good idea to work with your local Realtor or mortgage lender to help calculate your budget. 

Working with an experienced local Realtor. 

Finally, when it comes to things for home buyers and sellers to consider in 2024, working with a knowledgeable local expert is key. In terms of finding the right Realtor for you, talk to a few different Realtors. Ask them questions, read their reviews and ask about their rates and fees, for example.

If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to finding a Realtor in Lee County, our member search offers a listing of Realtors, real estate offices, affiliates and more. 

Summary

A new year goes hand-in-hand with new possibilities and opportunities, and that includes investing in real estate. Become more familiar with our local market and the opportunities ahead by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, where we share local statistics, insights and more. For more buying and selling tips, local news and trends, continue to read our blogs. 

things to know about the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics

4 Things to Know About the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics

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Looking for a house, not to mention a Realtor, can be overwhelming. However, these four things to know about the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics will help you see the benefits of working with one from the beginning!

But before we delve into the main things to know about the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics, let’s first review what it is and why it was created.

What is the Code of Ethics, and why was it created?

In a nutshell, the NAR’s Code of Ethics is a self-improving guide for all real estate professionals. It was created to guarantee clients are served fairly by requiring Realtors to work together in promoting the clients’ best interests at all times.

Required continuing education courses ensure that Realtors stay up-to-date on the Code and any changes it undergoes year to year.

It was established over 100 years ago.

Did you know the NAR’s Code of Ethics was adopted in 1913? According to the NAR website, it was “one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group.”

It embodies the Golden Rule.

Simply put, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Realtors apply this guiding principle to all their activities, from personal to professional.

There are three main sections.

There are three main sections outlined in the Realtors’ Code of Ethics.

Duties to Clients and Customers

When it comes to things to know about the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics, know that the client is always the number one priority. But Realtors remain obligated to treat all parties honestly, even while promoting and protecting their clients’ best interests.

Duties to the Public

This section includes everything from equal professional services for all to truthfulness in all communications—from emails to advertising.

Duties to Realtors

Once again, the Golden Rule is a guiding principle in this case. Under the Code of Ethics, Realtors promise to be fair, honest and supportive of other real estate professionals.

It gives you—the client—peace of mind.

Knowing your Realtor has taken an oath to protect and promote your best interests in all transactions is comforting. Understanding your Realtor is obligated to disclose pertinent facts about the property is comforting.

Realizing your Realtor works diligently to promote a healthy, competitive marketplace is comforting. And, last but not least, knowing your Realtor is committed to staying current on issues affecting real estate gives you peace of mind.

Summary

Now that you have a better understanding of why “Realtor” has come to mean “competency, fairness and high integrity,” are you ready to connect with a local expert? We can help! Search for Lee County Realtors here. For more industry news and tips, keep reading our blogs.