Real Advantage Institute     

General Information on Licensing Requirements Education Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to have a high school diploma or GED to obtain a Real Estate License in New York?

No, you don't need a high school diploma or GED to get a real estate license in New York. However, you must meet other requirements, including:

* Being at least 18 years old
* Completing a 77-hour salesperson qualifying education course         
* Being sponsored by a New York state real estate broker
* Passing the New York state real estate examination with a score of 70% or higher
* Applying for the New York real estate salesperson license and paying all applicable fees
* Having a current New York photo driver's license or non-driver ID card
* Not having any prior felonies or sex offense convictions
* Being a US citizen or have the legal right to work.
* You can apply for an initial Salesperson license online at eAccessNY.
* If you completed your education outside of New York State, you can submit documents to request an education waiver.

www.dos.my.gov

Although formal education is not required it is urged that careers seekers understand what study prerequisites are necessary to successfully complete and pass the course final exam and state exam. Statistics have shown students who are prepared and receive guidance have a higher chance in successfully completing the course requirements. It’s highly recommended that students purchase RAI private exam tutoring that will prepare and increase success rate. According to Dr. Conrad, “Beyond Real Estate Licensing: Case Study Analysis of the Behavioral Assessment Relationship Applied to Human Performance, identifies although students may complete the licensing requirements they may not have the necessary entrepreneurial personal abilities and business skills necessary to successfully succeed (Richards, 2008). Continued independent research indicates, that although students may completed and pass the licensing exams they may not have the business preparedness. Dr. Conrad’s conducted studies have shown that after the first year of licensing 40% of the population will remain. In the second year of licensing only 24% of the initial population will remain. After five years of licensing only 15% of the initial population will remain. The attrition rate is staggering! Therefore, Dr. Conrad indicates that career seekers who desire a sustainable career in real estate must consider the necessary business resources to have a competitive advantage in New York City marketplace. RAI has developed and designed an effective career planning and business development program for pre-licensing students. Ask our school office for more information.

Richards, C. (2008). Beyond Real Estate Licensing. Case Study Analysis of Behavioral Assessment Relationship Applied in Human Performance”, ProQuest

 

Do I need to have a high school diploma or GED to become a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) in New York?

Yes, you generally need a high school diploma or GED to become a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) in New York. Additional requirements:

Education. You must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education, plus 3 hours of New York law. A total of 23 hours of pre-licensing education for New York State. These courses are designed to ensure that all loan officers meet the necessary standards for knowledge and conduct. 
Testing. You must pass the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator Test with a score of 75% or higher. The exam is 190 minutes long and costs $110.  Application. You must submit an application through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org
Fees. You must pay a non-refundable investigation fee, license fee, and NMLS processing fee. You may also need to pay New York State Criminal Background Check Fingerprint Fees. https://www.dfs.ny.gov
Other requirements include: Researching state laws, Getting practical experience, and A bachelor's degree and some experience in finance and sales.

https://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org
https://www.dfs.ny.gov

Although a minimum of a high school education is required it is urged that career seekers understand what study prerequisites are necessary to successfully complete and pass the course final exam and national exam through RAI private tutoring or student support tools through our partners. Private tutoring or student support tools can increase student knowledge, student readiness, and higher exam success rate. According to Dr. Conrad, the profession of mortgages loan origination requires a financial background, personal branding, innovative resources, and entrepreneurial mindset to weather a highly competitive industry. According to (MBA) Mortgage Banking Association and Stratmor Peer Group Round-table Program. Loan officer turnover rate is high averaging almost 40% annually. Therefore, Dr. Conrad indicates that new career seekers who desire a sustainable career in mortgage banking should consider the necessary business resources to have a competitive advantage in New York City marketplace. RAI has developed and designed an effective career planning and business development program for pre-licensing students. Ask our school office for more information. Also through our partner OnCourseLearning you will find many learning resources to support your success.

How do I know which learning method LDE or CB course modes is right for me?

LDE Live Distant Education (Webinars) hosted by Zoom technology that allows students to engage remotely in a virtual classroom structured like an in-person classroom in Real-Time. Learning in this method provides advantages and disadvantages it all depends on the learner learning preferences and preparedness. Here some advantages: Learning in a virtual classroom offers flexibility and accessibility r, learning engagement and participation through student-to-student and student-instructor, increase collaboration and personalized learning experiences, and digital tools that improves technology skills. Disadvantages: Some students actually prefer to learn in-person connect with others through body language and engagement, however such disadvantages can be addressed by an engaging instructor who understands how to engage and motivate learners for an effective learning experience. If your preferred learning requires interaction with others (LDE) would be the right choice.

CB Computer Base Education hosted by Learning Management Systems LMS provides an opportunity for learners and instructors to engage with learning materials at different times. This method of learning may include watching prerecorded lectures, reading, participation in online discussion boards and forums, and completing quizzes. Here are some advantages: Learners and instructor are not required to be present in the learning classroom at the same time this can be great for learners who desire a flexible option to start, pause, and resume at their own learning pace. Disadvantage:  Some students actually are less motivated when learning independently that requires self-discipline and time management. Method requires students to have good study habits and are comfortable with isolation and delayed feedback. If you prefer high degree of flexibility and independence (CB) would be the right choice.

As a licensed real estate professional operating in New York do I need a teachers license to teach real estate courses in New York? 

No, in New York real estate educators who meet state requirements to teach real estate courses are not licensed.  Upon meeting Department of State point system Real Estate Instructor applicants will receive state approval. New application requires a signed application and a $25 non-refundable registration fee. Application form: DOS-1501-f-a (Rev. 12/22) can be found online or go to www.dos.ny.gov. Applicants must submit a resume to the Department of State that supports a minimum of 100 points of work and/or academic experiences. Any applicant who is four months or more in arrears in child support may be subject to having his or her business, professional and driver’s licenses suspended. This procedure also applies to real estate instructor approvals. All statements should be truthful and supported. At RAI we recognize that many real estate professionals who have a desire to share their expertise in the classroom may not have the necessary formal instructor education and or any formal teaching experiences. RAI offers a NYS approved LDE 12-Hour (Webinar) to fulfill NYS instructor education that meets (50 points) of formal training in organizing and presenting instructional material. This course is also great for educators who desire to upgrade their teaching skills and learn new effective teaching methods. Ask our school office for more information.

General Information for LDE Live Distant Education Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I register and secure enrollment status for a LDE course?

LDE Live Distant Education (Webinars) are hosted by Zoom technology. Registration includes the collection of student information such as full name, contact information (telephone and email address), course selection, and payment. Enrollment takes place when the registration process is complete, a secured seat in a classroom is granted. Enrolled students will receive a registration receipt with a student number, a course curriculum, a course calendar, and course instructor contact information.

Can a student be registered but not enrolled in a LDE course?

Yes, it could be possible due to low student registration or systems problems that may delay full enrollment. Enrollment could be delayed by non-payment or missing relevant registration information. Registration requires valid identification, proof of address, valid contact information, and acceptable payment using cash, credit card, or debit card. Personal checks are not acceptable. Upon purchasing a course, students will be given a registration receipt of payment that includes a student number, course syllabus, course schedule, and instructor contact details. LDE Live Distant Education students will be given a password to access the zoom meeting virtual classroom. Contact RAI school to register by phone or by email. CB Computer Base students will be given access to our partners LMS system;

How to gain access to zoom websites? What should I do If I forget my password? 

LDE Live Distant Education offers synchronous Mode of Learning, with subject matter expert instruction. During the registration process each student will be given a student number and directed how to gain access to the online classroom supported by www.zoom.us. A link to the online classroom will also be provided. selects (email address) as your username and (secret code) will be provided as your password. Your password should be kept in a safe place and should not be shared with anyone else. You will use the same username and password each time you login to access the live distant classroom. If you forget your password, call our main office who will provide the Password once you have been authenticated. Upon entering the online classroom update your profile to reflect your full name. 

Am I required to attend all classes? Will I be impacted for lateness?

Licensing learners (pre-licensing and continuing education) in LDE Live Distant Education and CB computer base classes are expected to attend the required seated hours in all online classes. Excused absences are granted in cases of documented serious illness, family emergency, religious observance, or civic obligation. In the case of religious observance or civic obligation, this should be reported no later than the first week of class. Licensing State guidelines allows 10% excused absences of the required licensing hours. Classroom tardiness is considered disruptive to the learning environment. Coming in late to the Zoom class not only deprives a tardy student of full learning time, but also disrupts the education of other students. Students who arrive over 15 minutes late to a Zoom session will not be admitted into the online classroom and will be marked absent. Accumulated lateness of more than 2 occurrences will be subjected to removal from the course. CB Computer Base students have the convenience and flexibility to take a CB course according to personal schedule and preferred location however CB courses are designed and tracked make sure students meet the required seated hours of the course. 

What are the expectations in a LDE Live Distant Education course?

As licensing students, you are expected to conduct yourselves in a professional manner and engage and collaborate with your classmates in the Zoom meeting room. Below is our guiding principles of LDE Live Distant Education remote learning requirements via zoom: 

"Secure a location that is conducive for learning. Think about your background and minimize distractions around you. Dress as if you are in the classroom. Keep your microphone muted unless asking a question or engaging in discussion. Check your video and audio when entering your class session. Look into the camera instead of looking at the screen. Type quietly or mute if necessary. Don’t eat during a Zoom class session and refrain from engaging in any activity such as smoking, consuming alcohol, etc. that you would not engage in if the class was in-person". 

How to ensure learning equality in the learning environment? If English is my second language, can I use my native language in the learning environment?

LDE Live Distant Educational online classes are diverse and include students who range in age, culture, learning styles, and levels of professional experiences. Our classrooms maintain an inclusive learning environment that ensures all students can equally participate with and learn from each other, as well as receive feedback and instruction from faculty during breakout group discussions in the classroom. All course-based discussions and group assignment should occur in a language that is recognized by New State Regulators. Students are required to complete (on their own) homework assignments following each chapter covered in the text, group case problems which will be periodically assigned, and a final exam that will be proctored at our school testing facility.

As a student what rights do I have in the LDE Live Distant Education classroom?

Establishing an environment of mutual respect and exchange in the classroom requires instructional commitment to present discussions and full attention to the course materials presented in the zoom meeting room. All class sessions are recorded and are used for course development, if students wish to decline from a recorded session, they have the right to do so and will be removed from the session. 

How do I receive my course certificate once the Live Distant Education classroom is completed?

LDE Live Distant Education offers pre-licensing courses. Once the pre-licensing course is completed, students will need to authenticate the number of hours completed then schedule a proctored in-person final multiple choice exam at our school office in Fresh Meadows, Queens or our testing site in Bayside, Queens. Upon passing the final exam (70%) a certificate of completion will be mailed to the student and NY State or other regulatory bodies will be notified. Students are allowed to retake the final exam once for $100. Course certificates are mailed to the student address on file. If the course is a continuing education course once all course requirements are completed, authentication of hours completed and certified, a certificate will be mailed to the student and NY State and other regulatory bodies will be notified for CE credit. Continuing education students are responsible for submitting the proper documentation when completing the renewal application.

Is my course certificate my real estate license?

No. It is important to know that a course completion certificate is not a real estate license. Successful students who pass the class exam will need to schedule a State real estate salesperson exam online. (www.dos.ny.gov). In order to schedule an examination a student must have an eAccessNY account. eAccessNY online account allows students to view scheduled exams, exam details, and exam results online.

Where can I take my real estate State examination?

There are several State exam sites that are available. Convenient locations servicing New York City includes, 123 Williams Street 2nd Floor, New York 10038, 68 Lincoln Road, Basement, Franklin Square, NY 11010, or 250 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788. The State exams are multiple choice with a passing requirement of (70%). 

Are there any additional requirements beyond the State exams to apply for a license?

In order to apply for a salesperson license applicants must meet State work requirements in obtaining a sponsor. If a student is applying for associate broker license applicants must obtain a sponsor. A sponsor is a broker employer who will be responsible for the actions of the employed. Upon securing a broker who will be the employer of the applicant an application can be sent to the state for processing. If all requirements are met the State will send the license and pocket card to the broker employer. The broker will keep the license in safe keeping and forward the pocket card the the licensee.

Can I take the LDE Live Distant Education course from various locations and computer devices? 

LDE courses are set up for students to access from any location that conforms to the expectation of LDE Live Distant Education remote learning requirements mention earlier. Any computer devices can be used that is compatible with www.zoom.us. However RAI requires students to use desktop computers or laptops, or ipads but not phones. Login, first, open your computer internet browser and navigate to the Zoom website at Zoom.us. Then, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click "Download" in the web page's footer. On the download center page, click "Download" under the "Zoom Client for Meetings" section. The Zoom app will then begin downloading. Download the most updated zoom application found in zoom. We recommend using a faster system and faster internet connection. 

Who administers the LDE course? How does the LDE course work? Can I take more than one course at the same time?

The LDE Live Distant Education courses are administered by Real Advantage Institute main office and delivered by faculty. You may take the LDE Live Distant Education course according to the course schedule. LDE courses can be taken at a location of choice but must meet our remote learning requirements. If you exit out of the zoom meeting classroom, log back in immediately. If you’re having trouble login back in notify the instructor of record immediately or contact our main office. No. you cannot take more than one course LDE/ CB at the same time. LDE /CB courses are designed to allow students to have only one course open at a time.

If my computer freezes or loose connection or experience power failure, what should I do in a LDE pre-licensing or continuing education class ?

If you get disconnected from the Internet, taking a LDE/ CB course just log back in. LDE Zoom classes track all participant entry and exit. The CB computer base LMS tracks all self study students progress. In the LDE pre-licensing courses in Zoom, if a student does not log back in, the student will lose attendance time and possibly loose credit for the class if absence is over 15 minutes. If student are not able to log back in they are required to contact the instructor of record or the main office immediately. You don't have to be a computer expert to take our LDE Live Distant Education courses or CB computer base courses. Zoom contains a navigation tutorial to help you quickly become comfortable with moving around the zoom meeting classroom. CB computer base courses offers a navigation tool to guide learners to the learning models. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our school office for support. office@realadvantage.us New York State Bureau of Education Standards BES and Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System NMLS guidelines requires seat-time learning. Seat-time learning dictates that you remain in the course for a designated length of time (typically, 50 minutes per hour of instruction). 

Is there a refund policy? 

Yes, information regarding refunds, course extensions and credit hours can be found in our General Student Support Policy below.

General Information for CB Computer Base Learning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What to expect from CB Computer-Based Learning? 

CB Computer Base Learning offers Asynchronous learning mode, with expert knowledge, engaging, and relevant topics in Real Estate and Mortgage Education through our partners. Real estate courses are offered through The CE Shop learning management systems LMS and Mortgages courses are offered through OncourseLearning learning management systems LMS. Purchase courses now and study at your own pace throughout the course timeframe. Such courses are fully approved by the state, and national regulatory organizations. All courses are developed by industry experts and experienced instructional designers ensuring the content reflects current market condition and delivery accommodates varied learning styles. It important to know that CB Computer Base Pre-licensing courses are proctored in-person at our school office Fresh, Meadows or at our testing site in Bayside Queens.  If you are not satisfied with any course for any reason, please contact us and let us know.

How to gain access to the CB Learning Management Systems? What should I do If I forget my password? Are all courses approved by NYS? And what are the acceptable methods of payments?

During the enrollment process for a CB Computer Base course each student will be directed to the learning management system LMS location. Students will select their (email address) as username and select a password. A password should be something that you can easily remember. You will use the same username and password each time you login to access your course(s). This information is entered in the Login section of the learning system. If you forget, just select “Forgot” and reset Password. Yes, the courses are approved for pre-licensing and continuing education. The cost of each course is in the course offering page. You may pay using all major credit cards Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

Can I print the computer-based course materials? How long will a computer-based course take? How long do I have access to the computer-based course? 

CB Computer based courses are entirely online and are not designed to be printed. It is recommended that students take notes while going through the course modules. You may also have access to PDF documents throughout the course that can be saved/printed. Each course has been approved for a specific number of clock hours placed by each course description in the course catalogue. Depending on your reading level and learning pace will determine whether you will take less or more time to complete the course. Online courses are available for one year. 

How do I receive my course certificate once the CB Computer-Based course is complete? 

Once you complete a Real Estate Pre-Licensing CB Computer Based course using The CE Shop learning system, you will need to schedule a proctored final class exam with our school office. office@realadvantage.us Upon passing the final exam a certificate will be mailed and the State will be notified. If a student is completing a CE course, once all course requirements are completed a certificate of completion will be mailed and the State will be notified. If you completed a MLO Pre-Licensing or MLO CE's, via CB Computer Based Course, OnCourseLearning will issue the certificate of completion.  

Can I take the CB course from various locations and computer devices? Who administers the CB course? How does the CB course works?

Asynchronous course or another name is a CB computer Base course, allows students to have the flexibility to take the course in various locations at any time. You may take the course at your own pace and on your own time. You may take the course in increments or all at once. If you exit out of the course, then log back in later, you will start back in the lesson that you previously had been taking. It is recommended to access using most current internet browser that is compatible with the learning system requirements. It is recommend using a faster system and faster internet connection for reliable results. Real Estate CB courses are offered through The CE Shop learning systems and are facilitated by RAI. Mortgage courses are offered and administered by OnCourseLearning.

Can I take two CB classes at the same time or have two courses open at the same time? What shall I do if my computer timed out or freezes or loose connection or power while taking the course?  

No. Our CB Computer-Based courses are designed to allow you to have only one course open at a time. Yes, every CB Computer Based course page that you visit is recorded in our database as a completed page. In addition, the course 'bookmarks' the last page you visited, allowing you to return to where you left off when you exit out, even if the course locks up for some reason. If you get disconnected from the Internet, just log back in. When you sign back into the course, you will be returned to where you left off. Once you login, click on the course title and then select Start Course.

I am attempting to access the CB Computer Based course, what shall I do my course window is blank?

This issue is most often due to an outdated or blocked plugin in the browser. We recommend that you try accessing your courses with the Google Chrome internet browser. You can download Google Chrome at chrome.google.com by clicking the blue 'Download now' button. If you still receive a blank course window in Google Chrome, the issue is most likely due to special security software on your computer. In that case, another internet browser that we would recommend is Mozilla Firefox.

I am not computer friendly is the CB computer-based course right for me? Can I see my course progress? I notice each page have a timer can this be turned off or speed up?

You don't have to be a computer expert to take CB Computer Based courses. All our courses contain navigation tutorials to help you quickly become comfortable with moving around. And certainly, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our school main office. Every page in the course has an associated title. You can see a list of every page title when you click the “Table of Contents”. State and regulatory guidelines require seat-time learning. Seat-time learning dictates that you remain in the course for a designated length of time (typically, 50 minutes per hour of instruction). You cannot move on until the timer has expired for each course page.

Do I have to take the course all at once? Is there audio in the course? Is there a video in the course? 

CB courses are available on demand around the clock at any time. If you don't have time to complete the entire course in one sitting, you may exit and return at your convenience. The course will bookmark your progress and upon return will take you back to the place where you left off previously. Not all our courses contain audio. For courses that do, audio is typically used only for video clips. 

Is there a refund policy? 

Yes, information regarding refunds, course extensions and credit hours can be found in our General Student Support Policy.

General Student Support Policy:

What is the LDE Live Distant Education and CB Course cancellation policy? 

Real Advantage Institute RAI reserves the right to cancel LDE Live Distant Education and CB courses up to one day before the course begins due to inadequate enrollment or system failure. If your course is cancelled, you are entitled to a credit, refund, or transfer. If you need to cancel, you must notify RAI Real Advantage Institute within 5-business days before the course begins. If you do cancel within that time frame, RAI will refund tuition paid minus a $25 processing fee, which may be credited toward another course taken in the same year. RAI courses are non-refundable once a class series begins, or if a student have attended classes. No refund is available once the class has begun.

How long can I access my LDE Live Distant Education and CB Computer Courses?

LDE Learning Distant Education courses must be taken within the class schedule days, evenings, or weekend offerings provided. LDE Live Distant Education classes will be available once classes begin and will expire in 3-months. Real Estate Prelicensing LDE Live Distant Education missed classes beyond 3-months will be subjected to an extension fee of 50% of the purchase price of the course for another 3-months. Mortgage Prelicensing LDE Live Distant Education webinar courses needs to be completed within a two-week period from the start date. CB Computer Base courses are available for one year with no extensions. CB Computer Based courses after one year will automatically expire and will not be accessible upon expiration. In summary, enrolled LDE pre-licensing real estate students have three months to complete a course. Enrolled CB pre-licensing real estate students have one year to complete courses. Enrolled LDE pre-licensing mortgage have two-weeks from start date to complete courses. 

When do I receive course completion certificate and how my hours are credited? 

Once a student completes the LDE Live Distant Education pre-licensing course and passes the in-person proctored final school exam, the passing student will be issued a certificate of completion by mail. LDE Live Distant Education continuing education students will receive a certificate upon completing the class requirements. CB Computer Base students will be issued a certificate of completion upon completion of the course. RAI will notify New York State that a student have you successfully Pre-licensing or Continuing Education course.

What is the refund policy?

LDE Live Distant Education and pre-licensing and continuing education courses refunds are available up to 7-calendar days after purchase. 5-day before the start date. Refund fee of $25 will be charged. The are no refunds once the course begins. Textbooks are available from our school office. book purchases can be picked up at the school office or mailed to the students address on file.

How do I receive credit for my completed continuing education?

Once a student has completed a LDE Live Distant Education or CB Computer Base course, a certificate of completion will be issued upon completing all the course requirements.  Completing students will need to fill out the Student Affidavit provided at the end of the course to authenticate and certify student completion. You will then be eligible to process your license renewal through eAccessNY. If you are audited for CE compliance, please contact RAI at 718-217-REAL (7325) or office@realadvantage.us to request proof of completion.

ONLINE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Student Support 718-217-REAL       office@realadvantage.us
 
REAL ESTATE LDE  COURSES:

Supported by Zoom Technology 

REAL ESTATE CB COURSES:

Supported by partner affiliates

TheCEShop LMS                                

MORTGAGE LDE COURSES:

Supported by Zoom Technology                  

MORTGAGE CB COURSES:

Supported by partner affiliates OnCourseLearning LMS
 
 

 

FAQ follow up. 

Contact us Today! if you have any questions regarding FAQ's contact us and we will clarify your question and help you get familiar with our school courses and requirements.