Environmental Hazards – (CE)

This course covers major environmental hazards. Licensees need to familiarize themselves with environmental issues because they have a responsibility to disclose to buyers any information that might affect their decision to buy. Environmental hazards can dramatically affect a propertys value, so buyers, sellers, lenders and licensees all can be affected by them. This course includes the following lessons:The Indoor Environment The External Environment Legislation Disclosure and Site Assessment Real Estate PracticeStudents will learn throughout this course to identify internal and external environmental issues. They will learn about health hazards, environmental legislation, liability and responsibility for cleanup and protection. They will also learn about actions they should take and how issues affect licensees and lending. Licensees are not expected to be environmental experts, but in this course students will acquire a competency with environmental issues which will help them to elucidate issues for buyers, sellers and lenders. Knowledge of environmental issues also will help protect them from charges of nondisclosure. The conclusion of this course presents real world dilemmas and applications of the information presented. As the student completes this course, he or she should try to paint a big picture of environmental issues, which the course will address with comprehensive content questions, practices and case studies.

Introduction to Property Management

This comprehensive course covers commercial, office, industrial, and residential property management with a special emphasis on managing a property management company. Topics include leases, risk management, security, maintenance, advertising, fair housing, and tenant relations. This course provides tips, advice, sample forms, and case examples.

Property Management – Taking Care of Business

This property management course focuses on the operational aspects of running a property management firm. Students will learn how to analyze and manage liability risks and insurance and the security and safety responsibilities of a property manager. The course discusses the pros and cons of private maintenance companies, setting up a maintenance system, evaluating a property’s maintenance needs, and common maintenance problems that property managers deal with. Proper recordkeeping, promotion, and advertising are also covered. This course teaches students how to handle problem tenants, complaints, waiting lists, late rent, evictions, fair housing issues, and owner relations. The course also contains valuable information about the organization of a property management office, creating policy manuals, management costs and fees, the hiring process, employee management and evaluation, and what it takes to open and maintain a successful property management firm.

Contracts

The basics of contracts and contract law and how contracts are used in the real estate industry are addressed in this course. Students will learn the differences between express and implied contracts and bilateral and unilateral contracts as well as how to classify a contract as being executed or executory; the legal effects of a contract; the elements necessary for a valid contract; how a contract can be discharged or terminated and the various other contracts used in real estate.

The Loan – An Overview

This course provides the student with an overview of the home loan process. Students will learn how to fill out a loan application and what information lenders require. Elements of conventional financing, loan-to-value ratios, and private mortgage insurance will be discussed. Then students will explore commercial loan products, construction loans, special purpose loans, and the loan needs of farmers and ranchers. The course also examines various kinds of alternative financing, adjustable rate mortgages, FHA and VA loans, purchase money mortgages, wrap-around financing, land contracts, lease/option plans, and other types of creative financing.

Client Focused Communications

This course teaches the student how and why we communicate. Learning these basics will provide the student the basis for effective client communication. Knowing what the client wants and being able to find the perfect property based on good communication skills will result in more sales and satisfied clients.

Pricing Property

Students will be introduced to the concepts, types, and approaches to value. They will learn about market value; selecting the best comparables when estimating real property value; and accurately determining square footage. This course addresses how to correctly make adjustments to value, market timing, and the reasoning and strategies as to why property sells.

Bad Loans – Predatory and Fraud

Bad Loans will delve into predatory lending practices and common mortgage fraud schemes. Students will learn to identify and avoid predatory lenders’ and fraud perpetrators’ tactics. The course examines the lines on mortgage forms, good faith estimates, fees, discounts, prepayment penalties, and how these items are used by predatory lenders. This course also features valuable information about dealing with issues such as late charges, tax reserves, property insurance, foreclosures, and note modification. Then students will explore popular mortgage fraud schemes and examples from real cases. Fraud tools such as flipping, straw sellers and buyers, “No Doc” loans, silent second mortgages, and false money will also be discussed.

Environmental Basics

Identifying environmental hazards and how they affect the real estate industry is the basic goal of this course, including environmental factors that may require a disclosure statement. Other topics covered are air quality, radon, asbestos, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, mold, ground water, smart growth, and green housing. Students will learn about the major health effects and remedies of these substances, as well as ways of preventing or eliminating biological pollutants.

Human Land Use

Human land use is one in a series of courses covering the many areas of Human Ecology. The emphasis here is to impart knowledge and understanding of the history of land use, ownership, controls, zoning, boundaries, view shed analysis, geology, land use conflicts, court decisions affecting land use, and the relationship between human quality of life and land ownership.

Homeowner’s Association Management

This course will give the student a broad overview of Homeowner’s Association Management. It starts by showing the manager how to set up a non-profit association and the legal documents required. The board of directors and their role in running the association, drawing up bylaws and how the board operates are covered thoroughly. The course also covers CC&Rs and other restrictions and laws that all managers need to know. Resolving disputes through litigation and non-litigious means round out the course.

Qualifying – Buyer and Property

This course explores the roles and practices of underwriters and appraisers as they qualify borrowers and properties for loans. Other requirements for loans, leases, and titles will also be discussed. The student will examine loan settlement procedures, the role of the Truth-in-Lending Act, and the effects of the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ethics of Sustainability

The objective of this course is to answer this: How must the real estate profession change to make itself relevant to what will prove to be a radically more challenging future? This course will explore in detail the workings of human ecosystems, what it takes to achieve long-term sustainability and well-being, how we are falling short, and the role of an ethical, environmentally responsible real estate professional in helping turn things around

Energy Resources

This course is one in a series of Human Ecology courses. Thousands of times every day, real estate licensees influence the choices people make about the homes, neighborhoods, and the communities in which they live. Licensees who take particular care to acknowledge when homes are efficient and well-built, the neighborhoods livable, and the communities sustainable, are helping make such desirable properties more available and more valuable. Topics covered include the concept of energy and humanity’s reliance on it, the use of energy in different sectors, global warming; global oil depletion, approaches to a more sustainable future, and how the real estate profession can address the challenges of a future with substantially more costly energy.

Real Estate Math II

Real estate mathematics can be very daunting and confusing. However, by beginning with a review of basic math skills and reinforcing what is already known, students will soon learn to apply real estate terminology and specific formulas to problems and tasks common in the real estate industry such as area and volume calculation, the Rectangular Survey System, the Metes and Bounds System, proration, commission rates, and property values. This course will help students develop the skills to complete a review of settlement costs and explain this information to clients.

Community Ethics

Despite limited resources and the potential for violent conflict, nature evolved powerful strategies that resulted in a progression of increasingly complex and productive communities. Those principles, applied to the real estate industry, mandate a system of ethics that results in greater and more sustained professional productivity and significantly improves quality of life in our work environment, homes and communities. This course is designed to inform practicing and prospective real estate professionals about the tested and proven ethical strategies, applied to the real estate professional community, that make communities increasingly industrious and fruitful. This course also helps students understand ‘productivity’ in a human community, as well as the principle to advance and sustain such productiveness. These strategies lead to a system of ethical principles that will improve the quality and prolificacy of one’s professional practice and personal life.

Buyers – From Contact through Closing

Everything a licensee always wanted to know about buyers and the things the licensee never thought to ask will be found in this course. The student will be taught how to communicate with buyers for almost any situation and objection. This dialog will show the student how to get information from the buyer to assist the buyer in making the choices that are right for them. First impressions about buyers and the buyer’s first impressions of licensees are discussed. Creating a Wish List will help the buyer identify the choices that are important in choosing a home. The student will also be able to construct a Buyer’s Package that is made for each individual buyer from the tips learned in this course. How to handle agency objections and differentiating between customer and client are outlined. This course will take the guess work out of writing offers and closing deals. Once the deal is done the course shows the licensee how to develop a follow up system, keep in touch with buyers and create buyers for life with the referrals a happy buyer will bring.

Meth Madness

Methamphetamine use has become a fast growing problem with meth labs springing up all across America, leaving a menacing wake in its path. Not only is this substance highly addictive, it’s inexpensive to produce and easy to use, but the chemicals used in processing this drug are volatile with very toxic by-products. This course is designed to heighten the knowledge and awareness of the imminent dangers, not only to the populace, but to the environment and its effects on consumers, clients, real property ownership, and the real estate practitioner. Students will learn about the history of meth, its composition, how to recognize a meth lab, the cost and time involved in remediation of a meth lab, and where to obtain additional, updated information so they may stay apprised of new laws, polices and the latest methods for meth lab detection.

Water Resources

Thousands of times every day real estate licensees influence choices that home buyers and sellers make about the homes, neighborhoods, and the communities in which they live. Those who take particular care to acknowledge and demonstrate the importance of efficient, well built homes, and conservation are helping to make these desirable properties and communities more available and more valuable. Water Resources is one in a series of courses involving human ecology. Special attention is given to global water systems, water usage, the effect on the world’s population, pollution, water quality standards, wetland protection, and the importance of conservation with the strategies for achieving these goals.

Home Inspection II

It is not always obvious, especially to the first-time home buyer, the reasoning and importance of the home inspection. Therefore, the real estate licensee must know and understand the basic requirements of the property inspection and the responsibilities of the licensed inspectors. Some of the areas discussed are the basic fundamentals of the exterior components of real property as well as the interior housing construction; the procedure for inspecting heating and cooling systems; and warning signs of potential problem areas including mold and other environmental hazards.

1031 Real Estate Exchanges – (CE)

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code allows for a tax deferment on the exchange of ‘like kind- income-producing property. In essence, an individual may trade an old income-producing or commercial capital asset for a new one of ‘like kind- without paying tax on any of the gains. Instead, the tax is deferred until the chain of exchanges is permanently broken.Commercial real property can qualify for a tax-deferred exchange, providing that the transaction is properly managed through the cooperation of many different professionals. This module outlines the uses of 1031 exchanges, covering what constitutes exchangeable property, the definition of ‘like kind,- the roles of different professionals in 1031 exchanges, the benefits and drawbacks, as well as the different types of exchanges commonly used for real estate transactions. A real estate professional familiar with the Section 1031, its meaning, use and scope, will be able to expand his or her clientele base and will be better equipped to advise investor and commercial clients over the course of their transactions, from the property finding phase through closing.

Tax – Favorable Real Estate Transactions – Core->GA
The objective of this course is to teach real estate professionals how they can help their clients with the process of buying and selling property on a tax-favorable basis. The first two lessons describe a method of real estate purchase using pre-tax dollars and of growing the estate within a qualified product. We will discuss the current tax advantages of using both qualified and non-qualified tax products such as IRAs, SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, Roth IRAs and charitable gift annuities. The use of these applications provides the real estate professional with an opportunity to create a long-standing and profitable relationship with his or her clients, as well as attracting a more sophisticated investor wishing to find an alternative to 1031 exchanges.Lessons three and four of this module will explain the many important aspects of Internal Revenue Code Section 1031. The course will focus on the benefits of the 1031 exchange for the investor, the licensee and the other parties involved in the transaction. The student will learn which properties qualify under Section 1031 and how to use the various types of 1031 exchanges to enhance the clients position in the investment real estate market. The concluding lesson in this module presents real-world dilemmas and concrete applications of the information presented in the rest of the course. As the student completes this module, he or she should try to develop a broad picture of tax-favorable real estate transactions and how they fit into the larger practice of real estate. The last lesson will help with this project by presenting comprehensive content questions, practice problems and case studies.

Real Estate Finance – (CE)

Real Estate Finance

Closing and Settlement Costs – (CE)

Course Category:Real Estate

Some real estate licensees believe that their job ends when the purchase and sales contract is signed, and in fact, in many states, the licensee has no official duties throughout the closing process. However, transactions can and do fall apart during the closing stage. Licensees who are familiar with the closing procedures and settlement costs can stay involved and make sure that their transactions meet the desired end. This module covers the buyer’s and seller’s concerns at closing, the required documents to close a transaction and the rules and regulations of the closing process. In addition, the student will learn ways to help clients through this sometimes complicated process. Finally, the student will learn how to calculate closing expenses and fill out the settlement statement. As the student completes this module, he or she should attempt to fit this information in with the big picture of the real estate business. The conclusion of the module will assist with drawing the information together by presenting real world practice, comprehension questions and case studies for the student’s consideration.

Georgia Amendments and Exhibits

This course examines when, why, and how licensees use particular amendments and exhibits. Students will learn the difference between an amendment and an exhibit and how to identify and use forms dealing with contingencies, back-up agreements, earnest money, termination and release, closing dates, possession, temporary occupancy, vendors, inspections, and improvements.

Closing and Settlement Costs

In many states, a licensee has no official duties throughout the closing process. This leads some real estate licensees to believe that their job ends when the purchase and sales contract is signed, but this is not a prudent stance. Transactions can and do fall apart during the closing stage. Licensees who are familiar with closing procedures and settlement costs can stay involved and use their skills to help ensure that their transactions end well.This module covers a broad range of issues related to closing and settlement to help the student learn ways to help clients through this sometimes complicated process. It includes the following lessons:Real Estate Closings Expenses The HUD-1 Settlement StatementIn addition, this module includes a final practice lesson. This concluding lesson presents real-world dilemmas and concrete applications of the information presented in the rest of the course. As the student completes this module, he or she should try to develop a broad picture of closing and settlement and how they fit into the larger practice of real estate. The last lesson will help with this project by presenting comprehensive content questions, practice problems and case studies.

Georgia License Law

In this license law course, the student will examine Georgia Real Estate License Law governing the licensing and conduct of real estate professionals. This course provides an overview of the role, structure, responsibilities, and duties of the Georgia Real Estate Commission and the requirements for the licensure for both salesperson and broker. The steps required for setting up and maintaining escrow/trust accounts and actions that are not in compliance with Georgia real estate license law are covered as well as the Real Estate Education, Research and Recovery Fund. Students will explore the unfair trade practices that licensees are prohibited from engaging in, the Commission’s complaint process, the activities that require a real estate license, and how the Criminal Code of Georgia relates to real estate licensees.

This course also covers the requirements for obtaining and renewing a real estate license. The responsibilities of brokers, the handling of trust accounts, advertising requirements, and agency relationships are discussed. Students will learn about mortgage fraud, Georgia’s Fair Housing Law, and the Brokerage Relationship in Real Estate Transaction (BRRETA).

Georgia Listing the Buyer

This course provides an overview of the listing process, listing agreements, the role of the multiple listing service, and buyer agency as well as the applications of the Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement, the Non-Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement, and other forms. Students will learn how to analyze and address buyers’ needs and wants, educate buyers, prepare a buyer presentation package, conduct showings, and effectively communicate with clients.

Georgia Listing the Seller

The course provides an overview of the listing process and seller agency as well as the applications of the Georgia Exclusive Seller Listing Agreement and the Non-exclusive Seller Listing Agreement. Students will learn how to prepare and present an effective, informative marketing plan to sellers; handle the hazard areas regarding the accuracy of listing information, and follow-up after a listing appointment.

Georgia Mortgage Fraud

This course provides an overview of 29 common mortgage fraud schemes and begins with an examination of Georgia Mortgage Fraud Law. Students will learn how to recognize when a property is being illegally flipped and predict when straw sellers and straw buyers are being used to commit fraud. The course also explores schemes involving shell companies, escrow accounts, "No Doc" loans, false IDs, and silent second mortgages. False money, neighborhood flipping, and fake comparables are also discussed. The course closes with a look at how perpetrators move money out of deals and use false documents.

Georgia Prospecting and Marketing

This course provides the licensee with valuable information on business vision, planning, the sources of prospects, and organizing contacts and prospects to reach goals.

Georgia Truth or Consequences

Georgia Truth or Consequences provides the student with valuable knowledge of property disclosure issues and home inspections. Students will learn how to handle stigmatized property and limit misrepresentation liability.

Liens, Taxes, and Foreclosures

This course discusses liens, taxes and foreclosures. There are many types of liens, as well as several kinds of taxes, that can attach to a parcel of real estate. When borrowers default on a debt, foreclosure is the process by which lienholders collect the unpaid portion of a debt. Because liens represent an interest in real property, it is crucial that real estate licensees develop an in-depth understanding of liens and lien-related issues. Such knowledge also helps licensees to better advise buyers and sellers.

Real Estate Appraisal

This course covers the theories, rules, duties and activities that guide the real estate appraisal process. An appraiser must also conduct him- or herself professionally, ethically and honestly. There are guidelines regarding professionally and ethically correct behavior of appraisers as well that are also covered by this course. The entire appraisal process should be carried out in the best possible way for consumers and licensees as well as the real estate market.

Home Inspection – (CE)

It is not always obvious, especially to the first-time home buyer, the reasoning and importance of the home inspection. Therefore, the real estate licensee must know and understand the basic requirements of the property inspection and the responsibilities of the licensed inspectors. Some of the areas discussed are the basic fundamentals of the exterior components of real property as well as the interior housing construction; the procedure for inspecting heating and cooling systems; and warning signs of potential problem areas including mold and other environmental hazards.

Georgia Contracts

This course provides the student with a paragraph by paragraph guide to the 2010 Georgia Association of REALTORS® (GAR) Purchase and Sale Agreement. The student will learn how to correctly fill out each paragraph, identify recent changes in the contract, and explain important sections to clients.

Real Property Ownership and Land Use

This module explores the meaning of real property ownership and the differences between real estate and personal property. Although these terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, there are different rights associated with these different commodities. It is important that licensees understand the differences between them and are able to explain the distinctions to their clients and customers. This module addresses the following topics: • Personal and Real Property Ownership • Land Description • Controlling Development • Real Estate Practice Lesson Throughout this module, the student will learn how different commodities—land, real estate, and real property— transfer and relate to one another. In addition, the student will learn about land use theory and come to understand how our federal, state, municipal and private authorities govern and plan our communities. This module covers legal descriptions as well as informal descriptions, the development of these concepts and the role they play in the real estate industry. This module’s final lesson presents real-world dilemmas and provides opportunities to apply the information covered in the rest of the course. As the student completes this module, he or she should try to develop a broad understanding of real property use and to place this understanding within the larger context of real estate practice as a whole. This final lesson aims to help the student achieve this goal using comprehensive content questions, practice examples and case studies.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Setting goals and eliminating barriers to success is just the beginning of the transformation from eking out a living to a lucrative business. Licensees are presented with key models and systems that will assist in increasing their business growth exponentially. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of a real estate business, measuring performance quantitatively, mastering four key models that will allow them to operate at a higher level of success and continuing to grow and expand one’s real estate business without artificial limits.

Introduction to Employee Relocation

The goal of this course is to provide licensees with an understanding of various relocation service requirements. Providing relocation services involves working simultaneously for two different clients with two distinctively different service requirements, some of which overlap. This course explores corporate relocation policies, tax issues, relocation management companies and the services they provide, home sale programs, corporate listings, RMC guidelines, and Worldwide ERC.

Using the Internet to Serve Clients

Provider Approval #0238 / Course Approval #04-00-104-24761

The real estate industry, along with many other industries, is being revolutionized by the Internet. As time goes on, increasing numbers of people gain access to the Internet and use it to satisfy their real estate needs. To avoid being left behind, real-estate professionals need to cultivate an online presence. In this module students will learn about the Internet and how it has affected the real estate industry. Students will also learn about the elements of Web sites and how to market themselves and their sites on the Internet. The final lesson teaches students to communicate effectively over email. The conclusion of this module presents real world dilemmas and applications of the information presented. As the student completes this module, he or she should try to paint a big picture of Internet issues, which the module will address with comprehensive content questions, practices and case studies.

Fair Housing

This course covers broad issues on fair housing laws. Specifically, the student will learn: what fair housing laws exist, what classes of individuals are covered under these laws, how discrimination is defined in real estate, how can one avoid discriminating practices, and what the consequences are for non-compliance with fair housing laws.

If you are located in Texas please note the following information:

Texas Provider Approval #0238 / Course Approval #04-00-104-24750

 

Asset Management

Provider Approval #0238 / Course Approval #03-00-053-18144

Asset Management is the term used for the decision-making process involved in maximizing returns on real property investments. This process includes such decisions as whether or not to renew a lease for a tenant, purchase or lease more assets, improve, sell or rent ones current assets, etc. The asset manager must be aware of market trends and indicators and must be able to accurately predict the cash inflows and outflows of his or her own holdings. This course provides an introduction to the basics of asset management. It introduces the student to the key ideas and concepts of management as well as the techniques a manager will use to evaluate the market and evaluate the financial impact of alternatives in order to make properly informed decisions. The student will learn how to handle distressed properties and how to successfully market a revenue-increasing strategy. The course ends with case studies and real world practice, which will aid the student in becoming confident and familiar with the various aspects of asset management.

Code of Ethics

This course covers the standards of conduct and ethical judgment by addressing the different concepts that contribute to ethical business practices. This course will introduce the student to ethics and morals by defining both terms in order to distinguish differences between the two. The student will also learn the four approaches to ethical decision-making; therefore, after learning the Articles and Standard Practices of the NAR® Code of Ethics, the student will be able to use the model identify any violations of the Code.

Tax – Favorable Real Estate Transactions

Provider Approval #0238 / Course Approval #04-00-104-24760

The objective of this course is to teach real estate professionals how they can help their clients with the process of buying and selling property on a tax-favorable basis. The first two lessons describe a method of real estate purchase using pre-tax dollars and of growing the estate within a qualified product. We will discuss the current tax advantages of using both qualified and non-qualified tax products such as IRAs, SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, Roth IRAs and charitable gift annuities. The use of these applications provides the real estate professional with an opportunity to create a long-standing and profitable relationship with his or her clients, as well as attracting a more sophisticated investor wishing to find an alternative to 1031 exchanges.Lessons three and four of this module will explain the many important aspects of Internal Revenue Code Section 1031. The course will focus on the benefits of the 1031 exchange for the investor, the licensee and the other parties involved in the transaction. The student will learn which properties qualify under Section 1031 and how to use the various types of 1031 exchanges to enhance the clients position in the investment real estate market. The concluding lesson in this module presents real-world dilemmas and concrete applications of the information presented in the rest of the course. As the student completes this module, he or she should try to develop a broad picture of tax-favorable real estate transactions and how they fit into the larger practice of real estate. The last lesson will help with this project by presenting comprehensive content questions, practice problems and case studies.

Contracts, Purchase & Sales Agreements

Clear, mutually-acceptable agreements are an essential component of the legal transference of ownership. In the practice of real estate, contracts are the instruments used to describe and record the agreements surrounding the conveyance of property. Some type of contract is nearly always involved, whether a salesperson is promising to sell a property within a specified period of time, a prospective buyer is placing an offer on a house or a seller is considering an offer on property. Before entering into a legally binding agreement, real estate professionals must fully understand the contracts that govern their industry. Failure to understand contracts opens a licensee to various kinds of liability and can seriously damage ones professional reputation. Therefore, it is vital that real estate professionals learn this material so that they can protect themselves against errors, oversights and misunderstandings. In this module you will learn about the types of general contracts as well as the different kinds of real estate contracts. The module provides the student with an overview of the various types of contracts: bilateral, unilateral, implied, express, executed, executory, valid, void, voidable and unenforceable. Once the student is introduced to the different types of contracts, he or she learns what makes a contract legally enforceable, this being the five components that make a contract valid: mutual assent, legally competent parties, consideration, lawful objective and adherence to a statute of frauds. This module includes the following lessons: – Types of Contracts- Features of a Legally Valid Contract- Contract Fulfillment- Real Estate ContractsThe fifth and concluding lesson in this module presents real-world dilemmas and concrete applications of the information presented in the rest of the course. As the student completes this module, he or she should try to develop a broad picture of environmental issues and how they fit into the larger practice of real estate; the last lesson will help with this project by presenting comprehensive content questions, practice problems and case studies.