Austin Institute of Real Estate

TREC has released a few updates that we would like to pass along to our students:

Fingerprinting Requirements:  Please recall that fingerprints are required for anyone submitting an application for an initial broker or salesperson license on or after January 1, 2008.  In addition, licensees renewing on or after this date are reuired to proved fingerprints for their first renewal after January 1, 2008.  the fingerprint requirement does not apply to inspectors.  Licensees may get fingerprinted up to one year prior to their renewal date.  To schedule fingerprinting go to the TREC website and download the FAST Print Pass form.   Contact IBT to schedule and appointment at one of their locations.  A link to the IBT telephone number and lcoations can be found at the TREC website:  http://www.trec.state.tx.us/FASTPrintPass/

No. EcoBroker is open to both agents and Brokers alike.

There has been a lot of confusion on this and the answer is that this is a class for individuals in the real estate industry who want the education and tools to help consumers take advantage of energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive design in real estate properties. Through EcoBroker’s unique energy and environmental curriculum, real estate professionals acquire the knowledge and resources to become Certified EcoBrokers. These real estate professionals assist clients in their pursuit of properties that provide affordability, comfort and a healthier environment (reducing carbon footprints).

Learn more about EcoBroker

When you enroll in our EcoBroker class this December or start an EcoBroker online class you will automatically be entered into a Eco-Retreat Getaway! The winner will recieve a $3000 vacation certificate to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands. It's easy to sign up for the class; you can either register online or call us at (512) 453-0900.

Our live EcoBroker class is:

Dec. 3rd-5th

EcoBroker Environmental Advantage™ 06-00-109-6326, EcoBroker Energy Advantage™ 06-00-109-6325, and EcoBroker Green Market Advantage™ 06-00-109-6327
9am-4pm (1 hour for lunch)
Cost: $395 which includes all of your materials. Get the full list of what's included.

Who knew that green education could be so rewarding?

The Austin Institute is pleased to announce that we have partnered with ECOBrokers International to provide all of the courses necessary for you to become an ECOBroker. And we have just been approved to offer the three six-hour courses for MCE credit (provider #0040)

Our first live class will be offered December 3,4, and 5, 2008 from 9am-4pm each day.

The cost is $395 and includes all of your materials. Lunch will be provided.

The courses are also offered online and are unique in that you will also have access to a live instructor.

If you are looking for a way to create a unique marketing position and/or specialty in the market, this could be a very important designation for you to obtain.

As one student said:  "Not only does this designation help me, it helps my clients and it helps the planet!!"

Sign up today!

Getting rich is a point of view!

Some people are perpetual pessimists, see problems everywhere, think rich people are crooks and live in constant want, lack, limitation, fear…and resentment.

Ecobroker is a great course for learning about environmental and energy aspects of new AND RESALE homes, and then how to market yourself as a REALTOR® who has been trained and is ready to help with energy ratings, indoor air quality assessments, solar electricity, upgrades, lending for upgrades, and special mortgages for new and resale homes with green features. I have taken the course both online and live, and you finish with an incredible resource of information from government, industry, and business websites across the spectrum. TREC provides 18 hours of MCE credit, too!

The Ecobroker organization is an international network of green REALTORS® and affiliates like energy raters, energy audit companies, lead, radon, and mold testers and remediators, solar and other renewable energy manufacturers, lenders, everything you need to get your network of resources started.

There are two emotions that drive the market. Greed and fear. Greed has been the driver of late and the relentless pursuit for higher returns based on unproven and now, we find out, faulty computer risk models has resulted in massive losses around the globe. What can you, as a small investor, do to protect yourself from the “financial advisors”, make better decisions about your investments and provide more stability and security while lowering your risk? Simple. Increase your own financial IQ. How else are you going to be able to tell a good investment from a bad one?

For those of you who made it out to Realty Round Up we loved seeing you!   We had a great energy around the booth and our prize wheel made it extra fun.  For those of you who walked away with a Free Live Course certificate or a Lifetime MCE certificate, congratulations!!  Some of you may have noticed the big EcoBroker banner we had hanging up.  Well, the course is coming up on December 3-5^th and it has just been approved for MCE elective credit as well as a designation.  Check out the information page about the course here .    Thank you all for joining us, hope to see you again next year!

Let's face it.

Austin and Central Texas are going green, green and greener. If you are doing business (any business really but particularly real estate), you should be informed on the subject!!

Here are some reasons for becoming an ECOBroker

For years the Austin Institute has been not only a great place to get your Real Estate education but also pick up a few books to help you educate yourself about the industry. Now our website provides the same resources as our Realtor Store in Austin.

All the items in the store have been hand picked by our owners Wayne and Lynn Morgan and have been industry staples for not only improving your business but also improving yourself. So please go check it out and let us know what you think!