---

What does the State of Utah require to become a Real Estate Agent?

The State of Utah requires a 120 hour licensing course with the course content specified by the Real Estate Division. The state also mandates that a student cannot receive credit for more than eight hours of class in any given day. 

Back to Top

---

What does the State of Utah require to become a Real Estate Broker?

The State of Utah requires a 120 hour licensing course with the course content specified by the Real Estate Division.  The state also mandates that a student cannot receive credit for more than eight hours of class in any given day.  Individuals applying for their Broker License are required to have been an active real estate agent for at least 3 of the past 5 years.  He/she will also need to have accumulated at least 60 transaction points (tables showing how these points are accumulated can be found on the Division of Real Estates' website).

Back to Top

---

What does the State of Utah require to become a Mortgage Originator?

The State of Utah requires a 60 hour licensing course with the course content specified by the Real Estate Division.  The state also mandates that a student cannot receive credit for more than eight hours of class in any given day. 

Back to Top

---

How much is the tuition?

Course	Live Classes	Online Classes	Cost	Textbook Cost
Real Estate Sales Pre-Licensing	Yes	Yes	$595	Included in Tuition
Real Estate Broker	Starting in September some classes will be available to be taken live.	Yes	$695	Included in Tuition
Mortgage Originator Pre-licensing	Yes	Yes	$495	Included in Tuition

Back to Top

---

Do you offer financial assistance?

Yes.  You can pay half the tuition on the day you wish to start the classes and the second half is due in 30 days or when you graduate (whichever comes first).  To take advantage of this opportunity you must enroll at the Salt Lake location as there is additional paperwork that you will need to fill out.

Back to Top

---

How do I register for online classes?

Go to www.stringhamschools.com and click on the "Register Now" link.  Once registration is complete, your user name will be your email address and you will set your password during registration.  Keep in mind if you register for classes online, you are still eligible to take the live classes as well.

Back to Top

---

 
Can I take the entire course online?

Yes you can!  You are able to complete the entire Sales, Broker, or Continuing Education programs all online if you would like to. 

The 60-hr Mortgage course requires the National or SAFE portion of the education (20 hours) to be taken live.

Back to Top

---

 
Does it cost more to do the course online?

No.  Live and online classes are the same price.

Back to Top

---

Can I do both live and online or do I have to choose one or the other?

Of course! You can do a combination of both.  The cost is the same whether you would like to do live or online classes so it's all up to you how you choose to take those classes.  You do not have to decide at registration how much you would like to do live vs. online, you are eligible to take them either way.

Back to Top

---

 
Do I have to log in at a certain time every day?

No.  All of the online classes are pre-recorded. You can log in at any time during the day or night to complete a class, including on weekends or holidays.

Back to Top

---

 
Can I take a class more than once for review?

Yes, you are able to take the classes as many times as you feel like you need to either online or in the classroom.  Keep in mind you only get credit for the class the first time you take it. 

Back to Top

---

Do I have the same teacher for the entire course?

No.  While you may have the same teacher more than once when attending the live classes, we have several different instructors that teach for us.  Our teachers are made up of successful real estate/mortgage agents and brokers who currently work in the real estate and mortgage industry.

Back to Top

---

How fast can I get through the course?

The course is set up to be taken at your own pace. The state allows a maximum of 8 hours a day.  If you complete 8 hours of class per day you can complete the Sales course in as little as 2 1/2 weeks; the Mortgage course in as little as a week and a half; and the Broker course in as little as 2 1/2 weeks. 

The classes do expire after one year, so if you take longer than a year to finish the course, you will have to retake any classes that expire.

Back to Top

---

Where and when can I attend classes?

We currently teach live instruction in Salt Lake and St. George.  In our Salt Lake City office we offer live classes Monday - Wednesday and occassional Thursdays in the afternoons and evenings.  The times are: 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:00pm and 8:00pm, each class is 2 hours.  All of our classes are also available online at any time and can be taken in any order, with a few exceptions.

We are now also holding live Sales classes in St. George at the Washington County Board Office (1070 West 1600 South Suite A-101) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6pm & 8pm.

Back to Top

---

What are your office hours?

We are open from 9am-6pm Monday through Thursday and 9am-4pm on Friday.

Back to Top

---

Are you open Saturdays?

No. But you can still do online classes throughout the weekend from your home or office.

Back to Top

---

How do I schedule my state exam?

Contact Pearson Vue at 1-800-274-7292 for the Sales or Broker exams.  They are usually about a week out for scheduling and offer the exam in Ogden, Orem, Midvale, Las Vegas, NV and Grand Junction, CO.  Do not schedule your test too early as the testing center requires at least 4 business days notice to change that appointment and will not refund your money if you are not ready for that exam in time.

For the Mortgage course, students need to pay for and schedule both the state and the SAFE exams through the NMLS website.

The school code for the Sales & Broker course is 2300; for Mortgage that code is M012.

Back to Top

---

I have a real estate license in another state, what do I need to do to get my license in Utah?

The first thing you will need to do is contact the Division of Real Estate for the State of Utah to find out if any of the education hours can be waived.  You will also need to fill out the Reciprocity Waiver Application, which can be found on the Divisions' website (www.realestate.utah.gov).  You can call them on the phone for more info, 801-530-6747.  They usually take up to 2 weeks to issue you a waiver form and mail it to you house.  The waiver will tell you how many hours you will be required to take in order to obtain your license in Utah.  Once you have completed the hours required, you will take the state exam.

If you are able to obtain a waiver you will need to email, fax or walk in that waiver to our office.  We are required to see a copy of that waiver before we can enroll you in the hours the state is requiring.  When you've finished the required hours, we will need to see the original waiver to sign, date and stamp so you can go take your state licensing exam.  Please contact our office for pricing or for any additional information.

Back to Top

---

How do I select a broker to work for?

There is probably nothing that will contribute more to your early success in the real estate business than the proper selection of a broker and an office.  Each sales agent is different and therefore, must individually seek a broker who will allow him/her to achieve at the highest level possible.  In most cases, it is wise to interview with several brokers before making a final decision.  You will find that most brokers will be delighted to meet with you, and you should be equally grateful for the opportunity.  The following are suggestions to make your interview productive and your selection a wise one.

• Dress and groom yourself in the manner you feel a real estate professional should.  The broker should see you as you will appear as a sales agent in his/her office.
• Be relaxed, but speak confidently and properly.  How you act in the interview reflects how you will act with clients and customers.
• Interview the broker thoroughly, but leave him/her with the feeling that he/she is interviewing you... because he/she is.
• Answer all questions honestly.  Don't commit to things you will not be willing to actually do.  When information is offered, feel free to pursue the subject until you are satisfied, you understand completely and your underlying questions have been satisfactorily answered.
• Ask your questions in the context of the broker's questions as much as possible.  Nevertheless, do not be reluctant to discuss commission splits or working conditions.  He/She expects you to be interested in making a lot of money.  He/She knows that when you make money, he/she will make money.  However, do not be overbearing.

The Broker:

• Do I like him/her?  Will my personality and his/hers relate well?  Am I comfortable with the broker?  Do I like his/her mannerisms?  Do I agree with his/her philosophy of business and life?
• Is he/she a competing broker?  Is he/she actively engaged in working with buyers and sellers?  If so, how much does his/her success depend on his/her own sales?  In other words, will he/she have time for me or will he/she be a competing broker, competing against me?
• Will he/she be able to motivate me?
• Exactly how will I interact with him/her?  Will he/she be my direct supervisor

The Sales Manager and Staff:

• Is there a Sales Manager (or equivalent)?  If so, what will my relationship be with this person?  If there is a Sales Manager, then all of the questions for the broker should be answered about the Sales Manager.
• What is the staff like?  Will I like being one of them? Are they professional?  Are they busy? 
• Do they have time for me?  Are they successful and working together?  Do I feel comfortable with them?
• What opportunities or obligations will I have for floor time?

Location:

• Is the location good for me?  A location close to home is nice, but not always necessary.
• Is the location good for the type of business I'll be doing (residential, commercial, leasing, etc.)?
• Do I like the decor and arrangement of the office?  Does it reflect the type of atmosphere I would enjoy?
• Is the telephone system adequate?
• Is there an MLS computer available for me to use?  How many computer terminals are available in the office for how many agents?  What other use is made of the computer that would help me in conducting my business?
• Where, in the office, would I meet clients?  (Conference and meeting rooms.)
• What special equipment is available for my use, such as a copy machine, fax machine, microfiche viewer, plat maps, typewriters, property tax records, etc.?  How much am I allowed to use them and what restrictions are placed on their use?
• What is my personal work area like?  Do I have my own or do I share with others?

Earning Power and Office Policies:

• What is the beginning commission split?  Is there a franchise fee?
• When does that commission increase and how much?  Once I achieve certain levels, do I ever go back to a lower split, such as at the beginning of the month or year?
• Are there bonuses, contests, or other income possibilities?
• Is there an advantage if I sell an "in-house listing" (a listing held by the company you work for, but not one of your personal listings)?
• What is my commission split if I buy or sell property for myself?  For my immediate family?
• Do I get the full bonus offered by other offices to the selling agent, such as ". . .$1,000 to the selling agent. . .," or ". . . a trip for two to Hawaii for the selling agent" . . . or will it also be split with the broker?
• What is the office policy for buyer and/or dual agency representation?

Expenses :

• How, when, and where does the office advertise listings?  Who pays for the advertising?  What if I want to advertise on my own, will the broker participate?  Do they advertise regularly in the newspapers, "Homes for Sale" magazines, etc.?

Performance of the Office:

• How many agents in this office are making their living exclusively from selling real estate?
• How many agents are making money on a part-time basis?
• How many listings does the office currently have?
• How many closings did the office have last month?  Last year?
• Approximately how much did the top two or three agents make last year?  How much did the best new agent make?  You would be wise to interview one or two of these top agents.
• How many agents made over $25,000 last year?  (Substitute any number you wish for the $25,000.)

Training: 

• Be willing to pay for your training, possibly with a lower commission split to begin with, but make sure you get what you pay for.
• Classify your need for training and let the prospective broker know where you stand:
  

        1. I am starting from scratch and need lots of training and ongoing support.
        2. I've done direct selling before, but need real estate training.
        3. I would like to be assigned to a veteran sales agent so I can go with him/her and
            have him/her go with me.
        4. I will need occasional assistance on specific problems.
        5. None

• What type of training is available?

        1. Quick start (Usually three days to two weeks on half-day or full-day basis.)
        2. The Board of REALTORS® training course.
        3. Special in-house training.
        4. Video tape training.
        5. Audio tape training.
        6. Sales Meetings (how much is business and how much is actual training?)
        7. Broker or trainer availability.
        8. Mentor/Protégé (will an experienced sales agent be assigned to work with me?)
        9. Seminars
      10. Designations

Final Check:

• Ask for the names of one or two agents who have been with the company for six months to a year.  Talk with them to get an idea of the effectiveness of the training program offered by the office. After you have narrowed your decision to two or three offices, request an invitation to attend a sales meeting.  While there, get a feel for the "spirit of the office" which is probably one of the most important aspects of the work place.  Observe, and determine if:

        1. They like each other.
        2. They are professional.
        3. The broker is receptive to suggestions.
        4. The agents are cooperative.
        5. This is a group you would feel comfortable with and would like to work with.

Remember!  Real estate is a profession.  The selection of your broker should not be based on any one of the questions suggested above, but an overall analysis.  Your selection will have a great influence on the degree of success you will experience.  Your broker, the training, and your office will make a significant contribution, but ultimately it is you who will be the greatest determining factor in your success.  The degree to which you become professional depends on your willingness to learn and apply correct principles.  There is no place you can begin that training in a more professional and enjoyable atmosphere than at... Stringham Real Estate School!

Back to Top

---

What are the start-up costs involved in becoming a real estate agent/mortgage lender?

Considering the fact that you can become a real estate or mortgage professional in as short a time as two to four weeks, the cost is very low. It does not require four or more years of college, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. But there are a few costs that must be covered. Here are some of them:

Profession	Tuition	State Exam Fee	Licensing Fee
Real Estate Sales Agent	$595	$66	$147
Real Estate Broker	$695	$66	$153
Mortgage Originator	$495	$69 (Utah DRE Exam)   $92 (National NMLS&R Exam)	$148   Fingerprinting: $39

Additional costs may involve such things as:

• Joining the Board of REALTORS^®
• Advertising
• Property Signs
• Business cards
• Brochures
• Postage
• Gas and upkeep of car
• Other business related expenses

Occasionally some of these expenses are shared or paid by the company you work for. Discuss these things before signing an employment contract with any company.

Back to Top

---

Do you have someone available to answer questions about the online classes?

We have instructors on hand either in the office or by phone/email.  We also offer bi-monthly individual tutoring sessions for no additional charge for our students who are struggling with specific subjects.


Back to Top

---

Can I work for a lender as a loan officer and at the same time work as a real estate agent for another company?

No.  The following restriction applies to all loan officers of a FHA approved lender who work on FHA loans.

With the exception of receptionists and technical staff such as appraisers and inspectors, lender employees (such as loan officers, underwriters, processors and other support personnel) must work exclusively for one lender and cannot work (even on a part time basis) for other lenders or other companies engaged in the real estate or mortgage finance business at the same time they are working for the lender.
This also includes working as a real estate agent or broker for another company.  A loan officer may hold a real estate license but may not engage in real estate activities or be employed anywhere else in mortgage lending, real estate, or a related field.

Back to Top

---

Tech Support


Why can't I log in?

If you have any questions regarding logging into your online account, please contact our office.  If you have a past due balance owing on your account, your online classes may be blocked until your account has been brought current again.

Back to Top

---

How do I return to the course menu after I have finished a class?

When you have reached the end of a class, near the top of the screen you will see "Click here to return to the training menu for this class" This link will take you back to the class listings.  Never click the "Back" button when in a class, this can cause the class to freeze up.

Back to Top

---

What online requirements are there for my computer?

You need to have high speed internet.   You also need to have enough memory to store the information.  You will need to clear your internet cache after ever few classes.  It's also a good idea to reset your modem at least once a week.  This helps to clear out your system so the classes can load easier.  Our classes are run using Adobe Flash Player, most computers have this installed already but if you do not have it, it is a free download from adobe.com.  You will need to use Internet Explorer or Firefox as your internet browser as our classes are not compatible with Safari or Google Chrome.  

Back to Top

---

How do I clear my internet cache?

• Internet Explorer- Go to Tools>Internet Options>General>Browsing History>Delete>Temporary Internet Files - Choose "Delete Files"
• Firefox- Go to Tools>Clear Recent History>Select "Cache" and make sure nothing else is check marked> Click Clear Now
  

Back to Top

---

How do I reset my modem?

You can reset your modem easily by unplugging the power cord from the back of your modem, waiting about 30 seconds, and then re-connecting that cord again.  It may take a couple of minutes to reconnect to the internet.  After you reset your modem it is also a good idea to restart your computer.

Back to Top

---

Can two students do the classes at the same time?

For the live classes yes, as many students who want to attend and get credit for the class can do so at the same time.  For the online classes, you would need two separate computers so each person can receive individual credit for the classes as each person is given a unique log in and will not get credit by watching it on someone else's username.

Back to Top

---

What is the online class format?  Do I read the chapter online and then take a test? Or is it a video?

It's like a video.  You will be listening to the audio recording of the instructor teaching the class and following along with the PowerPoint Presentation.  There will be short quizzes throughout the classes to make sure you are paying attention and understanding the material.  You will also receive a textbook that you can follow along with and take notes.

Back to Top

---

Can I pause the online classes?

You can pause the online classes for short periods of time, no longer than about 5 minutes.  After that time the class can timeout and may lose the progress you made on the section of the class you are viewing.  If you do need to take a longer break when taking the classes, make sure to get to the end of the section you are viewing and then return to the training menu or log out.  When you go to continue the class later, the system will save you place.

Back to Top

---