How do I sign up for the test?
You can register online with the company that administers the test - the website is www.goamp.com. Montana Real Estate Pro recommends that you take the test a week to two weeks after finishing the course. You will need a photo ID and your course completion certificate in order to take the exam.
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Where is the test given?
The real estate exam is currently offered in Billings, Great Falls and Missoula*. Test times are available in the morning and afternoon. The test is usually administered at an H&R Block location or some other contracted center. (* Subject to change. Check with the Board of Realty Regulation at www.realestate.mt.gov or AMP at www.goamp.com for current locations.)
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When should I take the test?
We recommend that you take the exam about a week to two weeks after you complete your pre-license class. This gives you a short break, and then a few days to refocus your energy and study the concepts that you may be having difficulty with. You will receive multiple ways to prepare for the exam in the class itself, so a few days to work through these is recommended.
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What textbooks will I need?
The textbook that you will need for the class is Modern Real Estate Practice, 17th edition. You can often find this textbook online through Amazon.com or Textbooks.com for a good price, used books are fine also. If not, you can elect to purchase a new copy from us for $45.00, or a used one for $30. Please add this to your shopping cart on the registration page to guarantee enough textbooks are available. You will receive the book on the first day of class.
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What sort of calculator will I need?
Unlike some other courses, we don't recommend getting a financial or high-tech calculator. You can solve any real estate math problem with a simple, easy-to-read $8 solar calculator from Staples or Office Depot. Make sure the keys are big enough and the display is clear, including the decimal points. If you have a PDA/Cell phone with a calculator, you can use this in class but you will not be able to use it on the state exam.
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Why should I attend an in-person "live" class instead of an online one?
This is totally up to you. Adult learners; people who have been away from a classroom environment for years or even decades; tend to do much better in a classroom setting than online. Busy parents may not have that option. We offer "live" classes during the week and also "weekends-only" classes to work with a variety of schedules. One of the primary advantages to an "live" class is the ability to interact with your peers, ask questions of your instructor and learn from the experiences talked about in each class. If you are the type of person who can't sit still through a 2 hour movie at home; constantly getting up to do things; you probably won't do well with an online course.
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How do I become a Realtor®?
First you take the class, then take your real estate exam and submit your application and paperwork to the Board of Realty Regulation. When approved, you will become a licensed real estate agent in the state. Joining the local and National Association of Realtors is separate from this. Most residential agents join the association to facilitate sales and network with the other agents in the market area. You do not need to be a Realtor® to sell real estate in the state of Montana.
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Are brokers hiring?
Most real estate agents work for a broker as an independent contractor. Even during a slowdown, most larger real estate offices are still looking for new agents. If you need an employment position with a steady salary, you may consider working in property management, for a builder, or as a real estate assistant to a busy residential or commercial real estate agent. Title companies also are often interested in real estate licensees.
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How do I find a Broker?
This is a very important step - the broker you choose will often make the difference between you enjoying a prosperous career in real estate or burning out after a year. It is important to choose a broker who is honest, fair, helpful and knowledgeable. You will also want to inquire about their training and mentoring programs, the type of commission split structure offered, who pays for costs such as signage, business cards and advertising, and what might be required of you. Also be sure to ask about their reputation in the community and review their print and online advertising. Most importantly, you and your broker need to see eye-to-eye on how to conduct business and what is considered professional conduct. Last point, when interviewing with larger offices, don't just speak with the recruiter. You will be supervised and working with the broker, so you want to meet them as well. Some offices are set up to take on new agents and provide them everything they need. Others may not be good environments for new agents.
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I am licensed in another state, how do I get my Montana license?
It depends. You will want to contact the Board of Realty Regulation and speak to the licensing assistant. You may have to take the entire pre-license class over again, or perhaps only a portion. You may only have to take the state portion of the real estate exam, depending on how recently you took the national portion and in what state you are coming from. The Board of Realty Regulation's website is www.realestate.mt.gov.
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Does Montana Real Estate Pro offer continuing education courses?
Yes! We teach continuing education courses in conjunction with some of the local associations of Realtors and separately throughout the year. Your first year you will need to attend the Rookie Class, which covers your entire first years requirement for continuing education.
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Does Montana Real Estate Pro offer a guarantee?
Yes! We offer the Test-Pass Guarantee. If you take the test and do not pass, you are welcome to take the entire class over again at no charge. You will also get a free 2-hour Exam Prep session to make sure you are studying the right material and understanding the most important concepts on your exam. We have only had to use this guarantee twice in Montana!
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I am an investor or builder. Should I get my real estate license?
While you do not need to be licensed, it is often a good idea - even if it just saves you in commissions. By getting your license, you will learn lots of useful information that can help you be a more successful investor, property manager, builder or developer and you can more easily engage with other agents to sell or market properties.
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Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes! If you would like to pay over time, we can bill you in monthly installments of $150 each. The first payment would be required prior to the first day of class. You will get your completion certificate for the class once all payments have been made.
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How can I pay for the course?
We accept cash, checks and all major credit cards through Google Checkout.
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I need to get a Sponsoring Broker Endorsement. Does Montana Real Estate Pro offer this?
No, not yet. We will be rolling out Broker's classes in 2010. For broker's looking to get their supervising broker endorsement, contact the Board of Realty Regulation at www.realestate.mt.gov or Zane Sullivan seminars at www.zanesullivan.com.
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I am interested in attending a real estate convention out of state. Can I get CE credit for courses I attend?
Probably. If the convention is a state or national Association of Realtors® convention, many of the courses will count for CE credit in Montana. You will want to speak to someone at the Board of Realty Regulation to be sure. If it is a "brand" convention, meaning one affiliated with a major real estate franchise system like Prudential or Century 21, the classes may not be approved for credit.
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It is October and I have not yet completed my CE credit for the year. What can I do?
Most of the larger city associations of Realtors® offer some sort of just-in-time, procrastinators continuing education marathon. If the association in your area does not, visit the Montana Association of Realtors site for the contact information of other associations in the state.
You can also take a number of online courses. Visit the Montana Board of Realty Regulation for more details at www.realestate.mt.gov.
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