Real Estate practices in Puerto Peñasco have improved dramatically in the past 12-14 years, first with the formation of a local association of real estate agents, which eventually merged with the Mexican National Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) to become its 51st chapter. Concerned about the quality of local real estate practices, and the safety and security of clients and their transactions, the members of the local chapter of AMPI strongly encouraged and supported the licensure of real estate agents. In 2005 Sonora became the first state in the Republic of Mexico to require licensure of real estate sales agents, rental and leasing agents, and property managers. Sixteen states have followed Sonora’s lead, and the federal government is even considering a federal license program.
Having demonstrated capable leadership and the desire to constantly improve real estate practices, AMPI Chapter 51 Puerto Peñasco is now charged by the State of Sonora with providing local education for real estate practitioners. A diploma will be earned by students who complete the Diplomado by attending the 96 hours of class and passing the exam at the end of the course. In addition, students will need to meet further requirements of state and federal agencies in order to receive their State of Sonora real estate licenses or license renewal certificates. The course will emphasize ethical real estate practices, real estate law in the State of Sonora, best real estate practices and procedures, use of approved real estate forms and contracts, and an introduction to local resources available to real estate agents and their clients.
Classes will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in February, starting February 3rd, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day. Attendance at every class is mandatory. Agents who want to renew their licenses must take a minimum of 20 hours of classes, with Ethics being mandatory. Ethics will be taught on February 3rd, the only day upon which all students, whether new license or license renewal students, must attend. No make-up days are scheduled, and it is anticipated that the next course will be taught in 2016.
Cost of the course is $750 U.S. dollars ($9,750 Mexican pesos) for AMPI members, and $1000 U.S. dollars ($13,000 Mexican pesos) for non-members. License renewal cost is $50 U.S. dollars ($650 Mexican pesos) for AMPI members, and $150 U.S. dollars ($1,950 Mexican pesos) for non-members. The price includes all course materials and the noon meal on class meeting days.
Registration and payment before January 14th are required. A registration form can be found on the AMPI website at the following link: http://puertopenascoampi.com/join-ampi/. AMPI works tirelessly to bring the best real estate practices to sellers and buyers, as demonstrated by its cooperation with the State of Sonora to bring real estate education to Puerto Peñasco.
