new home or remodel

EERE Consumer's Guide: Designing and Remodeling a Home Search Help More Search Options Search EERE Information Center Professional Services Find an Architect American Institute of Architects Federal Government Resources Energy-Efficient Rehab Advisor U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Related Links A Construction Technology Showcase Homes Across America Energy & Environmental Building Association Decisions for Environmental Buildings Green Tree Green Building Home Guidelines National Association of Home Builders Research Center Reading List Related Publications Printable Version Designing and Remodeling a Home Before you design a new home or remodel an existing one, you should consider investing in its energy efficiency. You'll save energy and money in the long run. It's also a good time to invest in a renewable energy system that will provide your home with electricity , water heating , or space heating and cooling . If you'd like to design an energy-efficient home, no matter what type of design, you should use what's called the whole-house systems approach . If you're remodeling a home, conduct an energy audit to help you determine what energy efficiency improvements should and can be made to your home. Learn how to optimize energy efficiency with the following home designs and construction techniques: Advanced House (Wall) Framing Techniques Reduce lumber use and waste—improving energy efficiency—in the construction of a traditional wood-framed house. Earth-sheltered Homes Incorporate earth into their structure and design for durability and energy efficiency. Log Homes Use wooden logs to provide structure and insulation. Manufactured Homes Feature energy-efficient options for new homes and improvements for older homes. Passive Solar Homes Take advantage of climatic conditions, especially the sun, for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Straw Bale Homes Use straw bales to provide all or part of their structure and insulation. Zero Energy Homes Produce more energy than they use. You should also explore your options for financing an energy-efficient home or improvements . Printable Version Skip footer navigation to end of page. Webmaster | Security & Privacy | Consumer's Guide Home | EERE Home U.S. Department of Energy Content Last Updated: September 12, 2005

buy property in Spain.

Buying property in Spain - A full guide to buying property in Spain Buying Property in Spain A full guide Sponsor this Page for 720.00 a year Over 250,000 Unique Visitors every month! Click here Home | Spanish Shop | Photo Library | Message Board | Classified Ads | Property | Currency Converter | Site Map | Stats | Search | Advertise | About Us | Contact Us Property in Spain - A full guide Introducing the new service from idealspain.com www.idealspain-properties.com - Properties for sale & to rent throughout the whole of Spain CrawfPro Spain SL - CrawfPro is a private company based in Granada, selling select homes in the area. We can also find your property, survey it, lead the buying process, inspect construction, manage your project, look after your property and deal with bureaucracy. Don't be alone. HIFX - Save money on currency, regular payments & overseas property insurance. Lump sums: excellent exchange rates & totally free transfer of funds to Spain. Regular payments: fix an exchange rate for your mortgage or pension transfer for up to 2 years ahead with no monthly transfer changes (this alone could save you 300 per year!). Buying a property in Spain Foreigners buying property in Spain has become very popular. The country has a pleasant, healthy climate and in recent years the local authorities have made great efforts to increase the number foreign tourists and residents. Spain now derives more of its foreign income from tourists than any other country in Europe. Due to low European interest rates, now is a good time to buy property in Spain. There is a very wide selection of standards, from farmhouses (fincas) and plots through to villas, townhouses and new apartment developments. There is no shortage of real estate agents in Spain and it pays to search out a good company who will care for your requirements. Before you buy a property in Spain you should use our website to look at the different areas then consider visiting your favourites before deciding where to buy. Many people also rent a property in that area first. Here's a simple guide to get the most out of buying a property in Spain: Set your budget limit and stick to it. Visit the property at least twice before you make a decision. Check what amenities the property has such as electricity, water, gas. Have a builder or architect examine the structure of the building. Talk to your prospective neighbours about the area. If you are unsure about a property, take photos and draw sketches to take home with you. Have your legal advisor check ownership of the property before you sign anything. Have your legal advisor check outstanding debts on the property before you sign anything Initial Costs As well as the cost of the property, the buyer will be liable for transfer tax (IVA), which at present is 6% on a second-hand property and 7% on a new one, plus 1/2% stamp duty. The property registration office will charge you a fee to change the new deeds into your name. This is usually around 300€. There will also be notary charges for copies of the 'escritura publica'. The charge is on a scale depending on the contract price. In total you should allow 10% of the purchase price for costs. It is often the case that the buyer also pays the sellers fees. Check this at the point of enquiry and it is often possible to negotiate. Banks may also charge an opening commission for mortgage loans. Annual Costs The local town hall charge IBI which is an annual real estate tax. The previous owner is obliged to give you copies of previous bills. Community charges apply when you buy a property on a community development. These cover things like maintenance, swimming pools, gardens etc. You will also be liable for a wealth tax, payable annually and based on the value of the property and a property owners income tax based on your income from the property. You should clarify these in detail with your estate agent at point of enquiry . Finance See our mortgages section here Many developers of new properties are now offering up to 80% over 20 years for non-residents. Local banks will offer anything up to 60% for European residents. Most loans are long-term and secured on the property. When seeking a loan, make sure you are aware of the interest rates and if they are fixed or floating. Banks will ask for passports, residence permits, payslips, sale contracts and copies of the title deeds. There are many advantages to taking out a loan to purchase your property, in the form of tax allowances. We have not listed them here as they are subject to fluctuation. You may need to transfer money into Spain and you need to protect yourself: When you buy a property in Spain, you will know the price of the property in Euros but you will not know the actual cost until you buy all of the currency to pay for it. This means that the property could either cost you more than you had planned (if the Euro strengthens) or the property could become cheaper (if Sterling strengthens). Recently Sterling has fluctuated more than 10% against the Euro within a matter of months, so this does deserve careful consideration. On the basis that you are buying a property and not speculating on the currency markets, it is worth fixing the exchange rate for all of your future stage payments to the agent / developer. How to fix the exchange rate: 1/ Buy all of the currency now on a "spot contract". Hold the currency on deposit and send payments when they are due from your Euro account. To do this you need to have full funds available. 2/ Buy as much currency as you can afford now (e.g. for the first 2 payments) and reserve an exchange rate for the remaining payments. To reserve an exchange rate you need to buy a 'forward currency contract'. In effect you are buying currency now but paying at a later date when you have the funds available. The exchange rate that you achieve on a "forward contract" is not quite as good as that for a "spot contract" but it does guarantee that you know the cost of the property. You will be required to pay 10% of the value immediately and the balance by the date that you have reserved the currency for. Use a specialist currency broker : As a result of extensive research idealspain are pleased to offer preferential currency transfer rates for all their clients and visitors, click here for more information . It is also advisable to speak to your new bank with regards to High Interest Sterling Accounts where your mortgage payments can be taken directly and converted on your behalf. Approx cost to buy a home at 128,000 euros or (80,000 pounds) IVA 7% Spanish VAT payable on declared property value 8,960.00 Legal fees Searches, preparing deeds and translation etc 900.00 Notary's fees Preparing escritura, registering and stamp duty 600.00 I.A.J.D Spanish tax of 0.5% of the declared value 640.00 Connection charges Water, gas, drainage, electricity etc 300.00 Plus Valia Capital Gains Tax on increased value of plot since last sold. Levied by the Town Hall 60.00 Total Approx 7,355 pounds €11.460.00 Currency Converter Legal Matters Most properties in Spain are in fact NOT registered. Most of the re-sale properties are sold by Spanish ....still.... since they earned about 100 a year from selling fruit and veg they would certainly not pay 300 to pay for their property to be registered. The only way someone may find out if how many square meters is legally theirs to sell is by investigating at the Catastral Department and Town Hall. If they have ever declared that there is a property at all. A great deal of families have never informed the Town Hall that a senior family member has deceased and therefore many sales take months to proceed to completion. There are many families with complicated backgrounds, most children believe they actually own what is and sometimes what once was their parents, sometimes resulting in an Expediente Dominio where there can be no proof of title at all. A great deal of the beautiful villas you see advertised are not registered by the builder and therefore the purchaser pays for the first registration, sometimes no licences have been issued and the seller is required to pay fines to the Town Hall. Many many properties are then registered with less than the actual square meters of built area, and a great many are not mortgageable. Most urbanisation properties now being built are of course registered first because there is a compulsory registration system in Spain for new developments but this is Urban land - not countryside. Most of the old village properties have no Title Deeds. The seller of a second-hand home should provide the following documents: The title deed of the property Receipt of payment of the real estate tax for the last year Receipt of payment of the tax on the increased value of Urban Land Certificate that any community charges (if applicable) have been paid up to date Latest copies of domestic bills so that you can take over the services such as electricity and water The seller or developer of a new property should provide you with: Deed of declaration of new construction Occupancy permit Certificate of rateable value of the property Normally, before the purchase of a property is made official, there is a prior agreement drawn up between the buyer and seller. This document will identify the two parties and set out the terms of purchase. You must seek legal advice before signing this and you must be sure that this is the property you want to buy. You can lose any deposit you have paid if you pull out of the purchase and there is a penalty clause in the contract. In the case of the seller defaulting then he has to pay twice the amount. When it comes to signing the contract, this has to be before a notary, in the form of a public deed. This ensures that the details are entered onto the public records. Insurances Fire insurance is compulsory by law when taking out a mortgage. Comprehensive household insurance is available to protect your home and contents. Life insurance can be taken out to guarantee payment of the loan in the case of death. The cost of property - trends Official figures for the Costa del Sol state that property prices will increase this year by 12-15%. It is claimed that an average new property with two bedrooms in a block now costs 241,000 euros (around 2,000 euros per square metre). An average villa costs 388,100 euros. On the Costa del Sol there are around 20,000 homes for sale, 40% of which is in the Marbella area. 75% of home buyers on the Costa del Sol are foreign. The increase in prices is leading to an increase in the number of smaller, cheaper municipalities springing up, away from the coast. Tax advantages for property owners If you spend more than six months a year in Spain, you are obliged by law to apply for a residents permit.* This law is currently being abolished. There are however, several tax advantages for residents of Spain that do not apply to non-residents. Inputted income tax is an annual tax on an imaginary income resulting by virtue of ownership of a property and is charged as 0.5% of the catastral value. If you are a resident you will not be charged this on your principal home. Wealth tax is a tax on all assets in Spain and is charged at 0.2% of the catastral value of any house owned. For residents the first 108,000€ is exempt and for a joint ownership this would apply to each partner. These two taxes are paid annually as long as you own the property. Non-residents do not receive any relief so therefore have to pay 0.7% of the catastral value every year. When you come to sell the property, capital gains tax will be charged on any profit you have made. This is 35% for non-residents but only 20% for residents. A further concession for residents is that if you are over the age of 65 and have lived in your property for at least three years, you are totally exempt from capital gains tax. Finally, if you are 60 years of age or more and have lived in your property for at least three years, you can bequeath your property to your spouse or children and avoid paying inheritance tax on 95% of the valuation. The inheritor must also be a resident of Spain and agree not to sell the property for at least ten years. WSI - Start Your Own Business and Profit from the Internet! Now in its 10th year of business, WSIs systems are used by over 1000 franchisees in 87 countries around the world. Currently rated the "#1 Fastest Growing Business Services Franchise" and the "4th Fastest Growing Franchise in the world" , WSI has established one of the most profitable Franchise Opportunities in the world today with a Proven Business System! Home or office based. Complete Training and Support. No Business experience required. For your free information package & CD please visit: www.wsicorporate.com . Learn Spanish Today for FREE! Learn Spanish the interactive and fun way! Our web site will help you learn Spanish free of charge. Not just a few Spanish verbs, but over 500 words of the Spanish language, including complete Spanish phrases and sentences. Watch our free online demo that plays the first 15 minutes of a lesson. In this demo, the in program manual is displayed on the screen. spanish-online.co.uk Spanish book, cd and cd-rom publishers. User-friendly material for complete beginners to intermediate level. To make the most of our great offers, use the promotional code IDEALSPAIN on our online shop. Intasure - Insurance for your holiday home in Spain - Property insurance for expatriates in Spain - Comprehensive golf cover 365 days of the year which covers theft of equipment, medical expenses, travel, public liability and even hole in one cover - Low, low cost travel insurance. Avro is the UK's leading charter flight-only company, selling over one million seats every year. We have recently expanded and now offer scheduled flights to destinations worldwide, with flights available from over 70 of the world's leading airlines. Bookings.org - The best selection of Hotels, at great prices, throughtout Spain... View Special offers here & 5,166 Golf courses in Europe - Find golf courses in Spain, view pictures of all courses with maps. Book nearby hotels online . Car Hire Booking Centre Online together with IdealSpain.com - Created with one main objective; to offer clients the best vehicles with the best service at unbeatable prices. Why pay more when BOOKING CENTRE ONLINE offers MORE THAN THE REST, CHEAPER THAN REST? Car hire throughout Spain, the Canary & Balearic Islands . Hotel Club - The fast and secure service offering savings of up to 60% on your accommodation. To view Specials click here . PHA Travel has been offering independent advice on Health and Travel Insurance since 1995. Now in our 8th year this site provides our best selling value for money Travel Insurance from a range of reputable travel insurance companies. All policies are underwritten at Lloyds of London or through international travel insurance providers. You can obtain an instant quotation for your travel insurance, and you can buy online with a generous discount. RatesToGo.com - Last minute hotel reservation service. The fast and secure service offering great savings on your last minute hotel reservations - up to 20 days in advance. To book more than 20 days ahead click here . Related Links View agents and information for specific areas of Spain: Choose an option Property for sale in Spain Costa Almeria Costa Blanca Costa Brava Costa Calida Costa de la Luz Costa del Azahar Costa del Sol Costa Tropical - Granada Canary Islands Golf Properties Mallorca New developments Rural properties UK Based Agents Private Property Sales Commercial Property Home Improvements Mortgages Main guide to buying Guide to renting Holiday rentals Private Property Rentals a Property for sale in... a Spain a Costa Almeria a Costa Blanca a Costa Brava a Costa Calida a Costa de la Luz a Costa del Azahar a Costa del Sol a Costa Tropical - Granada a Cordoba, Andalucia a Huelva, Andalucia a Jaen, Andalucia a Seville, Andalucia a Canary Islands a Mallorca a Tenerife a New Developments a UK Based Agents a Rural Properties a Golf Properties a Private Property Sales a Businesses for Sale a Home Improvements a Property to Let in Spain a Private property rentals Related Links a Buying Property - Guide a Buying a finca - Guide a Buy a business-Guide a Buy a bar in Spain-Guide a Renting Property - Guide a Mortgages a Mortgage Calculator a Money Matters a Foreign Currency Services a Legal Matters a Hotels in Spain - A-Z a A-Z of Places a Holidays in Spain a Moving to Spain a Sport Home Page Relevant features Teach Yourself Spanish Relocate to Spain Working in Spain Costa Jobs Driving in Spain Tourist Offices The Culture Healthcare in Spain Legal Matters Banks in Spain Making a will Teach Yourself Spanish Schools in Spain Tenants rights If you have a property you wish to sell privately, you can advertise it on idealspain.com for 150 euros until sold. Click here for details Need to transfer money to Spain? Save money and stop making the banks rich. click here for details NEED A MORTGAGE? Advertise with us Step by step guide Site Stats About us | Terms of use | Contact us | Site Map | Advertise with us | Latest updates Buying Property in Spain | Schools in Spain | Healthcare in Spain | Finance | Move to Spain | Work in Spain | Culture of Spain Airports of Spain | Hotels in Spain | Weather in Spain | Nautical Spain | Geography of Spain IdealSpain.com - Tel: (+34) 952 198 832 - Email: info@idealspain.com All content and images 2000-200 5 idealspain.com Visit our other websites : www.perfectbulgaria.com - www.idealcroatia.com www.iberianimage.com - www.fiestaproperty.com - www.fiestapropertymallorca.com

Real Estate Course Search

Alabama Real Estate Commission Home Approved Schools Course Requirements Real Estate Course Search Real Estate Exams Instructor Resources Forms and Applications Education Menu Broker Salesperson Company Reciprocal Fees Certification of Licensure Licensing Menu Loading. . . Formal Complaints Enforcement Jurisdiction Gifts, Rebates & Kickbacks Unlicensed Assistants Risk Management 101: Office Audit Checklist Legal Menu CMap Forms and Applications FAQs License Law License Search Newsletters Contact Us Jump To: Consumer Information Booklet Real Estate Course Search ARELLO Staff Directory Directory of Commissioners Consumer Guide Commission Meeting Minutes Alabama License Law Book Order Form Other Links Related Links Commission Meeting Date: January 19, 2006 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Alabama Real Estate Commission 1201 Carmichael Way Montgomery, Alabama CMap Click here to search for Real Estate Course Schedules and Licensee Course Credit. Change Home Address Online Go to Online Services to change home address online, home telephone and home email. Customer Service: How Are We Doing? We would like to hear from you. The Commission is interested in receivingfeedback from the real estate licensee population and others who have contact with the Commission office. Click here to complete our Licensee/Consumer Service Satisfaction Survey. All comments are welcome. D. Philip Lasater Email Us Privacy Policy Alabama Real Estate Commission Montgomery, AL 36106-3674 Executive Director Email Webmaster © 2002 AREC Telephone (334) 242-5544, TTY (334) 396-0064, Fax (334)270-9118

House Rentals Contact Us

Costa Rica Real Estate for rent: apartments, houses and vacation rentals in Costa Rica Quick Finder Exclusive Properties Gated Communities Luxury Rentals Beachfront Properties Ocean View Properties ------------- Beach Properties Farms and Mountain Homes for Sale Investment Opportunities Condos for Sale Vacation Rentals Long Term Rentals ------------- Hotels for Sale Land Development Bars & Restaurants Other Investments ------------- Conversion Table Contact Us Call us 1-888-607-6772 Costa Rica Apartment & House Rentals Contact Us Christmas and new year rental in Costa Rica available call now 1-888-607-6772 or in Costa Rica 844-54-31 click here! Below you will find a small selection of our Costa Rica rental homes, condominiums for rent and our special selection of Costa Rica vacation rentals. Each of our real estate rental listings of Costa Rica includes a brief description and a picture. You will also find in this section a variety of Costa Rica beach vacation rentals! Costa Rica's Central Valley is still the most popular place to live, for both Ticos and foreign residents in Costa Rica. Our rentals of residential real estate listings include Costa Rica homes for rent and condominiums for rent in the Central Valley. We combine desirable locations in West and East San Jose such as Escazu, Santa Ana, Rohrmoser, Sabana, San Antonio de Belen, Sabanilla, Montes de Oca and Moravia among others. You will also find attractive house and condominium rentals in the provinces of Heredia and Alajuela, where locations such as la Garita and la Guacima are very appealing because of their wonderful weather, nearby facilities, very nice neighborhoods and homes. If you are looking for relaxation and a good vacation in Costa Rica, we have beautiful beach houses and beach condominiums for short term rentals in Costa Rica. Our listing of vacation rentals in Costa Rica include desirable locations such as Guanacaste in amazing beaches like Famingo, Tamarindo, Playa Grande¸ El Coco, Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, Papagayo and others. Along the Pacific or West Coast of Costa Rica¸ we offer beach homes and beach condos for rent in places like Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Jaco and more? If you prefer the exotic Caribbean or East Coast of Costa Rica, ask for our vacation houses and bungalows rentals in Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Punta Uva, Cocles and others. Don't wait until the last moment to make your reservations... Contact us Price: US$450/Day US$1900/Week US$5000/month Enjoy your stay in San Jose in style: Deluxe House in Escazu Comfortable house with easy access to Escazu's finest shopping centers and restaurants More Information... Contact Us Outstanding 3 bedroom 2 baths in Los Suenos Golf Resort and Marina A perfect place under the sun! Impeccable 3 bedroom 2 baths unit (200m2 or 2,100sq feet) in the most outstanding vacation place of Costa Rica: Los Suenos Golf Resort and Marina.... Luxury home in a natural resort setting overlooking Los Suenos Golf Course and surrounding mountains in Herradura Bay area. Enjoy the privacy and peacefulness of beautifully landscaped grounds, swimming pool, gym and entertainment area just outside the door... More Information... Contact Us Weekly Rate $3,800 US per week or $600 US nightly (3 night minimum). Semana Santa (Holy Week) $6,500. Flamingo Beach House Rental This magnificent, five-bedroom home, that sleeps up to 10 people, has all the luxuries. Excellent, breathtaking, Pacific Ocean views and views of Flamingo Beach, a private swimming pool, jacuzzi, close to beach access, modern kitchen, and much more. There are granite countertops throughout kitchen and baths. More Information... Contact Us Size: 1400 m2 lot with 400m2 construction area Rent: US$2,500 per month Beautiful Escazu house for rent only 2 minutes from Multiplaza Mall Situated on the trendy side of Guachipelin, with nearby coffee shops and bistros and only 2 minutes from Multiplaza Mall, this spacious house has 3 bedrooms, with masterroom with Jacuzzi and walking closet, 2.5 bathrooms and maid's quarters with full bathroom. The living area and kitchen are very elegant, and a terrace with great view of the nearby Escazu mountains. The swimming pool and the ranch make it perfect for a nice Sunday Barbecue. The garage has space for at least 6 cars. More Information... Leased! Looking for similar properties? Contact Us Size: 325 m2 or 3,500 sq feet. Rent: US$3,500 fully furnished and equipped / US$3,000 unfurnished. Maintenance fee included. Luxury Condo for rent in heart of Escazu Tastefully decorated condominium in the heart of Escazu, walking distance to everything, fully furnished and equipped. 3 bedrooms, 3,5 baths, maids room, 2 terraces, 2 car covered parking spaces More Information... Leased! Looking for similar properties? Contact Us Costa Rica's Premier Destination Colina 2 bedroom condo, Los Suenos Luxury Rentals Colina 2 bedrooms luxury golf view condo in Colina, Los Suenos. Short walking distance to the beach, full access to beach club in Los Suenos, Marriott Hotel, Marina, Shops, Bars & restaurants. Maids service. Arrival and departure gifts. Unlimited concierge services. More information... Contact Us Los Sueños Luxury Rental Ocean View House Enjoy a private paradise while vacationing in this exotic luxury villa. Located on a mountainside within the beautiful Los Suenos Resort and overlooking Herradura Bay, you will enjoy absolute privacy while having the benefit of all resort amenities and security. More information... Contact Us Mansion for rent Los Sueños Luxury Mansion Rental Luxury beach mansion for rent at Los Sueños Resort Community near Playa Jaco. Luxury and sophistication define this beautiful house, a real tropical palace Spanish Mediterranean style, located in Los Suenos, just 1 mile from the world class sport fishing marina and casino. More information... More Information... Beach house rental Manuel Antonio Beach house rental This beautiful and unique house sits on a cliff overlooking Punta Quepos, the sea, and Manuel Antonio National Park. It was designed to provide stunning views from every window and terrace. The house is small and cozy (approx. 100 sq. meters or 1,000 square feet) and thus is suitable for no more than four adults. More Information... Contact Us Price: US$346,500 Area: 4,500 sq. feet const (418 m2) 10,205 sq. feet of land (948 m2) Chalé Style House in Rohrmoser Leased! Looking for similar properties? Contact Us Beautiful and spacious 3 level Swiss Chalé located in an exclusive peaceful residential area of West San Jose. Ample gardens make this home an absolutely private haven. This gorgeous home for sale or rent consists of tall coffered ceilings, large windows and two balconies. A beautiful park is located just crossing the street. This house for rent in Costa Rica: US$2,250/month (a minimum one year contract)7 More Info... Luxury Golf Condo Valle del Sol 3Bdrm 3.5 Bathroom Located in San Jose's most exclusive gated community with a world class golf course. Valle del Sol is close to shopping, downtown, dining and 5 minutes from Forum Business Center. Ideal for corporate managers, families and couples that want privacy, security and beautiful surroundings. More Information... Contact Us San Jose Mountain City Long Term Rental Villas / Vacation Rental Located in one of the most beautiful small cities, Heredia (known as the City of Flowers). Exclusive neighborhoods with amazing views of the Central Valley below and the mountains above, natural forest, country clubs and close to shopping and the airport. Villas Roma are perfect for your stay in Costa Rica whether for business or for travel, alone or with your family. More Information... Contact Us Condominium to rent in lovely San Antonio de Belen This condominium has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, nice living area with a spacious backyard. Garage for two cars and security 24 hours. More Information... Contact Us Find: Gated Communities Luxury Rentals Beachfront Properties Only Ocean View Properties Golf Residences Top Exclusive Properties - - - - - - - - - Vacation Rentals Long Term Rentals - - - - - - - - - Beach Properties Farms and Mountain Home for Sale Investment Opportunities Condos for Sale Conversion Table Contact Us Beach Properties | Farms and Mountain | Homes for Sale Investment Opportunities | Condos for Sale | Vacation Rentals | Rentals Top Exclusive Properties | Gated Communities | Luxury Rentals | Beachfront Properties Only Ocean View Properties | Golf Residences | Costa Rica Office Space Our Company | Listings | Info Request | Articles | San Jose Attractions | Faqs | Photo Gallery | Contact Us List your properties with us | Costa Rica Real Estate | Costa Rica Vacation Rentals CONTACT: Properties in Costa Rica www.propertiesincostarica.com info@propertiesincostarica.com Toll free USA and CANADA: 1-888-607-6772 USA: 1 (516) 869-4565 Costa Rica: + (506) 844-5431 * Fax: + (506) 289-0969 * * from the US & Canada dial 011 first Escazu, Centro Comercial El Cruce, 2nd floor, Suite 25 Across the street from ScotiaBank and next to Pops Postal Address: #SJO 72013, 1601 NW 97th Ave. Doral, Fl 33172-2853 Member of Costa Rica Real Estate Brokers Board Member of Fiabci Member of Costa Rica Chamber of Tourism Member of National Association of Realtors All photographs and texts in this site property of PCR Propiedades de Costa Rica SA (PCR) unless otherwise noted. Copying, reproduction or sending to third parties is allowed only with written consent of PCR Request travel information about Costa Rica Design, marketing and hosting by Amerisol Top Exclusive Properties Gated Communities Luxury Rentals Beachfront Properties Only Ocean View Properties Golf Residences Residential Lots Escazu and West Valley Real Estate Buying property in Costa Rica

Real Estate Broker and

NYS DOS, Real Estate Professional Page NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services F requently A sked Q uestions Applicants for Real Estate Broker and Salesperson Licensure Do I need to be licensed? Generally, Article 12-A of the Real Property Law provides that anyone who, on behalf of another and for a fee, 1) negotiates a sale, exchange or rental of real property, 2) collects rent, or 3) negotiates a commercial loan secured by a mortgage must be licensed as a real estate broker. What is the difference between a real estate broker and a real estate salesperson? A real estate broker is responsible for the supervision and conduct of the real estate brokerage business. He or she applies for and holds the license on behalf of the brokerage. This person is known as the "representative broker." A real estate salesperson works for and is supervised by the representative broker. The salesperson acts as the representative broker's agent. All listings, although perhaps negotiated by a salesperson, are accepted by the representative broker. How do I become a real estate salesperson or broker? In order to qualify for licensure as a real estate salesperson, an applicant must have satisfactorily completed a 45 hour salesperson qualifying education course in real estate approved by the Secretary of State, and have passed a qualifying examination administered by the Department. In order to qualify for licensure as a real estate broker, an applicant must have at least one year of experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or at least two years of experience in the general real estate field (e.g., buying and selling your own property, managing property owned by your employer), have satisfactorily completed both the qualifying salesperson course of 45 hours and an additional 45 hour real estate broker course as approved by the Secretary of State, and have passed a qualifying examination administered by the Department. Who licenses mortgage brokers? Anyone who negotiates or attempts to negotiate any mortgage loan other than a mortgage loan on residential property, in the state of New York, is required to be licensed as real estate broker, or as a salesperson associated with a real estate broker. This license is issued by the NYS Department of State. To negotiate a mortgage loan on residential property (one to four family building) registration with the New York State Banking Department is required. If I am a real estate management company, do I need a real estate broker's license? That depends on what services you provide. If you collect rent or place tenants in vacant spaces on behalf of your landlord client, the answer is yes. If, on the other hand, your services are strictly maintenance, the answer is no. you are not acting as a fiduciary (not handling another person's money). Whom do I call if I am not sure whether I completed my 22.5 hours of continuing education during my license term? Contact the school(s) you attended. Schools are required by law to maintain course completion records for three years. You may request duplicate certificates from the school(s) in the event you are audited. In order to renew my salesperson license, I completed the 45-hour broker qualifying course. Can I apply the extra 22.5 hours to my next license term? No. The law clearly states that continuing education must be completed within each license term. I could not complete the continuing education, but I wish to renew my license anyway. Can I apply for an extension? Please refer to §177.6 in the real estate law booklet. Extensions will only be granted in bona fide hardship cases. You must submit the following, preferably prior to your license expiration: a written request for the extension, completed renewal form, fee, and original documentation demonstrating your hardship; i.e. , medical documentation. I think I might be exempt, but I am not sure when I originally became licensed. Can you tell me when I was first licensed? No. The Department of State only maintains seven years of real estate records. You may possibly determine your original date of licensure if you know when you completed the salesperson course and how long it took you after completing the course to apply for your license. What happens if I do not complete my continuing education and don't renew my license? If you do not renew your license, you cannot conduct any real estate activities that require a New York State real estate license in accordance with Article 12-A of the Real Property Law. There are no grace periods that allow you to continue working while not licensed. You have two years from the date your license expires to renew your license. If you fail to renew within that period, you will be required to pass the state written examination. No continuing education will be required to repeat the licensing process again. When you submit your new salesperson application, you must include the following: your new examination results, application fee, and a copy of your expired license/pocket card or ORIGINAL proof of completing the salesperson course. If possible, it is better to submit original proof of your salesperson course. If you do not have an original certificate, then call the school where you took the course to request another certificate. If you are applying for your broker's license, you must submit ORIGINAL proof of your 45-hour salesperson course and 45-hour broker course, or a copy of your expired broker's license. How do I obtain a waiver from the 45-hour salesperson or 90-hour broker course requirement? You must submit a written request stating the waiver you are applying for along with ORIGINAL proof of course completion, a detailed outline listing topics and hours, and a course description. We only review prelicensing courses from other states that were completed in a classroom setting. (No home-study/correspondence courses.) The prelicensing salesperson's course must be at least 45 hours of classroom instruction and the broker's course, 90 hours. In addition, if you have graduated with a Master's Degree with a concentration in real estate, you may qualify for a 90-hour waiver of the qualifying courses. Please submit an official transcript with your waiver request. If you are granted a waiver, you will receive the waiver letter, the license application, real estate law booklet, and examination schedules. When you are ready to apply for your license, please submit the ORIGINAL waiver letter with your application, fee, passed examination results, and any other required documents. I have been a real estate licensee for many years. Am I exempt from the continuing education requirements? Article 12A statutorily requires all real estate brokers and salespeople to complete 22½ hours of Department of State approved education within their two-year license period prior to the date of expiration. The law does provide for an exemption from this requirement for a real estate broker who has 15 consecutive years of combined licensure as a salesperson and a broker and who is actively engaged in the real estate business as a real estate broker at the time of renewal, or an admitted NYS attorney. Where do I get more detailed information? You may access pertinent law and regulations, applications and exam schedules from this website. You may also request this or other information by calling a Division of Licensing Services customer service representative at (518) 474-4429 or by writing to: New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services 84 Holland Avenue Albany, New York 12208-3490 [ NYS Department of State Home Page ] [ Licensing Services Menu ] [ Real Estate Professionals Page ]