How do you prepare to capitalize on the aging population in the United States? In a poll taken recently Staten Island Realtors clearly identified one method.  They plan to obtain a Florida real estate license.  They plan to jump on the “Snow Bird” train.

In response, the Richmond County Real Estate Real Institute, owned and operated by SIBOR has arranged to offer real estate licensees the opportunity to obtain a Florida Real Estate Broker’s License locally on Staten Island. The 72-hour broker’s pre-licensing course is scheduled to take place July 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 at the Staten Island Hotel from 8:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day.

The course has also been approved for 22.5 hours of New York State CE credit, which fulfills the entire two-year requirement for license renewal.

Individuals need to have valid real estate license from any state for 12 months during the last five years. You must take the 72-hour class and pass the written exam given during the course’s last three hours. If you pass that exam, you then must take and pass Florida’s state exam, which is administered in Manhattan.

Diane Tuminello, broker/owner of Diana Lynn Realty speaks for many SIBOR members when she says, “The real estate market is booming in Florida.  With 70 million baby boomers beginning to retire, and an influx of foreign buyers, demand is high and prices are rising.  There is no better time to take advantage of a growing referral market then now.  In the near future there will be a large number of Staten Islander's moving to Florida to take advantage of the warm climate, booming real estate market, and additional income they will retain because they will not be paying state and local taxes on their retirement income. I’m grateful SIBOR has offered this course. It saves the time and money of going to Florida or the headaches of sitting in front of a computer with no human interaction or instruction.”

 Debbie Lerner, who is celebrating her 25^th year at the Richmond County Real Estate Institute, said, “We’ve been overwhelmed with requests for this course and we’re excited about getting it off the ground.”

After obtaining the Florida broker license, 60-hours of Florida-approved post-licensing education is required during the first renewal period (18-24 months after passing the state exam). Subsequently the license must be renewed every two years with the completion 14 hours of continuing education.

A Florida broker can be the owner or part owner of a real estate brokerage company which may be involved in the listing and selling of residential, commercial, industrial property, land, business opportunities, time-shares and property management. Alternatively a Florida broker may work for a broker, as a Broker-Sales Associate.

The course will given by Sam Irlander who has actively engaged in the ownership of a real estate brokerage firm and has over 34 years of real estate experience. Mr. Irlander is Professor at New York University, Baruch College (where he is also Chairman of all continuing education), and Hunter College.

Tuition is $599 prior to June 1^st and $699 after that date. Seating is limited and acceptance is on a first come, first served basis.

SIBOR CEO Sandy Krueger said, “Real estate is rapidly becoming a national, and international, business.  Serious practitioners need to expand their horizons and their spheres of influence.  This is certainly one excellent way to do that.”