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.

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.

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 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. This course addresses the following topics:Definition of Ethics and Morals The Four Approaches to Ethical Decisions Articles in the Code of Ethics Using the Model for Ethical Decision-Making Basics of the Professional Standards Enforcement Process through the Local REALTOR® Board of Association More Risk Management in Action to Improve Business Real Estate PracticeThis course will include seven lessons. Lesson One will introduce the concept of ethics and morals. Lesson Two will introduce four approaches to making ethical business decisions and a model for ethical decision making. Lesson Three will present an overview of the NAR® Code of Ethics including the concept of aspirations within the Pre-Amble and the Articles and Standard Practices in the NAR® Code of Ethics. In Lesson Four, participants will use case studies to apply the model for making ethical decisions, which includes using the four approaches to business ethics while utilizing the NAR® Code of Ethics. Lesson Five focuses on ethics complaints, arbitration and mediation. Lesson 6 will conclude the course with a discussion of unethical conduct, antitrust laws and violations of antitrust laws and professional and ethical business practices. Lesson 7 will conclude the course with a presentation of real world situations and applications of the information presented. As the student completes this course, he or she should try to paint a big picture of the code of ethics, which the course will address with comprehensive content questions, practices, and case studies.

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.

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.

The undertaking of real estate transactions is a complex endeavor. Expertise is needed by buyers and sellers of real property in order to assure that profits are maximized while losses are minimized, both of these ends being realized in legal and ethical ways. To gain this expertise, it is common, if not necessary, for buyers and sellers to enter into relationships with those who have expertise in real property issues namely, you.A variety of relationships exist in real estate transactions and they are designed to serve the different means and degrees to which buyers and sellers are represented. These distinct relationship categories are borne of agency law.

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.

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.

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.

A deed is the most common written instrument used to convey the title to real property. Consequently, all real estate professionals need a clear understanding of the uses and purposes of different types of deeds. This course illustrates the difference between the concept of title and the concept of a deed. This course includes the following lessons:Introduction to Deeds and Title Conveyance Types of Deeds State-Specific Information Real Estate Practice The first lesson of this course reviews the requirements of a legally enforceable contract. And, because a deed is a legal contract between two parties, requirements for a deed to legally convey the title to real property are also reviewed and explained in detail.The second lesson of this course covers types of deeds and their different uses. Types of deeds differ in the extent of covenants and warranties on the title that are offered to the grantee. The most common types of deeds for voluntary land conveyance are general warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, bargain and sale deeds and quitclaim deeds. The lesson then identifies other types of deeds that may be used for special purposes. However, all states have distinctive legislation pertaining to title conveyance. As a result, the third lesson of this course outlines relevant state statutes that affect deeds, including those that differentiate between the unauthorized practice of law and the lawful role of real estate professionals. The last lesson in this course is a real estate practice lesson in which the student is presented with real world situations that licensees might face in the field. This lesson gives the student the opportunity to employ his or her new knowledge, and to use the material in this course to properly manage ethical predicaments and problematic transactions.

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.

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.