This course provides an introduction to residential real estate finance, including information on the underwriting process for FHA, VA, FNMA and FHLMC loans. It includes the following lessons:Introduction to Loans Conventional Loans FHA Loans VA Loans The Basics of Real Estate Financing Real Estate PracticeIn this course the student will learn the basics of the different types of loans available and the advantages and disadvantages of each; loan applications; appraisals; escrow; titles; and credit reports, including qualifying for loan amounts and verifying income and assets.The student will also learn how to calculate loan amounts, estimate monthly payments from property taxes, hazard and mortgage insurance, qualifying ratios and income.

This course covers math principles essential in the practice of real estate. Some of these topics may already be familiar to the student. The course will elaborate on how the subject matter pertains to real estate in everyday use. It is important that licensees understand the mathematical concepts presented here in order to be competent in the practice of real estate. This course includes the following lessons:The Language of Math Measurement of Dimensions Financial Math Valuation Math Real Estate PracticeThe course includes fractions, decimals and percentages: the mathematical language used to express many aspects of real estate practice. Area and volume will be discussed so that the licensee will be able to determine and express the amount of commodity in a particular parcel of realty. While not a real estate finance course, this course will review concepts of interest, amortization and loan rate and discount. These concepts must be understood fully so that the licensee may grasp the essential elements used in the purchase of and financing for real property. Additionally, the principle of prorating will depict the importance of time in the transfer of realty.The conclusion of this course offers real world examples and applications of the information presented. Upon completion of this course the student will comprehend the language and principles of mathematics necessary to successfully function in the practice of real estate.

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.

Recording real property documents in the public record gives the public access to information they may need in order to clarify the condition of the title to a property. The simple process of recording helps trace the history of the title by tracking past and current owners of the title as well as any previous liens and encumbrances placed on the title. The act of recording real property documents allows grantors to warrant grantees a valid deed conveyance and smooth purchase transaction and to provide proof of ownership in case any future complications arise. This course includes the following lessons:Public Records and Recording Titles Title Transfers Real Estate Practice The terms title and deed do not mean the same thing; therefore, individuals cannot use the terms interchangeably. The title refers to ownership of a property or parcel of real estate whereas the deed refers to the document that transfers the ownership property from the grantor to the grantee. This course will explain the process of recording, give examples of public records and describe the different deeds of conveyances. The different lessons in this course work together to help grantors and grantees avoid any future complications concerning the ownership rights to a property or resolve any disputes that arise.

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.The first lesson presents a general overview of liens. It explains the classification of liens and discusses the types of non-tax liens. Lesson two discusses taxes and tax issues, including ad valorem taxes, real estate tax computation, special assessments, real estate transfer taxes, federal income taxes, capital gains taxes and tax shelters for homeowners and investors. It also discusses the priority of liens. Lesson three addresses the methods of foreclosure, redemption, deficiency judgments, tips for homeowners facing foreclosure and fraudulent behaviors related to foreclosure.The conclusion of this module presents real world dilemmas and applications of the information presented. As the student completes the module, he or she should try to paint a big picture of the issues surrounding liens, taxes and foreclosures, which the module addresses with comprehensive questions, activities and case studies.

This course 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 course addresses the following topics:Personal and Real Property Ownership Land Description Controlling Development Real Estate Practice LessonThroughout this course, 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 course covers legal descriptions as well as informal descriptions, the development of these concepts and the role they play in the real estate industry. This courses 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 course, 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.

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.

Property management is a special category of real estate work. The term property management generally refers to the group of services which an owner hires a professional property manager or management firm to perform. The quality of management directly affects the profitability of the property being managed. A skilled property manager thus protects the owners capital investment in real estate and makes sure that the property generates profit. In many cases, property managers must be licensed real estate brokers. This course includes the following lessons:Introduction to Property Management Management Agreements A Property Managers Typical DutiesInteracting with Tenants Property Management and Leases Real Estate Practice Lesson We will cover a property managers basic functions, including administrative duties, leasing practices and the managers legal relationships with the owner and the tenants of the property. The course also discusses the way to construct a management agreement so that the manager and the owner clearly understand one another’s roles. Licensees will benefit from understanding the various types of property management, as well as the duties that successful property managers must carry out.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 course, he or she should try to develop a broad picture of property management and how it fits 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.

As the market becomes more competitive, only a business comprised of well-rounded licensees who provide comprehensive advice will continue to stand out. This course instructs real estate licensees on the basics of home inspection. An understanding of this information will allow the student to serve his or her clients and customers better. This course presents an overview of the home inspection business and explains how it fits into the real estate industry as a whole. In addition, the course covers the regulatory bodies and professional organizations associated with home inspection. At the conclusion of this course, the student will understand the methods used to inspect homes, will know what to look for when examining properties, both inside and out, and will understand the various types of inspection reports and the differences between them.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

This course covers Michigans real estate license law and regulatory information. In particular it will look at the state occupational code and general rules of the Occupational Board. Additionally, it will delve into regulatory acts such as the Seller Disclosure Act and inspection issues. This course covers a broad range of topics related to the law and real estate regulations to help the student find ways to guide clients through this often complicated legislation. It includes the following lessons:Michigan Real Estate License Law Regulatory PointsIn addition, this course includes a final practice lesson. This concluding lesson presents real-world dilemmas and concrete applications of the information presented in the rest of the module. As the student completes this course, he or she should try to develop a broad picture of license law and regulation and how they fit into the larger practice of real estate. The last lesson will help with this project by presenting MAR® updates and case study.