MacIntosh Real Estate School
Frequently Answered Questions...

What are the basic requirements to get my license?

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Why are you consistently the least expensive real estate program in Colorado? How can you charge so little, when your competitors cost so much more than you!?!

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Why is the pass-rate for your students consistently so high?

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What materials do you actually get with the course?

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Will I have to buy any more books/materials?

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Is your program completely online or do you offer CD-Roms, Video or Audio tapes?

What forms of payment
Do you accept?

All of them!… cash, check, money order, cashiers check… and of course, credit cards. Since the vast majority of our students are from all over Colorado (and other states as well) and have found us through our website - we use an online third-party credit card processing website called PayPal. This is a totally secure site and no one ever sees your sensitive financial information. You may access the PayPal payment site by clicking the credit card symbol at the bottom of our enrollment agreement (click the 'ENROLL' button above).

If you want to pay with Credit Card, but don't feel comfortable paying online with PayPal, please contact the Director personally at
bruce@macrealstate.com
We can take your information and process the charge as you would at any retail store.

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Is the School accredited?

MacIntosh Real Estate School is completely accredited by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies/Division of Private Occupational Schools Board - for Certification of the Colorado Associate Broker educational requirements of the Colorado Real Estate Commission.

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What kind of Experience do you have?

MacIntosh Real Estate School has been providing the real estate education program and training agents for almost 50 years. Bruce MacIntosh, Sr., founded the popular Real Estate Prep school in 1960, which makes us the most experienced and longest-running school in Colorado. Bruce Sr. taught the coursework until his passing in 1999.

His son, Bruce MacIntosh, Jr., is Director of MacIntosh Real Estate School, and has carried on the tradition of excellence. Bruce Jr. is a licensed attorney and Colorado Broker, Certified Instructor and has decades of real estate and teaching background and experience. Since the mid-1990's, he has transformed the MacIntosh Real Estate School - the first online real estate school in the country - into the most successful correspondence broker education program in Colorado.

So... even though we are the least expensive school (by a wide margin!), we have the most extensive background and experience behind us!

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When can I start? Do I have to wait for the next class session to begin?

The MacIntosh Real Estate School curriculum is completely self-paced, and so you may start at any time. Since we are a correspondence school, you do not have to wait for another session to begin. Of course, another advantage of this system is that you do not have to worry about whether other students are going faster or slower than you, and there will be no instructor moving too quickly through the materials or wasting your valuable time while tending to other students' needs.
To get started, all you need to do is click the "ENROLL" tab in the menu bar, above.

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What is the time-limit for completing the program?

The official length of time the coursework should be completed is eight months. However, if you find you need more time, you may simply request an extension in writing (by email). Since our program is strictly correspondence and we realize that our students have jobs and families, we don't make you conform to an artificial class schedule and try to let you take as long as you need (within reason) or finish as quickly as you like.

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THE STATE LICENSE EXAMINATION:

What to Expect from the State License Exam

The state license exam costs $71 (subject to change by the testing company) and is administered at a PSI testing center on a simplified personal computer (PC) with a large monitor. As the exam is entirely multiple-choice, it is not necessary to have more than the basic skills of using a keyboard and mouse; the answers are chosen by "clicking" either "a", "b", "c", "d" with the mouse.

You will not need to bring a calculator for math problems, because the PSI Exam Center will provide one. There are no questions on either part of the real estate broker exam that require any more sophistication than that. Therefore, real estate broker candidates will not be allowed to bring and use a financial calculator, or one with printing or text/note saving capabilities.

The state license exam is comprised of two portions: the 80-question "Uniform" exam, and the 70-question Colorado-specific exam. The examinee is allotted a total of two hours to complete each part, for a total of 4 hours. The broker applicant must pass each portion of the exam, meaning that each examinee receive 75% on each test. If the examinee should pass only one of the exams, it will be necessary to make a new appointment to sit for the other exam again. Although the examinee will not need to take the other portion of the exam, (the one that was previously passed,) the examinee will still be required to pay another $55 testing fee.

The Uniform exam is first. You will be given two hours to complete this exam after you look at the first question on the monitor. If the examinee completes the Uniform exam before the allotted two hours has elapsed, they may go on to the second (Colorado) exam. However, the time remaining from the first exam will not be carried over to the second exam.

If the examinee has not completed the Uniform exam by the end of the first two hours, the PC will automatically go on to the Colorado portion, and the Uniform portion automatically will be scored. You will not be able to return to that exam again.

If you do not take the full two hours to complete each exam, you will be asked after the last question of each exam if you are sure that you do not want to return to the beginning (or elsewhere in that exam) to review your answers. If you answer that you are sure you are finished, the unit will "lock out" any further answers. It is strongly advised that after completing each exam, you return to the beginning and review each question and answer carefully. Frequently, questions are worded such that a careless first reading will mislead the examinee into believing the question means something that it doesn't. A careful review will ensure that confusingly worded questions are caught and answered properly. Additionally, the PC allows you to either "mark" or "skip" a question, and at almost any point in the exam, return to that question to review it.

The student is encouraged to visit PSI's website and walk through their online exam tutorial: www.psiexams.com

The most important item to remember is to read each question very carefully, as well as all of the four possible answers. Whereas the old adage that your first impression often is correct, you cannot be sure that you have chosen the correct answer if you have not thoroughly considered each of the possibilities.

All topics covered in the MacIntosh Real Estate School manuals are fair game for the exams. All quiz, final exam and "prep" test questions are designed to emulate the testing style - and in many cases are questions that have been reproduced from previous versions - of the actual state license exam.

On every examination, there are some new questions that are not scored. (Typically, five for each of the Uniform and Colorado exams.) These are pretest items. They are used only to evaluate how the questions perform and will neither add to nor detract from your score. However, you will not be told which questions "count" and which do not. Additionally, these questions will not count against your time limits.

You will receive your scores at the testing center immediately after you complete your examination and return to the reception area. You will receive a sheet verifying that you have passed, or if you have not received a passing score on both exams, the sheet will describe your strengths and weaknesses in the various topics. For those examinees who successfully pass both parts of the exam, the sheet will verify a passing score, (specific scores are not given on successfully passed tests,) and in the upper right-hand corner, will have the photograph that was taken at the time of registration prior to the exam.

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Making your Exam Appointment

You must make an appointment at least three business days before the examination date you desire. To make a reservation for your real estate examination, call PSI, at:

1-800-733-9267

You may call the automated scheduling line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but if you wish to speak to a representative, you should call during business hours (Pacific time). As you follow the directions, you will be connected to the examination reservation operator. Be sure to have ready a piece of paper, a pencil and your social security number. You will be given a confirmation number. Write this number down and bring it with you to the exam center on the day of your test. Tests are typically administered six days per week, Monday through Saturday in Denver, except for nationally recognized holidays and holiday weekends. (Subject to change by PSI.)

You may also schedule an exam appointment by going to PSI's webpage: PSI

As of January 1, 2009, these are the current PSI testing centers. Other locations may be added at a later date, and these locations are subject to change. Consult the PSI Website for locations.

DENVER AREA	GRAND JUNCTION	FORT COLLINS
1) 12150 E. Briarwood Ave., Ste. #125 Centennial	743 Horizon Court, #342	404 N. College Ave.
2) Clear Creek Office Park 4251 Kipling St., Ste. #415 Wheat Ridge
PUEBLO	DURANGO	COLORADO SPRINGS
803 West 4th Street, #803S	799 East 3rd Street #3	5050 Edison Avenue, #121

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PSI Examination Payment & Policy

The fee for each sitting for the examination is $71.00. Payment method: All real estate candidates must pay for their exam at the time of registration. NO MONEY/CHECKS WILL BE HANDLED AT THE TEST CENTER.

There will be four payment methods: 1.) By credit card at the time of registration. 2.) By debit card at the time of registration. 3.) By e-check at the time of registration. (This is the same as payment by personal check except instead of writing a piece of paper, the candidate will give the bank name, correct full name and address on the bank account, the entire series of numerals (including the check number) along the bottom of a check, and a confirming SSN or driver's license number to the customer service representative who will then take the money out of the checking account.) This option is subject to change by PSI; 4.) By cashiers check or money order.

If you are absent from your scheduled examination, you will be billed for two exams when you register again. If you plan on being absent from your scheduled testing date, you must cancel or reschedule at least two days in advance by 5:00 PM Pacific Time. At this point, you will be permitted to transfer 100% of the fees to a new date without penalty. If you call less than two business days prior to your test, you may reschedule with a penalty not to exceed the exam fee. If you call on the scheduled day of your examination or afterwards, your fees will not be transferred to another day.

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What to Bring to the Exam

Bring only 2 forms of ID, including at least one picture ID, (i.e., Driver's license or state-issued identification.)

This is not an open-book test. You may not bring notes, textbooks or practice exams.

Do not bring a calculator, pencils or papers. The exam is administered on a PC and you will be provided with a calculator. Pencils and scratch paper will be provided at the exam center. Examinees are discouraged from bringing backpacks, purses, etc. into he testing center. If any of these items are brought to the testing center, the examinee will be asked to leave them with the proctor at the front desk.

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License Exam Special Services

If you have a disabling condition, you may ask for special testing services. You must request a testing appointment at least two weeks prior to the date you wish to be tested. Written verification and the statement of assistance required must be received by PSI at least one week prior to the examination date. This verification must be from a professional qualified to diagnose and document the disability.

If you request reading assistance due to dyslexia or other learning disabilities, the condition must be diagnosed and document by a clinical psychologist or a school counselor. You may not bring anyone with you to assist you with the examination.

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FINGERPRINTS AND BACKGROUND CHECK

As described in the Fingerprint/Background Check bulletin (link below), the applicant will be required to have fingerprints taken and submitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. This may be done at any time prior to application, but the sooner the better, because the Real Estate Commission will not process the license application until receiving a background check from the CBI, and delays could be up to two months.

There are several methods described below for obtaining the fingerprints and transmitting them to the CBI. However, we recommend the applicant do this at a PSI testing center (for a $20 fingerprint fee, in addition to the $39.50 background check fee) because PSI will electronically transmit the fingerprints to the CBI at that time. This may be done at the time of successful passage of the licensee exam, or at any time prior (by appointment).

Fingerprints & Background Check Bulletin

Please click this link to view the Official Bulletin (Adobe Acrobat Reader required for this pdf). It describes the new procedure for obtaining and submitting fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation prior to submitting the license application. Every licensee candidate must follow this law, even those who have previously had fingerprints taken and a background check conducted. Failure to understand and follow these procedures will result in delays in having your license issued.

You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this bulletin.

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LICENSE APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Following the successful passage of the exam, proof of this will be transmitted to the Real Estate Commission. The applicant will be given a license application. At some time prior to submitting the completed application to the Real Estate Commission, the applicant must also have their fingerprints taken and transmitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, together with the fee for background check. (See the Fingerprint/ Background Check bulletin, immediately below, which describes this requirement and the appropriate procedures. The applicant will no longer be required to submit with the application a paper Certification from the school of completion of the educational requirements. The school will electronically transmit this data to the testing center, which will subsequently transmit it (together with certification that the applicant has passed the licensee exam) to the Real Estate Commission.

Therefore, the applicant must only submit the application to the Real Estate Commission, together with the employing broker's signature and the appropriate license application fees, to:

Department of Regulatory Agencies - Division of Real Estate

1900 Grant Street, Suite 600

Denver, Colorado 80203

(303) 894-2166

After I get my license, then what?

The Colorado Real Estate Commission and state law requires that every broker must be licensed as an Associate Broker for two years prior to being able to become an Independent or Employing Broker. This means that technically you must hang your "active" license under someone else's (an Employing Broker) for at least two years.

Their reasoning in this is pretty sound, even though it causes some hardship: they want to make sure you know the (very unique) Colorado practice, laws and forms before you can go off and make mistakes on your own. However, this does not mean that you must work 40 hrs a week, etc., it just means that your license must be "active" - hanging under an Employing Broker - as opposed to "inactive".)

So, once you pass the education and the state license exam, you must either apply for an active license, (hanging your license under that of another Broker's,) or if you haven't chosen a place to work, you may apply "inactive".

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Do you offer placement?

We do everything we can to help you find work when you are ready. We have brokers constantly contacting us about their needs for Associates, and if they are in your area, we can pass on that information to you.

In late, 2008, we started our online weblog ("blog") and are encouraging Brokers across Colorado to notify us when they are recruiting agents. Enrolled students will have full access to this resource, to assist them in finding the right company when they are ready to start their career as a real estate broker.

And, yes: There is a huge need for agents out there. In fact, because recent news may have scared away some, there has been an increasing shortage of agents. Therefore, employing brokers are truly falling all over themselves trying to get new agents.

Don't forget this fact, either: The Real Estate industry is much more varied than you may realize: In addition to the "traditional" residential sales field, you should also consider the areas of Property Management, commercial real estate, and as unfortunate as it sounds - foreclosures.

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I have a license from another state, or a previous Colorado license. What education and testing do I need?

The Real Estate Commission has a complicated matrix which can tell you what, if any, education or testing you need. This matrix can be accessed on our "About Us" page (by clicking the "About Us" tab, above). There are so many variables, such as when or how long you have had your license, what state it was issued in, and whether it was a salesperson or broker license.

If you can not find the answer on the matrix, you can call the Real Estate Commission (303-894-2166). They will ask the appropriate questions and let you know what steps you need to take, including classes and testing, and the application process. After that, if you do need classes and test preparation, we can certainly provide that to you. Simply email us (by clicking the "CONTACT" tab in the menu above), tell us what you need, and we can tell you the cost.

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I am an attorney - What education do I need for my real estate license?

If you are an actively-licensed attorney, you will need the 12-hour Attorney course in Trust Accounts, Record Keeping and Closings. MacIntosh Real Estate School does offer this course.

But here is something the Real Estate Commission doesn't tell Attorneys: You are also required to pass both parts of the state license exam.

Unfortunately, this is not a general exam where your legal background alone will carry you through. You will also need the specific text and thousands of questions to prepare you for all the specific questions about Colorado's license law, Rules & Regulations of the Real Estate Commission, contract language from the many different Colorado real estate contract and forms.

Simply put: It won't be a slam dunk. You will need the Colorado Real Estate equivalent of the "Bar Refresher" - and MacIntosh Real Estate School is one of the only schools that can provide that to you. Please email for more information and pricing.

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If I have a question, is there someone I can talk to?

If you have a question about enrollment, you are welcome to call us at 303-465-1665. If you don't reach someone personally, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. (So, please leave us a number where you may be reached in the evening, since we have better luck returning calls at that time.)

We are very "high-tech"... so you will quickly get an answer to any of your enrollment questions almost immediately if you email the Director (by clicking the "CONTACT US" tab in the menu above, or the link at the bottom of this page.)

Once enrolled, you may have specific questions about the text materials or tests. MacIntosh Real Estate School is at the forefront of modern technology as the real estate industry moves into the 21st century: If you can't find the answer in our online Knowledge Base, then we can answer any questions about the materials or tests by email. Generally, someone is answering emails every day of the week, anywhere from 8 to 15 hours a day!

By answering questions by email, we can do thorough research and give thoughtful and detailed written answers. Then, you will have these answers to supplement your materials and refer to later when you begin to prepare for the state license exam; you don't have to rely on remembering what someone said on the telephone.

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I have another question... What should I do?

Please click this link: CONTACT US

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