I'm celebrating because I've just passed the test to get my VA Broker's license. In VA you must have at least three years as a licensed sales person, 180 hours of course work and pass the test in order to get your broker's license.

Before I go into anything else, let me assure everyone that I'm absolutely thrilled to have gotten it!

However, I'm not so sure that we're doing a good job of training brokers. By and large the course work is a rehash of what you have to memorize to get your salesperson's license. There's no harm in a refresher course in that material. It's largely a course in legal definitions, real estate related laws, etc. It was a good idea to learn much of this to pass my salesperson's exam. (Although much of it never gets used again!) And a refresher course along the way is probably a good idea.

But I have to say I expected a little more depth in the material covered. I expected in depth analysis of the tough issues facing the industry today. I expected case studies of areas that have caused heartburn for brokers over the years. I expected to know a lot more from the 180 hours invested in course work and many more invested in studying.

In fact, mostly what I've gained is more rote memorization of facts, many of which won't be relevant to me ever again. (I don't foresee any property management role in my future, for example!)

I hope to see some changes in the course work and in the exam for a broker's license.

Meanwhile, I'm going to enjoy the fact that I'm done with all that studying and memorization for awhile!

The VA Association of REALTORS helped to defeat a bill in the VA Senate that would have waived the current 180 hour educational requirement for a broker's license if an agent had been in the business at least 5 years.

This is one of the most absurd proposals I've heard in a long time! In a profession that is already woefully remiss in requiring enough education the state senate was talking about making the situation worse! It's hard to see what the motivation would have been for such a move. Surely the consumer doesn't win by weakening the standards. The 180 hours is already laughable considering that my hairdresser needs 1500 hours to become licensed!

There is also a bill moving through the house to strengthen the continuing education requirements for agents. This was a bill that was crafted by the industry because most of us recognize the need for more knowledgeable agents. The consumer deserves it and we certainly prefer working with others who know what they're doing. Unfortunately, the house has already watered down the requirements. So, while we're likely to make some progress, in the end it won't be as dramatic as we'd hoped.

I'd urge each of you to support legislation that increases the education required before an agent helps you with one of the largest financial transactions of their life!