If you know of someone who wants to be involved in the real estate industry in the Puerto Peñasco / Rocky Point area, now is the time to plan to take the class for licensure. AMPI, the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, will again conduct a real estate course for licensing of new real estate agents in February 2016. AMPI’s primary purpose is to elevate the level of real estate practice in our community, and education is one of the primary functions of AMPI.

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. More than half of the states in the Republic of Mexico 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 2rd, 2016, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day. Attendance at every class is mandatory. No make-up days are scheduled, and it is anticipated that the next course will be taught in 2017.

Cost of the course is $850 U.S. dollars for AMPI members, and $1100 U.S. dollars for non-members, with a $100 discount for all registrations paid before December 15, 2015. The price includes all course materials and the noon meal on class meeting days. Of course, payment may be made in pesos at the exchange rate in use at the time payment is made. Registration and payment before January 15, 2016 are required. A registration form can be found on the AMPI website at the following link: http://puertopenascoampi.com/join-ampi/.

The February course is the only class for State of Sonora real estate licensure scheduled for 2016 in the Puerto Peñasco area. The course will be taught in English and Spanish, with simultaneous translation. There are other courses available in other areas of the state throughout the year, entirely in Spanish, as far as we know, but the February course is “it” for courses in Rocky Point, with accommodations for English speakers. The course will be postponed to 2017 if there are fewer than 5 registrants.