Programs For Illinois Professionals

Illinois Real Estate Continuing Education
Illinois Real Estate Pre-Licensing - Residential Leasing Agent
Illinois Real Estate Pre-Licensing - Salesperson and Broker

REAL ESTATE BROKER CONTINUING EDUCATION QUESTIONS

Question:	I'm not active in Real Estate; do I have to take continuing education?
Answer:	Yes. To renew your broker license you must complete 18 credit hours of continuing education prior to renewal. Not being active in the real estate business does not exempt you from the requirement.
Question:	How soon do I have to complete my continuing education?
Answer:	Continuing education must be completed prior to submitting your renewal application, which is due no later than April 30 of each even-numbered year. ** Brokers who received their license on or after May 1, 2008 may have to complete their 6 hour Broker Management Continuing Education requirement at an earlier time. Click here to see a chart showing your required completion date.
Question:	Do you have a list of classes I can choose from?
Answer:	The Real Estate Institute offers courses through convenient self-study. We also offer a flexible live classroom schedule with multiple, convenient locations. In addition, we offer programs that combine the a Broker Management classroom session with Core/Elective self-study. This allows you to complete your entire requirement by attending only one class. Immediately after class, you will complete exams that allow you to satisfy your entire CE requirement. Click here for more information.
Question:	Where can I take my examination?
Answer:	The State requires that you take an examination proctored by an impartial third party. The Real Estate Institute has established a network of proctors throughout Illinois to make it convenient for students to complete their continuing education without traveling far from their home or office. If one of our established centers is not available to you or if you are outside of Illinois, we can arrange for the examination to be proctored at a location near you. Call for additional convenient testing options.
Question:	What if I don't pass the examination for my self-study course?
Answer:	You should have no problem passing our exams as long as you read your booklet. A score of 70% or higher is required by law to pass. On the rare occasion that someone does not pass, one retake of the exam is allowed on a different day.
Question:	I don't need a book for my self-study course, I did it with you last time and I still have my book.
Answer:	The books and topics may look very similar but they are not the same. The content is updated to reflect the most recent changes in the law, rules of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and current business practices. We always provide you with the required course materials at no additional cost.* *The school may charge for replacement materials.
Question:	I got my broker license last year; do I need continuing education?
Answer:	This chart shows whether you require Core / Elective Continuing Education and your required completion date: Illinois Real Estate BROKER CE Requirements for April 30, 2010 STANDARD RENEWAL NEW BROKER (Licensed After 4/30/2008) PREVIOUSLY LICENSED AS A SALESPERSON NEW BROKER (Licensed After 4/30/2008) NOT PREVIOUSLY LICENSED AS A SALESPERSON Licensed as a Broker on or before 4/30/2008 CE completed either as a salesperson or Broker after 4/30/2008 counts toward this requirement Licensed as a Broker BETWEEN 5/1/2008 AND 4/30/2009 Licensed as a Broker ON OR AFTER 5/1/2009 12 Hours of CE Required 6 Core + 6 Core or Elective 12 Hours of CE Required 6 Core + 6 Core or Elective 6 Hours of CE Required 3 Core + 3 Core or Elective No CE Required This chart shows your required completion date for Broker Management Continuing Education: IF LICENSE WAS ISSUED... MUST COMPLETE BROKER MANAGEMENT CONTINUING EDUCATION --- On or Before April 30, 2010 BY April 30, 2010 May 1, 2008 Through October 31, 2009 WITHIN 180 DAYS OF LICENSURE November 1, 2009 Through January 31, 2010 BY April 30, 2010 February 1, 2010 Through April 30, 20010 WITHIN 180 DAYS OF LICENSURE
Question:	Can I complete the Broker Management Continuing Education course through a self-study program?
Answer:	Yes. In addition to live classroom options, this course can be completed through self-study. The Real Estate Institute has created a unique self-study program that includes an online, narrated study guide (slide presentation) that will allow you to focus on the required material. The IDFPR requires every broker to pass a uniform final exam for the Broker Management course. The Real Estate Institute does not create or grade the exam. We are required to forward the final exams to the IDFPR’s administrator for grading. Our online audio study guide presentation is designed to help prepare you for this exam.
Question:	Can I complete my 12 credit-hour self-study continuing education exam on the day I attend a live Broker Management Continuing Education class?
Answer:	Absolutely. If you choose to attend a live class, we will administer the 12 credit-hour exam after you complete the Broker Management Class and exam. If you choose a self-study program, all exams can be completed at one time.
Question:	Once I enroll in a course, can I receive a refund?
Answer:	No. All course enrollment fees are non-refundable.

REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON CONTINUING EDUCATION QUESTIONS

Question:	I'm not active in Real Estate; do I have to take continuing education?
Answer:	Yes. To renew your real estate license you must complete the required 12 credit hours of continuing education prior to renewal. Not being active in the real estate business does not exempt you from the requirement.
Question:	How soon do I have to complete my continuing education?
Answer:	Continuing education must be completed prior to submitting your renewal application, which is due no later than April 30 of each odd-numbered year.
Question:	Do you have a list of classes I can choose from?
Answer:	The Real Estate Institute offers a complete 12 credit hour self-study program in an easy to read booklet. The program includes core mandatory topics and elective topics that are approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The programs can also be separated for students needing less than 12 credit hours.
Question:	Where can I take my examination?
Answer:	The State requires that you take an examination proctored by an impartial third party. The Real Estate Institute has established a network of proctors throughout Illinois to make it convenient for students to complete their continuing education without traveling far from their home or office. If one of our established centers is not available to you or if you are outside of Illinois, we can arrange for the examination to be proctored at a location near you. Call for additional convenient testing options.
Question:	What if I don't pass the examination?
Answer:	You should have no problem passing our exams as long as you read your booklet. A score of 70% or higher is required by law to pass. On the rare occasion that someone does not pass, one retake of the exam is allowed on a different day.
Question:	I don't need a book, I did it with you last time and I still have my book.
Answer:	The books and topics may look very similar but they are not the same. The content is updated to reflect the most recent changes in the law, rules of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and current business practices.
Question:	I got my license last year; do I need continuing education?
Answer:	Salesperson licensees who have held their license for less than 1 year prior to the expiration date are exempt from continuing education for their first renewal. Salesperson licensees who are renewing their license for the first time and have held their license for more than 12 months must complete 3 credit hours of core/mandatory and 3 hours of elective continuing education prior to renewal.
Question:	I got my license last year; do I need continuing education?
Answer:	This chart shows whether you require Core / Elective Continuing Education and your required completion date: Illinois Real Estate SALESPERSON CE Requirements for April 30, 2009 STANDARD RENEWAL NEW SALESPERSON VERY NEW SALESPERSON Licensed as a Salesperson on or before 4/30/2009 Licensed from 5/1/2009 to 4/30/2011 Licensed on or after 5/1/2010 12 Hours of CE Required 6 Core + 6 Core or Elective 6 Hours of CE Required 3 Core + 3 Core or Elective No CE Required

REAL ESTATE PRE-LICENSE QUESTIONS - SALESPERSON AND BROKER

Question:	What makes your school different from the others?
Answer:	What sets our school apart is the quality of our programs. Real Estate Institute's founder and director, Alan Toban, who has been teaching real estate for over 20 years, continues to improve our programs and make them easier to understand. When you successfully complete our course, you will have all the knowledge you need to pass the state examination. Quizzes for each homework lesson allow students to see how they are doing as they progress through the course. Along with the reinforcing tools included with our programs, qualified instructors are available to provide additional assistance. Real Estate Institute offers students all these additional resources for one simple reason: we want you to pass the state examination!
Question:	Are you owned by a real estate company?
Answer:	No. We are an independent school, licensed and approved by the State, as is all of our coursework. We are not here to recruit you into the real estate business. We are here to help students obtain or meet their real estate education requirements.
Question:	Will an instructor be available if I have a question?
Answer:	Yes. Instructors are generally available by telephone Monday through Friday during normal business hours. We find that most student questions can be easily handled over the phone.
Question:	Do you have a payment plan?
Answer:	No. All courses require payment-in-full upon enrollment. Enrollments are non-refundable.
Question:	How much are the audio supplement and the computer tutorial?
Answer:	All materials are included in the cost of our courses; there are no extra charges. We do not sell materials separately.
Question:	How soon after I enroll will I receive my materials?
Answer:	The study packet is shipped to you via Priority Mail, normally on the same day the enrollment is received. Most students receive their packets in 2-3 days. Next day delivery is available at an additional charge. You can also come to the school to enroll and pick up your materials.
Question:	What if I don't pass a course exam?
Answer:	Illinois law requires a passing score of 75% on all assignments and exams. If you score below passing by a small amount, it may be a matter of simply reviewing the study material and taking another exam. Students who score lower can work out a plan with an instructor to improve their knowledge of the subjects or examination skills. Students having additional difficulties may utilize other learning tools at the school.
Question:	How fast can I get a real estate license? Do you have a cram course?
Answer:	There is no minimum time requirement. Each student works at his/her own pace. You may complete the program as quickly as you are able to. Most students complete the 45 credit-hour Real Estate Transactions course in four to six weeks. School rules require completion within six months of enrollment in the self-study program and four months of enrollment in the classroom program.
Question:	Does the Real Estate Institute offer live classes?
Answer:	Yes, classes are available at our NW suburban headquarters in Niles, Illinois. The 45 credit-hour pre-license course, Real Estate Transactions, is offered mornings and evenings for your convenience. The Real Estate Institute provides open enrollment so you can start immediately. You are invited to attend a FREE class at no obligation to make sure this program is right for you. Please call our office at (800) 995-1700 to add your name to the guest list.
Question:	Both my spouse and I would like to participate in your program. Can we share the materials?
Answer:	No. Each student receives their own study materials as part of a course enrollment. We do not sell course materials separately. Also, since everyone works at a different pace and has individual study habits, each student really needs his or her own set of course materials.
Question:	Where can I take my state exam, and how often is the examination given?
Answer:	The Illinois real estate license examination is offered in Chicago, Libertyville, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Matteson, Springfield, Carbondale, Champaign/Urbana, Rockford, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and St. Louis, Missouri. Schedules differ depending upon location.
Question:	What is the difference between a Sales Agent License and a Broker License?
Answer:	A salesperson license allows you to perform all the functions of a real estate professional while working under the sponsorship and direction of a broker. The broker license allows you to work independently, representing others as well as yourself. It will also allow you to sponsor other licensees and act as manager or owner of a real estate firm.
Question:	In what real estate fields will I be able to work in once I receive my license?
Answer:	The license will allow you to represent prospects and owners in the sale, exchange, management, and leasing of residential, commercial, and industrial properties as well as farm and vacant land.
Question:	How difficult is it to find work after I receive my license?
Answer:	Usually, not difficult at all. You will find that most brokerage firms are always looking for new agents.
Question:	How long will it take before I start making money in real estate?
Answer:	Beginning a career in real estate sales is more like opening your own business than starting a job. It will take time for you to begin generating the income you desire, and everyone's timetable will be different. In the long run, though, financial gain is usually only limited by an agent's willingness to work and desire to succeed.
Question:	Is the Illinois license also valid in other states?
Answer:	Each state has its own license requirements. Contact the state in which you are interested in being licensed. On occasion, a state may accept some of your real estate education from Illinois. The State of Illinois does not count credit earned toward a license from another state.
Question:	Do I need to be sponsored by a company or broker in order to start the class, take the examination, or obtain a license?
Answer:	No. A sponsor is not required until after you have passed the exam and applied for a license. Leasing and salesperson licensees must have a broker sponsor to activate their license. A broker licensee may sponsor him or herself, or may be sponsored by another broker.
Question:	Do you have to be a citizen of the United States or Illinois to hold a Real Estate License in Illinois?
Answer:	No. To hold an Illinois real estate license, the state requires that you meet the age and education requirements, have a Social security number, and be of good moral character.
Question:	May I apply for a broker and salesperson license at the same time?
Answer:	You may only hold one real estate license. Salespersons who become brokers no longer have an active salesperson license because the broker license supersedes it. Under the Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000, unlicensed persons can apply for the Salesperson or Broker license once they meet the age and education requirements.
Question:	Does the state make special arrangements for people with disabilities to sit their exam?
Answer:	Applicants with physical limitations that require special accommodations must submit documentation provided by the appropriate professional. The documents must be submitted via fax or mail before the exam is scheduled.
Question:	Once I have the license, how often does it need to be renewed?
Answer:	Real estate licensees have a two-year renewal cycle. Salesperson licenses expire April 30th of the odd years; broker licenses expire April 30th of the even years. Both of these licenses require continuing education for renewal.

RESIDENTIAL LEASING AGENT QUESTIONS

Question:	What properties (firms) must hold a real estate license and are required to employ licensed agents?
Answer:	Any individual or firm engaged in leasing activities for properties in which it does not have an ownership interest, must hold a broker’s license.  All active owners, partners, or officers, must hold broker’s licenses.  All employees conducting any leasing activities must hold some type of real estate license (Broker, Salesperson, or Leasing Agent).
Question:	Who is required to hold a Leasing Agent License?
Answer:	Anyone not licensed as a Salesperson or Broker who is performing leasing activities for a person or entity other than the owner of the property.
Question:	Is it possible to be exempt from these rules?
Answer:	Yes, the following individuals are exempt: Those employed directly by the property owner. Those employed by an entity owned by the property owner. Leasing agents living at the property they are leasing, and are acting as residential manager.
Question:	What are to be considered leasing activities?
Answer:	Leasing activities include: Leasing or renting residential property Collecting rent for the use of residential property, and Attempting, offering, or negotiating to rent, lease, or collect rent for the use of residential property.
Question:	I have been working as a leasing agent for a number of years. Why do I need to get a license now?
Answer:	Now that the State has created a new license category exclusively for residential leasing agents, they are expecting everyone meeting the requirement to comply with the law, and obtain a license.
Question:	What is the company required to do when hiring a new employee?
Answer:	The company must file a 120-day Leasing Agent Permit/Application for the new employee.
Question:	If I am already employed, do I need to register for a residential leasing agent license course?
Answer:	Yes.  To comply with current law, any agent required to hold a license should immediately register as a student and begin pursuing the process of obtaining a license.
Question:	If I already have a Real Estate Sales License, do I need to get a Leasing Agent license?
Answer:	No, a Salesperson license allows you to act as a leasing agent.
Question:	Can I get a Real Estate Salesperson License instead, or am I required to get the Leasing Agent License?
Answer:	Since the Real Estate Salesperson License also allows leasing activities, if you choose to obtain a salesperson license, you will be complying with the law.
Question:	What will I learn in this course?
Answer:	You will learn about real estate license law, fair housing, and contract law as applied to leases.
Question:	Am I required to attend a class, or can I complete this course as a self-study student?
Answer:	You may complete this course through convenient self-study.  Self-study students are only required to come to a school location for their final exam.
Question:	If I decide to take this course by self-study, what will I need to do?
Answer:	Students enrolled in our self-study program receive the textbook, and are required to complete five (5) lesson assignments.  Assignments may be completed online or mailed to the school for scoring, and upon successful completion, students arrange to take a final examination with the school. Once the student successfully passes the school’s final exam, they then sit for the State examination approximately five (5) to ten (10) business days later.
Question:	What are the State’s requirements for me to become a Residential Leasing Agent?
Answer:	State law requires that the Applicant must be 18 years of age or older, Applicant must have completed high school or its equivalent, Applicant must have a Sponsoring Broker, Applicant must successfully complete a 15-credit hour Real Estate Leasing Agent License Course through self-study or classroom, and Applicant must pass the State regulated examination.