The photo features a small, beige model house placed atop a stack of spiral-bound notebooks on a wooden surface, likely a desk. The notebooks appear to be study materials or notebooks, possibly related to course work or exam preparation. In the blurred background, there's a shelf with items and a blue chair, suggesting an office or study room environment. This setting conveys a theme of education and preparation, aligning with the topic of a real estate licensing exam. The model house signifies the focus on real estate, while the notebooks imply the academic effort required to pass the licensing exam offered by the Randall School of Real Estate in Nebraska.
19 Feb 2024

Real Estate License Nebraska: Your Guide to a Successful Career in Real Estate

Introduction to Real Estate Licensing in Nebraska

Embarking on a career in real estate in Nebraska starts with obtaining your Real Estate License Nebraska. The journey from education to licensure is an exciting one, and understanding the process is key to success. In Nebraska, the path to becoming a licensed real estate agent involves comprehensive education, a background check, and passing the state exam.

The Licensing Process

How Long Does It Take to Get a Nebraska Real Estate License?

One of the most common questions is, “How long does it take to get a Real Estate License Nebraska?” The answer varies, but typically, the process from completing the required education to receiving your license takes about 2 to 4 months. This timeline can be influenced by the individual’s pace in completing the courses and passing the exam.

Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Nebraska

To become a licensed real estate agent in Nebraska, there are several steps to follow:

  1. Education: Complete the required 66 hours of pre-licensing education, which includes courses in Nebraska License Law, Real Estate Principles & Practices, and Professional Conduct and Ethical Practices.
  2. Application: Submit an application to the Nebraska Real Estate Commission (NREC). There are two types of licenses issued: a salesperson’s license and a broker’s license.
  3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process.
  4. State Exam: Successfully pass the Nebraska real estate exam.

Taking the Nebraska Real Estate Exam

Regarding the Nebraska real estate exam, a question often arises: “How many times can you take the real estate test in Nebraska?” If you fail one section of the exam, you can retake that portion up to three times or within six months, whichever comes first. Failing to pass within these attempts or timeframe requires retaking the full exam.

Eligibility Criteria

What Disqualifies You from Being a Real Estate Agent in Nebraska?

It’s important to be aware of the factors that could disqualify someone from obtaining a Real Estate License Nebraska. These include criminal convictions, civil judgments, or disciplinary actions involving any professional licenses in Nebraska or other states. Familiarity with Nebraska Revised Statutes is crucial for understanding these disqualifications.

Exam Format

The Nebraska Real Estate License Exam is a multiple-choice test based on the 66-hour pre-licensing curriculum. The salesperson exam typically includes 130 multiple choice questions, while the broker exam consists of 125 questions.

Conclusion

Obtaining your Real Estate License Nebraska is the first step towards a rewarding career in real estate. With the right preparation, adherence to state regulations, and commitment to completing the required education, your journey in the Nebraska real estate market can be both successful and fulfilling. Whether you aspire to be a salesperson or a broker, the path is clear and achievable with dedication and hard work.


Real Estate License Nebraska: Your Guide to a Successful Career in Real Estate

Introduction to Real Estate Licensing in Nebraska

Embarking on a career in real estate in Nebraska starts with obtaining your Real Estate License Nebraska. The journey from education to licensure is an exciting one, and understanding the process is key to success. In Nebraska, the path to becoming a licensed real estate agent involves comprehensive education, a background check, and passing the state exam.

The Licensing Process

How Long Does It Take to Get a Nebraska Real Estate License?

One of the most common questions is, “How long does it take to get a Real Estate License Nebraska?” The answer varies, but typically, the process from completing the required education to receiving your license takes about 2 to 4 months. This timeline can be influenced by the individual’s pace in completing the courses and passing the exam.

Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in Nebraska

To become a licensed real estate agent in Nebraska, there are several steps to follow:

  1. Education: Complete the required 66 hours of pre-licensing education, which includes courses in Nebraska License Law, Real Estate Principles & Practices, and Professional Conduct and Ethical Practices.
  2. Application: Apply to the Nebraska Real Estate Commission (NREC). There are two types of licenses issued: a salesperson’s license and a broker’s license.
  3. Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process.
  4. State Exam: Successfully pass the Nebraska real estate exam.

Taking the Nebraska Real Estate Exam

Regarding the Nebraska real estate exam, a question often arises: “How many times can you take the real estate test in Nebraska?” If you fail one section of the exam, you can retake that portion up to three times or within six months, whichever comes first. Failing to pass within these attempts or timeframe requires retaking the full exam.

Eligibility Criteria

What Disqualifies You from Being a Real Estate Agent in Nebraska?

It’s important to be aware of the factors that could disqualify someone from obtaining a Real Estate License Nebraska. These include criminal convictions, civil judgments, or disciplinary actions involving any professional licenses in Nebraska or other states. Familiarity with Nebraska Revised Statutes is crucial for understanding these disqualifications.

Exam Format

The Nebraska Real Estate License Exam is a multiple-choice test based on the 66-hour pre-licensing curriculum. The salesperson exam typically includes 130 multiple-choice questions, while the broker exam consists of 125 questions.

A Career in Real Estate

Obtaining your Real Estate License in Nebraska is the first step toward a rewarding career in real estate. With the right preparation, adherence to state regulations, and commitment to completing the required education, your journey in the Nebraska real estate market can be both successful and fulfilling. Whether you aspire to be a salesperson or a broker, the path is clear and achievable with dedication and hard work.

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The photo features a miniature model of a two-story house with white siding and red shutters, placed on the keyboard of a laptop computer. The house has a gray roof, a small front porch, and two chimneys, resembling a typical suburban home. The laptop is silver and has a black keyboard with visible ports on the side, indicating that it may be a model used for business or professional purposes. This setup may symbolize the intersection of real estate and technology, likely used by the Randall School of Real Estate to illustrate the modern aspects of real estate education or the use of technology in the real estate industry. The focus is on the house model, suggesting a primary emphasis on residential real estate.
5 Feb 2024

School for Real Estate: Randall School’s Comprehensive Education Program

Introduction to Randall School of Real Estate

The Randall School of Real Estate stands as a beacon of excellence in the realms of real estate education. Established in 1973 and bonded by the Nebraska State Department of Education, this esteemed institution has been a guiding force in Nebraska and Iowa for aspiring real estate professionals. With a steadfast commitment to providing a comprehensive education program, Randall School has become synonymous with success in real estate training.

Comprehensive Education Programs

Real Estate Pre-license and Continuing Education

At Randall School of Real Estate, the journey of becoming a licensed real estate professional is meticulously designed. The school offers both pre-license education and continuing education courses, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their careers. Their programs cover all the necessary areas of study, adhering strictly to the guidelines set by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.

Classroom and Distance Education Formats

Understanding the diverse needs of its students, Randall School offers multiple learning formats. Whether it’s traditional classroom learning or the flexibility of distance education, students have the liberty to choose the mode of study that best suits their lifestyle and learning preferences.

Support Services for All Students

Randall School doesn’t just stop at providing top-notch education; it also extends comprehensive support services. These services are tailored to assist every student in achieving their goals, making the journey from learning to licensure seamless and effective.

Licensing and Examination Preparation

Getting Your License: What You Need to Know

Nebraska Salesperson’s License Requirements

To obtain a Nebraska Salesperson’s License, candidates must be at least 19 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete 66 clock hours in approved courses. This includes two 30-hour courses and one 6-hour course on professionalism.

Nebraska Broker’s License Path

For a Nebraska Broker’s License, the requirements include being 19 years of age, possessing a high school diploma or equivalent, two years of experience as a salesperson, and a total of 126 clock hours in real estate courses.

Exam Application and Procedure

Randall School guides its students through the entire exam application process. This includes acquiring a criminal background check and submitting the necessary documents to the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.

Exam Preparation

Randall School’s Exam Prep Seminar is specifically designed to prepare students for both the salesperson and broker exams. The seminar covers all essential topics, ensuring that students are well-equipped to tackle the state licensing exam.

Continuing Education for Licensed Professionals

Mandatory Continuing Education

Licensed real estate professionals must complete a minimum of 18 hours of education every two years. This includes specific hours in “Required” content and “Property Management,” if applicable.

Diverse Educational Offerings

Randall School offers a variety of courses in 3 and 6-hour increments, both in the classroom and online. This flexibility allows professionals to tailor their continuing education according to their needs and schedules.

Certificate and Education Tracking

Upon completing each course, students receive a certificate of completion from Randall School. Additionally, the school tracks all the education undertaken by its students, ensuring no repetition and a streamlined learning experience.

Gateway to a Successful Career

Randall School of Real Estate is not just a school; it’s a gateway to a successful career in real estate. With its comprehensive educational programs, flexible learning formats, and unwavering support, it stands as the premier School for Real Estate in Nebraska and Iowa. Whether you are starting your journey or continuing your professional development, Randall School is the partner you need to achieve your real estate aspirations.

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Corona Virus, Covid-19
21 Mar 2020

Agent Showings, Open Houses, and Covid-19:

The Corona Virus no doubt has hit the real estate marketplace with a vengence. But, dispite it all, there is still a considerable amount of business taking place.

In this video, I will outline some common sense things real estate agents can implement in their showing and open house processes to minimize the exposure risk for all parties.

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Clear Cooperation Policy
25 Feb 2020

National Association of Realtors NEW MLS Clear Cooperation Policy

At the Fall 2019 NAR Convention, the Board of Directors overwhelmingly approved a new policy call the Clear Cooperation Policy.

In this video I will explain exactly what the Clear Cooperation Policy is, how it will impact how listing agents, and how much you’ll get fined for breaking the rules

Ok, before I explain what the new Clear Cooperation Policy, I think it’s important to understand current MLS policy and processes AND a little history of how we got here.

Most MLS rules require an agent, once they’ve secured a listing, to input the listing data into the MLS within 2 or 3 days of the list date.

But simply inputting the listing into the MLS didn’t necessarily mean it was in an active show status. For example, a listing agent could make the listing active in the MLS but allow no showings to give the sellers time to ready the home for market. It allowed the agent time to market the property during the maintenance period but not show it

Another scenario might be that the listing was taken by the agent BUT the seller waived the benefit of MLS exposure. So, it’s an active listing from a legal point of view and the listing agent is allowed to show the property but it’s not put into the MLS.  Putting cooperating agent and their clients at a substantial disadvantage to compete for the sale

Then came the Coming Soon Marketplace!  Where non-MLS listed property became a business model for listing agents instead of the occasional request from a seller who may be concerned about a privacy issue or a need to delay for maintenance

Now, for those of you who don’t know what a Coming Soon Listing is…

A listing agent would take a listing, place a sign in the yard, but wouldn’t input any of the listing data into the MLS. A property could remain on the market in a coming soon status for weeks and cooperating agents’ buyers had no ability to compete for the sale of the listing because the cooperating agent found it difficult or sometimes impossible to obtain any information about the coming soon listing.

Then magically, the coming soon listing would appear as SOLD in the MLS.

So, for the past few years, MLS boards, and even state regulatory bodies have struggled to regulate the Coming Soon marketplace. In fact, the Great Plains MLS which at the time was Omaha’s MLS required a Waiver of Benefits form be sign by the seller ensure they understood potential ramifications of these types of transactions.

In the end, these types of business models violated the spirit of cooperation between members, as required under Article 3 of the REALTOR code of ethics.

Now, fast forward to today

The new MLS Clear Cooperation Policy requires all Residential listings be put into the MLS system within 1 business day, IF any details about the listing is made publicly or the listing is publicly marketed. This new policy ensures MLS cooperation with other MLS members.

Now, I know most MLS’s already have a policy requiring Listing Submissions be entered into the MLS typically within 2 or 3 days of the listing date.  This allows the listing agent to secure the listing and get everything ready for marketing the property. But, under the new policy, that time frame is shorten to 1 business day if any details about the listing is made public or the property is publicly marketed.

For clarification purposes-business days don’t include Saturdays, Sundays and holidays that are recognized by the state and federal government

MLS COMPLIANCE

All local MLS’s must be in compliance with the new policy no later than May 1st, 2020. So, make sure you find out from your local MLS when their compliance date is AND any behavior modification process commonly known as fines for breaking the rules

If you’re a member of the Great Plains Regional MLS which basically services Omaha and Lincoln Area Realtors, the new policy goes into effective March 1st, 2020, and the board has implements stiff penalties for breaking the rules. I will discuss that a bit later in the video….

Now Remember, the Clear Cooperation Policy has 2 triggers: if any details about the listing is made public OR the listing is publicly marketed then the listing broker is required to input the listing into the MLS.

I want to be clear here, inputting the listing into the MLS doesn’t mean it has to be in an active show status. It simply means that cooperating MLS members must have access to the listing details.  What specific status the listing will fall into will vary by local MLS’s  

PUBLIC MARKETING

Now I want to define the “triggers.”  What does the term “PUBLIC MARKETING” mean or making details about the listing public?

Public marketing includes, but is not limited to, yard signs, marketing on public websites, brokerage website displays – including IDX and VOW feeds, digital communications marketing such as email blasts, multi-brokerage listing sharing networks, posting it to social media platforms.  Handing out flyer at the county fair, holding an open house, holding a digital open house, faxing it to another broker down the street.  The policy is meant to be interpreted very broadly

For example, let’s say you have a coming soon listing. If you put a for sale sign in the yard, that’s considered public marketing and you would be required to input the listing into the MLS within 1 business day of dropping the sign in the front lawn.

Another example, if you put out an email blast or social media post to your SOI or fellow real estate agents not affiliated with your agency, regarding a pocket listing you have,

you have made details about the listing public now you’re required to ensure that listing gets into the MLS within 1 business day of sending your email or post.

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

There is an exception to this policy that is important to and it’s called an Office Exclusive Listing.

This is where the listing is kept SOLEY within the listing company and not marketed to ANY INDIVIDUAL outside the listing Firm.  This exception was designed to meet the concerns of sellers who are concerned about privacy.

Under an Office Exclusive Listing exception, the listing broker or listing agent can directly promote the listing to other agents within the listing company.  Then the agents within the listing company can market the Office Exclusive Listing by ONE TO ONE promotion between the listing company’s agents and the agent’s direct clients.

The key here is “ONE TO ONE PROMOTION. An individual agent would be permitted to notify a buyer he or she is working with about the Office Exclusive Listing; HOWEVER, the agents would not be permitted to mass email the listing information to his or her SOI or make a Facebook post.

REMEMBER …  If the listing company or any agent within that company knowingly or unknowingly markets or provides listing details to ANY INDIVIDUAL outside the listing firm, then the listing broker MUST submit the listing to the MLS within 1 business day.

AGENT FINES

What are the fines for failure to comply with the new policy?

Any behavior modification process or Fines will be determined by each individual MLS. However, ALL local MLS’s must be in compliance with the new policy no later than May 1st, 2020,

As I stated earlier in the video, the Great Plains Regional MLS, which Omaha and Lincoln area, the deadline for compliance is March 1st, 2020 and the fines are pretty steep so I thought I would warn in advance…

  • 1st offense: $100, plus a fine of $100 for each additional day once notified by the MLS.
  • 2nd offense: $500, plus a fine of $100 for each additional day once notified by the MLS.
  • 3rd offense: $1,000, plus a fine of $100 for each additional day once notified by the MLS.
  • 4th offense: Fine to be determined by the GPRMLS Board of Directors up to the maximum allowable by the MLS, currently $15,000.

It’s important to remember, for Great Plains Regional MLS members, there will be no warning first. The first notification will be a fine!

COMING SOON LISTINGS

Remember, this new policy does not limit your ability to market listings as “Coming Soon” it simply changes the rules of engagement.  The intent of this new policy was not to kill the coming soon marketplace. It was to ensure and enhance member cooperation which is required under Article 3 of the Realtors Code of Ethics.

Here are the links to the policies I referenced in the video.

NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy:

Great Plains Regional MLS Policy:

Great Plains MLS “Coming Soon” and the “No Show” MLS Status:

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE GPRMLS LISTING SUBMISSION POLICY:

Great Plains MLS Fine Structure:

Cheers.

Paul Vojchehoske

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Randall School of Real Estate
24 Feb 2020

The Listing Agent Stole My Buyer! What Can Be Done?

From the mail bag… I received this email this past week…

Dear Paul

Here’s my story. I’ve shown a buyer over 30 houses and I’ve written 5 unsuccessful offers. All were beat out by better offers. My buyer is qualified up to 150K FHA. Its so hard to find anything for them. After all this work my buyers stopped by a random open house this weekend without me. The open agent, who was also the listing, convinced MY buyers to write an offer with her…  I think I deserve at least a referral fee, but the listing agent refuses to pay. What can I do?

Sincerely… Jacob

That’s a great question… and I’ll give you 5 possible answers IN THIS VIDEO

I can’t tell you how many times in my RE career I have seen this. I have also been a victim of this as well. But… does Jacob any recourse… and the answer is yes…. And no…. and maybe…

Jacob…. UNDERSTAND the buyer can choose to use whomever they want to work, regardless of how many times you’ve shown them houses. On it’s face there are no procuring causes here. Also understand, it sounds like your buyers really want a home to buy and they certainly have had their share of disappointments. Sometimes this cause desperation… and if there faced with any glimmers of hope, buyers will many times forgo any loyalty to their agent just so they can get a house…. And that’s not a reflection on you as the agent, you’re obviously a great agent, but that’s just the reality of the today’s tight marketplace…

But I want to break this down into two parts…. First, are you entitled to any compensation AND second, are there any disciplinary options to take against the open agent

Option #1

Let’s look at the compensation aspect first….  Jacob, IF you have a signed Exclusive Buyers Agency Agreement Then yes, the fact that your buyers used another agent provides legal recourse against the s for compensation agreed to in the agreement.

To Clarify!  An Exclusive Buyers Agency Agreement is NOT the Agency disclosure that licensee’s have their client sign outlining the agent’s duties and obligations under license law. This is a separate contract, not unlike a listing contract, between the broker and the buyer and its purpose is to protect the agent and the broker from exactly what happened to Jacob…

If you have no such contract, then there is no claim for any type of compensation. From the buyers or the other agent.

Also keep in mind, since the Buyers Exclusive Agency Agreement is technically between the broker and the buyer, only the broker can bring any legal action or against the buyer if there’s an agreement in place.  So, Jacob will need to have that discussion with his broker about taking any legal action

Option #2

What about filing a complaint against the open agent with the Nebraska Real Estate Commission (NREC)?

From a license law perspective, Jacob MAY have an actionable complaint with the real estate commission against the open agent.  I say “may” have. I spoke to Greg Lemon director of the NREC and UNLIKE LISTING AGREEMENTS, he indicated there are no specific prohibitions in statute or precedent about poaching other agents clients who are under an Exclusive Buyers Agency Agreement.  But depending on the fact pattern, there certainly could be other violations.

For example, in Jacobs case, his buyers went to an open house. If the open agent made any kind of statements such as “’Buyers Exclusive Agency Agreements aren’t enforceable” or “No worries, courts don’t like these agreements” or “Don’t worry Buyer agreements are not worth the paper they are written on.”  Something like that, there would certainly be potential violations.

So, it really depends on the facts of the individual situation.

Option #3

In Jacobs case, if the open agent is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, Jacob may have recourse through the ethics process.  Let me explain using a few possible scenarios:

The Realtors Code of Ethics Standard of Practice 15-2 says:

[Realtors have] The obligation to refrain from making false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals, their businesses and their business practices includes the duty to not knowingly or recklessly publish, repeat, retransmit, or republish false or misleading statements made by others. This duty applies whether false or misleading statements are repeated in person, in writing, by technological means (e.g., the Internet), or by any other means. (Adopted 1/07, Amended 1/12)

In Jacobs example, IF the Open agent had known that the buyers were working with an agent, AND the open agent made a false statement about the buyer’s agent, such as, “you’d be better off allowing me to write up an offer, because the agent you’ve been working with is has been sued several times by his previous clients,” or makes some other disparaging, false or misleading comments. There would be grounds to file an ethics complaint under Standards of practice 15-2.

Option #4

Standard of Practice 16-9 says,

Realtors®, PRIOR to entering into a representation agreement, have an affirmative obligation to make reasonable efforts to determine whether the prospect is subject to a current, valid exclusive agreement to provide the same type of real estate service. (Amended 1/04)

Standard of Practice 16-13 goes on to say,

Before providing substantive services (such as writing a purchase offer or presenting a CMA) to prospects, Realtors® shall ask prospects whether they are a party to any exclusive representation agreement. Realtors® shall not knowingly provide substantive services concerning a prospective transaction to prospects who are parties to exclusive representation agreements, except with the consent of the prospects’ exclusive representatives or at the direction of prospects. (Adopted 1/93, Amended 1/04)

This means, the open agents is obligated under this Standard of Practice to:

(1) ask the buyer about any potential Buyer Exclusive Agency Agreements they may have sign with another agent, and

(2) not conduct business with a prospect who is bound by the terms of a Buyers Exclusive agency agreement, unless it falls under one of the two exceptions.

Option #5

It’s happened to the best of us! I know it sucks but suck it up, move on to fight another day!

MY Recommendation

For all you agents working especially in tight market where there is low inventory and your buyers fall into that 1st time homebuyer price range and they have challenging financing such as FHA.  Have your buyers sign an Exclusive Buyers Agency Agreement before committing to them. Be open and honest with them as to why.

Its really the only way to protect your interest against the very situation we discussed in this video.

CONCLUSION

That’s all I have for todays video. If you have any questions or comments about todays topic… leave a comment below. If you have a situation, you’d like me to opine on, or you have a suggestion for a video topic, drop me an email: paul@RandallSchool.com

For the complete list of courses and schedules, visit us online:
https://randallschool.com

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How to become a real estate agent in Nebraska
https://youtu.be/vdV7lsBfVKA

Nebraska Real Estate Agents- Nebraska Continuing Education Requirements https://youtu.be/34jnQfCqqSU

CONTACT INFORMATION:

School Director: Paul Vojchehoske
Randall School of Real Estate
11036 Oak Street
Omaha, NE 68144
Telephone: (402) 333-3004
Email: info@RandallSchool.com

Legal Disclaimer: Nothing in these videos should be construed as legal or financial advice. Users should consult with an attorney or other competent professional before implementing anything we’ve discussed in this video.

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