Washington Real Estate Continuing Education

30 Hours
This complete 30-hour package meets all of the requirements for active Brokers and active Managing Brokers renewing active in Subsequent license renewal periods after the transition license renewal cycle. The package includes the 3 required core hours + 27 hours of elective topics.

Courses included in this package:

• Current Issues in WA Residential Real Estate (2016-2017) (3 core hours)
• Marijuana in Real Estate (3 elective hours)
• Foundations of Real Estate Finance (6 elective hours)
• From Contract to Keys: The Mortgage Process (6 elective hours)
• Code of Ethics: Good For Your Clients and Your Business (3 elective hours)*
• Working With Real Estate Investors: Understanding Investor Strategies (3 elective hours)
• Title and Escrow: Two Families, One Transaction (3 elective hours)
• Today's MLS: New Paradigms: Better Results (3 elective hours)

30 Hours
This comprehensive package provides everything you need to ensure you complete your CE requirements before the deadline. It includes the mandatory 2017-2018 Washington Residential Core course and 27 hours of elective hours including topics on legal, tax implications and starting a brokerage. Save money and streamline your renewal today!

1. 2018-2019 Washington Residential Core (3 Hours): This course covers mandatory content required to renew your real estate license and will prepare any Washington real estate professional with the legislative, legal, and business practice updates within the state.
2. Qualifying the Buyer Under New Regulations (3 Hours): This must-have course addresses the fundamental role of real estate agents in the mortgage lending process. With so many changes affecting the ability of potential homebuyers to obtain loans, it is imperative for real estate agents to understand the complexities of today's market.
3. Legal Topics in Real Estate (4 Hours): It is that licensees understand the law as it applies to the practice of real estate. This course explores the licensee's role as an agent and fiduciary, ethical and legal pitfalls a licensee may face in a competitive market, the four required elements for valid contracts, and the differences between contract and tort law.
4. Tax Implications of Home Sales (6 Hours): Real estate professionals can increase their value to their customers by learning the tax implications of home sales in the USA. Discover strategies every real estate agent can use, including how to identify the sources of active, portfolio, and passive income. Discover how long- and short-term capital gains and losses are treated. Learn how depreciation affects taxable income, cost basis, and taxation of capital gains.
5. Starting a Successful Brokerage (6 Hours): Ready to start your own brokerage business? This course is packed with essential information to help you get started and succeed! Explore how to develop a business plan, setting up your company's management team, and marketing and advertising options. Learn the vital skills, strategies, and necessary steps for getting your company off to the right start.
6. Financing Residential Real Estate (8 Hours): Financing Residential Real Estate is an elective topic that satisfies 8 hours of continuing education. There is a dizzying array of financing options available to homebuyers today. Where do you begin? You’ll discover a myriad of options available through FHA, VA and special financing options. Plus, examine a simplified approach to accurately assessing closing costs.

Washington CE Requirements: 30 hours of continuing education including a 3-hour core course.

30 Hours
WA 30.0 hours Broker Renewal Package - Second & Subsequent Renewal Package #1 contains:

• 3.0 hours Avoiding Common Mistakes
• 3.0 hours Building Green
• 3.0 hours Personal Safety
• 4.0 hours Property Management
• 3.0 hours Floods and other Natural Hazards
• 4.0 hours Valuation, Marketing, and Listings
• 3.0 hours Managing Conflicts with Tenants, Clients, and Employees
• 4.0 hours Ethics
• 3.0 hours Current Issues in WA Residential Real Estate

30 Hours
WA 30.0 hours Broker Renewal Package - Second & Subsequent Renewal Package #2 contains:

• 3.0 hours Contracts and Leases
• 4.0 hours Tiny Homes and Other Alternative Properties
• 4.0 hours The Millennials are Changing Real Estate!
• 4.0 hours Planning and Growing a Real Estate Business
• 3.0 hours Duties of a Real Estate Broker
• 3.0 hours Ethics and Business Practices
• 3.0 hours Commercial Real Estate Investing
• 3.0 hours Good Guys/Bad Guys - Who's Who in Mortgage Fraud
• 3.0 hours Current Issues in WA Residential Real Estate

3 Hours
The Washington Residential Core course is a mandated update to state prescribed curriculum meeting the requirements for licensure renewal under the Washington Administrative Code. This course equips Washington real estate professionals with the legislative, legal, and business practice updates within the state.

3 Hours
3.0 Core Hours
Every two years, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) and Washington State Real Estate Commission (Commission) release a set Current Issues (CORE) curricula specifically designed to provide a mandated three-hour legislative, legal, and business practices update for real estate professionals.

For the 2018/19 CORE curricula, DOL and the Commission utilized the following data points and resources to guide eventual content determinations:

• An alignment review of RCW, WAC and other legislative mandates
• An assessment of real estate compliance data
• An identification of new key issues/trends and out-of-date content/topics based on stakeholder input via survey process conducted April-May, 2017

This 2018/19 edition of the Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate Course Curriculum was adopted by the Commission on September 28, 2017, to be implemented January 1, 2018.

3 Hours
Tactics that work with motivated, excited sellers don't always translate well when working with short sale sellers and short sale buyers. Toss lender approvals, junior lien holders, and inflexible timelines into the mix, and you end up with a whole new ball game.

In a short sale transaction, the motivation for each party is different than the standard transaction, and as the professional in the scene, you need to adjust accordingly. This course speaks to your interaction with short sale sellers, and how you can help them through a tough process while diligently advocating on their behalf. We cover how to figure out an appropriate listing price, negotiate with the lender's representative, sort through debt settlement terminology, and carry the deal through to closing. We also look at the process from a buyer's agent perspective. Additional cautions, considerations, and fraud prevention tactics are required when advocating on behalf of these deal-seeking buyers.

3 Hours
The real estate market reflects the diverse population that is present in the United States today with individuals of different races, ethnicities, lifestyles, and cultures. The interests and goals of individuals within diverse populations influence their decision making process within the purchase of real estate. It is critical that the successful real estate professional understands and adapts to others’ lifestyles.

Course highlights include:

• Resources that will help you identify the diversity of the population living in your area
• Numerous examples of characteristics and beliefs that can be present in a diverse population
• Statistics from the National Association of REALTORS® relating to diversity
• A summary of requirements outlined in various fair housing laws and details about federally protected classes
• Suggestions that will help you in your efforts working with a diverse group of clients

6 Hours
The financing of a home is as integral to real estate transactions as finding the home itself, and it is beneficial for you to have a clear understanding of the entire financing process. This course will help you to gain a better understanding of the changes the mortgage market has experienced over the years.

Highlights of this course include:

• Details outlining the history and purpose of real estate financing
• Explanation of the roles and regulations of FNMA, GNMA, FHLMC, FHA, and VA
• Video outlining the rise and fall of the mortgage market and global economy
• Information about HAFA and Making Home Affordable
• Statistics from the Center for Responsible Lending and the Federal Reserve
• Affordability Worksheet, to assist clients in calculating their maximum affordable purchase price
• Homebuyer Do's and Don'ts flier with tips for your clients
• Instructions on calculating LTV, front-end and back-end ratios, and monthly mortgage payments
• Details and qualification requirements for several popular financing options

3 Hours
The trend to “go green” now extends beyond weekly recycling efforts and the latest Hybrid cars. In fact, the effects of this movement are becoming increasingly visible in the real estate market. This means that it is crucial for you, as an industry professional, to have a thorough understanding of green home qualifications, eco-friendly remodeling possibilities, and energy-efficient technologies.

This course provides you with the information you need to successfully guide your more eco-minded clients. Whether you’re helping a buyer find a newly constructed green home or advising a seller on green remodeling efforts to improve a listing, you’ll be able to provide your clients with support they need.

Course highlights include:

• An overview of green footprints, sustainability, and the environmental effects of energy-efficient homes
• Information on green renovation options, such as the use of renewable flooring, tubular skylights, xeriscaping, and more
• Videos and Internet resources that provide details on programs, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH), and ENERGY STAR®
• Details about green property requirements, as outlined by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
• Statistics on the cost-saving benefits of green remodeling efforts and energy-efficient technology and appliances
• Tips for inexpensive, yet effective green makeovers that make homes more appealing to eco-conscious buyers

3 Hours
Practicing real estate during a hot market is not business as usual. Ethical, legal and practical issues occur when buyers scramble to “get theirs” while listing agents guard the gate—sometimes using questionable means.

No matter the market dynamics, a licensee’s fiduciary duties do not change. A buyer’s agent still has the duty to put client needs first, and help buyers obtain properties meeting their needs for the lowest price possible. Listing agents also must put the seller’s interest first, and try to secure for them the best price and most favorable terms.

This course shows licensees how to navigate hot market dynamics ethically and legally, whether representing buyers or sellers.

Course highlights include:

• An overview of hot market dynamics, including low inventory, cash buyers, multiple offers, appraisal and lending issues
• How to stay ethical, legal and avoid violating MLS rules when taking a pocket listing
• A discussion of private listing groups and their potential risks for fair housing and anti-trust violations
• Buyer strategies for writing winning offers—and guerilla tactics to avoid
• Escalator clauses, what they are and how to respond to them
• Ways to assist sellers in evaluating offers based not only on price and terms but also on buyer strength
• Strategies for responding to multiple offers
• Options for buyers and sellers when properties do not appraise

3 Hours
Real estate is no stranger to the white collar criminal, as fraud has become a major issue in the industry. Many lawbreakers use real estate as a vehicle to steal the life savings of unsuspecting homeowners and defraud lenders out of millions of dollars for their own gain. Federal, state, and local governments have taken steps to combat real estate fraud, but it remains a major problem—and one you need to have a solid understanding of to ensure you're able to shield your clients and yourself from being defrauded or unknowingly committing fraud.

Keeping It Honest: Understanding Real Estate and Mortgage Fraud has been updated to discuss the latest fraudulent schemes and explain recent government initiatives aimed at stopping fraud and protecting consumers.

Course highlights include:

• An overview of fraud and its impact on the real estate industry.
• An examination of the newest and most prevalent types of fraudulent schemes.
• A detailed description of red flag behaviors that suggest someone is engaging in fraud.
• Recommendations on how to report fraudulent or suspected fraudulent activities to the proper authorities.
• An analysis of key government initiatives aimed at stopping fraud and protecting consumers.

3 Hours
First and foremost, you, as a real estate professional, are an entrepreneur. This course guides you through proven methods to assist you in developing a successful, workable business plan. You will learn about creating a vision for your business and the tools necessary to achieve that vision.

Course highlights include:

• A Business Plan Worksheet that will help you reflect on your accomplishments and focus on your goals for the future
• Helpful ideas for defining your real estate business, vision statement and mission statement
• Details about identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and setting realistic, attainable goals
• A Business Plan Template that you can edit to create your business plan
• Instructions on analyzing your sphere of influence and tips for adding contacts to your sphere
• Tips on calculating the levels of productivity you will need to meet in order to achieve your income and profitability goals

3 Hours
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the most powerful tool that you, as a real estate professional, have at your disposal. Potential buyers, in addition to other real estate professionals, can view your listings through a multitude of websites. How you use the MLS communicates your level of professionalism and attracts people to your properties.

This course provides common sense theories and best practices from industry experts. Harness the full power of the MLS, starting with a full understanding of how data flow in and out of the MLS. Apply the practical concepts from this course to:

• Write exceptional listing descriptions
• Prepare listings that receive the attention they deserve
• Remain in compliance with fair housing, advertising, ethics, and anti-trust regulations

3 Hours
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) acquires thousands of homes every year through foreclosure on properties that had Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgages. This course explains the processes and procedures involved in listing and selling HUD homes, including how the properties are awarded to individual brokers for listing, how brokers and agents are compensated for these sales, and how they are listed and marketed.

Course Highlights

• Overview of increased commission opportunities
• Explanation of FHA financing, and the FHA foreclosure process
• A summary of the roles created through HUD's Management and Marketing III program, and details regarding the duties associated with each role
• A description of the documents involved in the sale of a HUD home
• Rules outlining the advertisement of HUD homes
• Details about the HUD home bidding process

3 Hours
Client advocacy filters into every aspect of your real estate business, starting with the method you use to pursue new clients through your follow-up call after you have executed a transaction. This course takes the concept of advocacy and applies it to everyday actions in commercial real estate. Numerous examples populate the course, including strategies to employ when pursuing new business, opportunities to educate your clients, and effective discussion points to help your clients see when an expert is needed. Good service means being an effective advocate, and this course will help polish those advocating skills.

Highlights of this course include:

• Real life examples of complicated transactions and the key actions that made them successful
• Evaluation of how specialization expands your core competencies resulting in a more stable and successful business strategy
• A deep look at your client interactions with specific advice on how to improve the results

Ed Riggins, Senior Vice President with Cresa Atlanta, assisted in the development of Client Advocacy in Commercial Real Estate, serving as the course's subject matter expert. Ed is a Life Member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS®, and he's among less than 1% of practitioners nationally to hold both the SIOR and CCIM designations. www.edriggins.com

6 Hours
From the time your buyers sign their purchase agreements, to the time they finally get the keys to their new home, the mortgage process can be filled with anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty. Through your understanding of the process, you will be able to provide your clients with a road map through the maze.

Highlights of this course include:

• Video outlining the mortgage process
• Tips on helping your clients avoid predatory lending
• Updated statistics from the Center for Responsible Lending
• Current lender disclosure requirements
• 2010 updates to 1003 loan application
• Homebuyer Do's and Don'ts flier that agents can pass on to their clients
• Tips on compiling and managing your short list of reputable lenders
• Current loan documentation rules
• Details regarding closing and closing documents

3 Hours
Electronic transactions and e-signatures can give you the competitive edge you need to attract new business, better serve existing clients, and improve your bottom line.

This course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of how national and international laws define an electronic signature, how e-signature technology is currently being used by real estate professionals, and how you can use it in your day-to-day transactions. Additionally, this course looks at the use of e-mail to conduct negotiations and at several real-life case studies currently affecting how you do business.

Course highlights include:

• A look at what it takes to make an e-mail a legally binding agreement, including a discussion of the “mirror image” rule
• Tips for ensuring that your e-mail communications remain blunder free
• A discussion of the pros and cons of e-mail disclaimers and how much protection they really provide users
• A look at how e-signatures are becoming more and more commonplace in the real estate industry, with institutions like the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and mortgage giants like Freddie Mac accepting e-signatures and the National Association of REALTORS® partnering with DocuSign, an e-signature provider
• A detailed discussion of several national and international e-signature laws, including the Electronic
• Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN), the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), and EU Directive 1999/93/EC
• A review of several precedent-setting case studies and their influence on the use of electronic negotiations in the real estate industry
• An examination of the financial and practical benefits of using e-signature technology
• Tips for selecting an e-signature technology that fits your needs as a busy real estate agent
• A description of the crucial security features and authentication methods to look for in an e-signature software
• Tips for successfully integrating e-signature technology into your day-to-day business transactions

3 Hours
The Fundamentals of Commercial Real Estate provides a solid foundation for your understanding of commercial real estate. The course covers the need-to-know information on a broad range of commercial topics.

If you're an experienced residential licensee, a few of the fundamentals of commercial real estate will be familiar to you—the importance of location, for example. In many other regards, commercial differs sharply from residential real estate. You'll be working with executives, investors, and business owners in commercial real estate, individuals whose focus is squarely on the bottom line.

Equipped with the information and advice found in this course, you'll be well-prepared to grasp the more complex aspects of commercial real estate as you gain more experience in the industry.

Course highlights include:

• Definitions of key terms and concepts that apply to commercial real estate.
• A detailed explanation of how to identify and meet the various needs of your commercial real estate clients.
• An analysis of the main differences between commercial and residential real estate sales.
• An overview of the most common valuation methods for real estate and businesses.
• Tips on gathering the demographic and location-related details that clients need to make well-informed decisions.

3 Hours
In a race, you don't finish unless you cross the finish line. A real estate transaction can be similar. All the hard work, the showings, the negotiations, the contracts, and the communications are all part of the race. The final step, finish line, comes at the closing. The signing of all the documents and transferring of ownership from one person to another comes at the finish line.

Course highlights include:

• Details that will help you protect ownership rights and understand liens, encumbrances, and title insurance
• A list of the four basic rights of owning and possessing property and explanations of how these rights impact property owners
• Characteristics of a valid deed, and descriptions of grant deeds, warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, tax deeds, gift deeds, and deeds in lieu of foreclosure
• Items included on a full title report, an ownership and encumbrance property report, a legal and vesting report, and a land title report
• Details about items covered by the lender's title insurance policy and those covered by the borrower's policy
• An explanation of the contents of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement

3 Hours
It is estimated that approximately $300 billion in real estate is transacted by investors each year. Grab your piece of the pie by understanding the driving forces in the dynamic residential real estate investment market. Possessing knowledge of the strategies and mindsets of investors will help you serve your valuable investor clients effectively, responsibly, and ethically.

Through this course, you will learn the impact of real estate investment in the United States, the opportunities that exist for investors, and your role in representing the residential real estate investor.

Course Highlights include:

• Resources from Keller Williams Publishing, National Real Estate Investors Association, OwnAmerica, and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) that will help you serve your investor clients
• A Criteria Worksheet handout that can be utilized in your efforts finding properties for your clients
• Insights from The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine, and Crash Boom! that will help you understand the mindset and strategies of investors
• Details about current real estate market conditions and the impact of investors on the market over time
• A look at recent data from the U.S. census, NAR surveys, and other independent studies, as well as a discussion about what it all means for today’s real estate investors
• Tips for acting ethically, providing a high level of service, and avoiding liability issues while working with investors
• Advice for becoming a real estate investor yourself, including legal landmines to guard against

3 Hours
While most real estate agents agree referrals are fundamental to success, the majority of agents are still beating the streets in hopes of attracting business from strangers. The Sphere of Influence approach to building your real estate business is based on nurturing relationships within your circle of friends, family, past clients, neighbors and acquaintances. This course helps you turn your acquaintances into your biggest advocates through respectful, non-intrusive methods.

Course highlights include:

• Tips to ensure you are presenting a professional, enthusiastic image to your Sphere of Influence contacts
• Suggestions on planning and implementing an ongoing SOI strategy
• Strategies on building and maintaining a contact database
• Ideas you can use in writing effective reconnection letters
• Things to keep in mind when pursuing and accepting referrals from family and friends

3 Hours
When licensees represent clients in a commercial transaction, whether marketing the building or assisting in the purchase, knowledge of the building’s structure and systems is vital. A building is comprised of its architectural features and its MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) systems. In this course you’ll learn about:

Highlights of this course include:

• A foundational understanding of … foundations! Includes footings and how they work with foundations to form a system, design concerns of foundations including soil conditions, water tables and live and dead loads
• Design considerations for roofs, walls, windows and doors
• An overview of HVAC types and considerations, including cost, efficiency and varying tenant needs
• A look at electrical, lighting, controls and fire and security alarms, and how they differ by building use and tenant need
• How external conditions can impact building design, occupancy and parking, including zoning and code location, topography, environmental factors

3 Hours
Landlord representatives usually referred to as “leasing agents” or “leasing brokers,” serve a key role in commercial real estate: getting tenants for their clients’ buildings. Accomplishing that goal is a lengthy, multi-step process that includes positioning the product in the marketplace, identifying suitable prospects, creating and executing marketing plans, negotiating the deal, and managing all of the steps associated with the leasing process. Landlord reps must have their fingers on the pulse of their market. A thorough knowledge of tenant demographics, occupancy rates, leasing rates, and industry trends is essential. Beyond technical expertise, however, they must also be adept at relationship building, and must know how to coalesce the varying needs of tenants, landlords and leasing brokers into workable, win-win-win deals.

This course provides an overview of commercial leasing, the players involved in commercial leasing, their roles and goals.

Highlights of this course include:

• An analysis of the commercial real estate market as it stands today
• A description of the in-house and external landlord reps, and why landlords choose to work with landlord reps
• A survey of a panel of six landlord representatives who have a combined total of nearly 200 years of experience in commercial real estate
• A look at additional training, accreditation and associations for commercial real estate professionals
• A comparison of different types of commercial leases
• An overview of the tenant build-out process
• A timeline with activities for landlord reps from hire to full execution of a commercial leasing listing contract

Ed Riggins, Senior Vice President with Cresa Atlanta, assisted in the development of Client Advocacy in Commercial Real Estate, serving as the course's subject matter expert. Ed is a Life Member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS®, and he's among less than 1% of practitioners nationally to hold both the SIOR and CCIM designations. www.edriggins.com

3 Hours
Real estate licensees who represent commercial clients, whether as buyers or sellers of commercial properties, must understand the process of valuing commercial properties. To best serve their commercial real estate clients, they need a solid understanding of how commercial properties are valued, how appraisers work, and how that important final number is determined

Many of the tools and methodologies used by commercial appraisers can also be used by licensees to help their clients determine value when buying, selling or comparing commercial real estate. While a valuation prepared by a real estate licensee will never take the place of a formal appraisal, it is important for licensees to understand the definitions of value used by appraisers, the methodologies used, the three approaches to value, and how value of commercial properties is determined. It is also important for licensees to be able to read and extract information from a professional appraisal report.

Highlights of this course include:

• Definitions of commonly used commercial appraisal terms
• An in-depth look at the process of data collection, analysis and three approaches to value (cost, income and sales comparison) for commercial property valuation
• Faculty expert, Bill James, a 40-year veteran of commercial appraisal, takes students step-by-step through a real-life appraisal report, which includes the process of data collection, approaches to value, analysis and value determination
• More than two dozen handouts used in a real-life commercial appraisal, with a detailed explanation of each

3 Hours
Commercial real estate investors have two goals: generate cash flow and produce higher returns. However, unlike other investment types, investing in commercial property is not simply a matter of buying at one price and selling for more. Commercial real estate must be considered in terms of the risks and rewards of the type of commercial property, income during the investment period, the investor’s own situation, and how value and return are impacted by the economic, market, tax, and legal conditions (particularly zoning) for the market niche.

This course presents an overview of the factors impacting value and investment potential of commercial properties, gives licensees a solid understanding of the financial aspects of commercial real estate investment, and better prepares them to provide professional guidance to their commercial real estate clients when evaluating investment properties for purchase or sale.

Highlights of this course include:

• The six main categories of commercial properties, and their specific challenges and opportunities for investors.
• A definition of transit-oriented communities, and why they are a growing type of mixed-use development.
• How zoning, building codes, title issues and the Americans with Disabilities Act impact commercial property development and investment potential.
• How licensees can use financial analysis and individual investor profiles to assist clients in analyzing commercial properties for purchase and sale.

6 Hours
The better priced a property is, the easier it is for you to show and sell it. Explore in-depth the appraisal process versus the Competitive Market Analysis, different pricing methods, plus examples and illustrations of pricing residential properties and income-producing properties.

4 Hours
This course discusses the importance of ethical behavior in the practice of real estate, and how a licensee's ethical standards can improve or harm a licensee's career, and the profession as a whole. The course compares and contrasts ethics, morality and the law. It describes principles supporting high ethical standards in real estate, the role of ethics in proper disclosure, and the types of ethical challenges a licensee may face in a competitive market. It discusses ethics as they relate to advertising and pricing, and how a licensee can best be supported to maintain high ethical standards. It concludes with a discussion of the types of ethical complaints commonly made against licensees, and how licensees may best avoid and respond to those complaints.

4 Hours
With more than 40,000 HUD homes available annually, it is important for licenses to understand how the HUD selling process works. This course teaches licensees how homes enter the HUD home selling market, and how licensees and HUD contractors (field service managers and asset managers) interact within a HUD transaction. Discussed are HUD's online bidding process, the registration for licensees who wish to bid on HUD-owned homes as selling brokers, and how a licensee may become a HUD listing agent. Also discussed are the components of the HUD Sales Contract Package and the process for completing and delivering the package and delivering it to the Area Manager. The course concludes with a discussion of the regulatory and disclosure issues relating to HUD transactions, how closing costs and earnest money are handled in a HUD transaction; advertising rules relating to HUD-owned properties, and the types of financing available to purchasers of HUD homes.

4 Hours
In a struggling real estate market, clients often look for someone to blame for their financial difficulties. Often it is the real estate licensee. Therefore, it is more important than ever for licensees to understand the law as it applies to the practice of real estate. Covered topics include the licensee's role as an agent and fiduciary, ethical and legal pitfalls a licensee may face in a competitive market, the four required elements for valid contracts, and the differences between contract and tort law. Also discussed are various federal laws impacting the real estate industry including anti-trust law, the Dodd-Frank Act, RESPA, the Fair Housing Act, landlord-tenant laws, the Do Not Call Registry and the FTC MAP Rules.

3 Hours
Ethical Real Estate covers the NAR Code of Ethics and reviews case studies pertaining to the code. Sample scenarios are included as a decision making practice for licensees. This course will insure that real estate professionals have a strong understanding of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Code of Ethics and understand the difference between ethical and unethical behavior. This course meets NAR's 3-hour mandatory ethics renewal training and covers the Preamble and Articles 1 - 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics.

3 Hours
This course is designed to improve real estate licensees' knowledge of green energy, green housing, and the types of green certification available for buildings, systems, and licensees so that licensees may better serve clients who are interested in green living or building. The housing market is becoming increasingly greener, due in part to regulatory demand, and in part to consumer demand. Licensees completing this course will understand the techniques used in green building, the benefits of green building for energy efficiency, resource conservation and marketability; the types of green certification available and how they apply to systems, housing and licensees; and how to appropriately refer green contractors and other vendors. This course serves as a must-have guide for gaining an overall understanding of the green housing movement, and how licensees may best serve clients interested in green real estate.

3 Hours
This course is designed to equip the real estate licensee to assist clients with short sales. It first discusses short sale transactions, short sale alternatives, the HAFA and HAMP program, and the impact of short sales on buyers, sellers, and lenders. It then explains the short sale lender and the licensee's role in a short sale transaction, including how to prepare a short sale packet for a lender. The MARS Rule and how it applies to licensees assisting clients with short sales is examined. The course concludes with a brief discussion of tenant rights during and after a short sale and an identification of the types of lender fraud that may be attempted in short sale transactions.