Career in Real Estate

Are you interested in a Career in Real Estate?

Real Estate is a challenging but rewarding field.  You’ll enjoy flexibility and the freedom to work your own hours.  There is also no limit on your potential income.  It will all depend upon your own efforts.  A real estate career will also allow you independence on choosing what type of environment you want to work in.

You will want to visit the Texas Real Estate Commission website for more information about becoming a licensed salesperson.  The following education is required:

1. Principles of Real Estate core real estate course (60 classroom hours)
2. Law of Agency core real estate course (30 classroom hours)
3. Law of Contracts core real estate course (30 classroom hours)
4. An additional core real estate course (30 classroom hours)
5. Another four semester (60 classroom) hours in core courses or in related courses acceptable to the Commission. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university satisfies all of the "related" education requirements for a salespersons license.     NOTE: Effective September 1, 2012, Pre-license education requirements for a salesperson license will change from 210 total hours to 180 core hours. Core hours must consist of Principles of Real Estate (60 classroom hours); Law of Agency (30 classroom hours); Law of Contracts (30 classroom hours); Promulgated Contracts (30 classroom hours); and Real Estate Finance (30 classroom hours). Related course credit may no longer be used to meet education requirements for a salespersons license).

Search for a local real estate school classroom near you.

Once you complete your pre-license education, you can submit your application to TREC as long as you are at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of Texas.  You will also need to pass the real estate salesperson's license exam.  Find out more about the steps to becoming a licensed Texas real estate salesperson.

Kid-Friendly Outdoor Projects

Kid-Friendly Outdoor Projects

Make Stepping Stones

We did this project a few years ago and the stones have moved around with our family.  You can buy pre-made stepping stone kits or do it yourself with a 40-lb bag of ready-mix concrete or mortar.  One bag should make 3 to 5 stones.  You can use wood, old pans or cake pans to create 2-inch thick stones.  While the concrete is still wet, add decorative items like beads, marbles, and tiles.  You can also write your kid's name and date on the stone.  Wait at least 48 hours for the concrete to dry before you remove it from the form.

Decorate Your Mailbox

Not all homes have individual mailboxes anymore, but if you do live in an area with your very own mailbox, you may consider painting or decorating it with the kids.  Once you demount the mailbox, clean and dry it completely.  Place a coat of metal primer on it and then let your kid's imagination take over.  You can use craft stencils, decorative paint and designs to make it unique.  Don't forget to include your house numbers as well.

Make a Stacked Plant Tower

Kids will love this outdoor project since it plays on optical illusion.  Stick a ½-inch diameter wooden dowel or piece of copper pipe firmly into the ground or a big pot. Put clay pots of various sizes onto the pipe, threading the pipe through the drain holes. Fill the pots with soil and tilt them at crazy angles.  The rods should hold up all the pots upright.

Green Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Green Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Are you looking to do a Green Kitchen Remodel?  If so, check out these eco-friendly and green kitchen remodeling tips for your next project!

1) Look for Eco-Friendly Countertops

The greenest countertops will be made of recycled material.  Consider countertops from IceStone - made from 100 percent recycled glass and cement. PaperStone® is another brand that is known as a sustainable countertop material.  Whatever you choose, using environmental products can be cost-effective, eco-friendly and beautiful.

2) Ditch Your Old Fridge

The refrigerator is second among home appliances in energy consumption – next only to air-conditioners – so if your model is 10 years or older, it’s about time for a replacement.  Look for models with Energy Star logos that will help you maximize your energy and dollar savings without compromising refrigeration.

3) Opt for Energy-Efficient Lighting

Fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps use up to 75% less energy than  comparable incandescent lamps. In fact, according to EnergyStar.gov, a single  CFL bulb will save $30 to $40 during its expected lifespan of 10,000 hours.

4) Make Recycling a Part of Life

Make it easier for yourself to incorporate recycling as a part of daily life.  Most cabinet manufacturers offer options for lower cabinets that include  pull-out recycling bins to keep contents organized and out of sight. You can  even get surface-mounted bins to go underneath holes in countertops. Then you can just sweep food and trash right in.