BEST VALUE!

This package includes 8 elective CE hours (of the total 12 hours) required for broker and sales active license renewals.

Courses included in this package:

• Foreclosures Demystified (3 elective hours)
• Going Green: The Environmental Movement in Real Estate (2 elective hours)
• Today's MLS: New Paradigms, Better Results (3 elective hours)

BEST VALUE!

This package includes 8 elective hours of CE (of the total 12 hours) required for broker and sales active license renewals.

Courses included in this package:

• Cracking the Code of Ethics (3 elective hours*)  
• Diversity: Your Kaleidoscope of Clients (2 elective hours)
• Title and Escrow: Two Families, One Transaction (3 elective hours)

*Also meets NAR QUADRENNIAL requirement standard. You will need to confirm with your local REALTOR association if they will accept it.

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.  

It is widely known that government exists due to the taxation of you and your client's income and property. Your clients should be aware that tax consequences occur as a result of each real estate transaction. Although as a real estate professional you should not provide tax or legal advice, you can identify the potential income and other tax affects for your sellers and buyers, and advise them to seek appropriate legal and tax counsel.

Course highlights include:

• Details outlining in-home office deduction requirements, and an explanation of how to calculate these deductions
• A clear definition of qualified residences
• Details about loans that commonly qualify for interest deductions
• Instructions on calculating an adjusted basis, a capital gain/loss, a net selling price, and a gain or loss on the sale of assets
• An overview of commercial real estate 1031 Like-Kind Exchange requirements

Real estate professionals have a responsibility to know and understand the applicable fair housing and civil rights laws governing their workplace as well as their personal conduct. The public expects and deserves competent actions based upon thorough knowledge. However, federal definitions of “protected classes” expand and change.  As licensees learn about and review protected classes and fair housing laws throughout this course, they will become better equipped to act with honesty, competence, and intelligence in serving their clients and customers.

In Breaking Barriers in Fair Housing, we discuss the protections provided by the Fair Housing Act, and how licensees can best protect clients and their firms from discrimination.

Course Highlights

• Video enactments depicting actual fair housing cases, submitted by the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission.
• Up-to-the-minute actual case studies in fair housing violations
• An analysis of the benefits of fair housing principles in real estate.
• A discussion of how attitudes and laws have changed to support a fair housing mindset
• A description of regulatory changes relating to fair housing
• A primer on how to write nondiscriminatory advertising
• Red flags of discrimination for listing agents, selling agents and brokers
• A Public Service Announcement video on fair housing from the Department of Housing and Urban Development

Ethical real estate professionals who adhere to a high set of standards are the foundation for restoring confidence and stability in an unsure marketplace. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) relies on its Code of Ethics to ensure that real estate professionals are conducting business in an honest manner and with the highest degree of integrity. 

This course reviews the Code of Ethics in spirit and language. Recent updates are highlighted and case studies clarify how the code translates into your everyday dealings. 

Ethics principles are a standard component of continuing education. In addition, this course fulfills the ethics training mandated by the National Association of REALTORS® for its members.

Course Highlights

• Review of the 17 articles in the NAR’s Code of Ethics
• Spotlight on new and amended Articles and Standards of Practice
• Activities crafted from Case Interpretations

*This course meets the NAR QUADRENNIAL requirement standard. You will need to confirm with your local REALTOR association if they will accept it.

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

In today`s real estate marketplace, foreclosures and short sales are a part of the landscape. This course will help you to gain a clear understanding of the steps of the foreclosure process.

Course highlights include:

• Details about legislation that has been enacted to assist distressed homeowners
• Rebuilding steps for homeowners who are recovering from foreclosure
• An explanation of the differences between judicial foreclosure and trust deed non-judicial foreclosure processes
• Foreclosure avoidance tips and ideas
• Details outlining the foreclosure process

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.

Course highlights 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

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.

Course highlights 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

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

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.

The mandatory topic for 2012 is “Advertising Rules and Regulations – How They Relate to Social Media and Teams in General.” Designed to provide the student with a comprehensive review of the Louisiana laws and rules governing print advertising, social media, and teams, this course enables licensees to comply with these laws and rules in their real estate practice.

Course highlights include:

• Review of state advertising laws, with specific guidance on how they relate to social media advertising
• Overview of copyright laws, with a focus on obtaining appropriate content and permission for your advertisements
• Investigation of “truth in advertising” requirements, and how this applies to your actions when creating listings, creating a marketing plan, and identifying your license status

**This course is for the 2012 license renewal cycle ending on 12/31/12. This course will NOT meet the mandatory core course requirements for licensees that need to renew for the 2013 renewal cycle on 12/31/13.

Infinite prospecting and advertising opportunities are available to real estate professionals through social media, blogging, property listing website, and email resources. Whether you’re an experienced Internet-savvy professional or have yet to create a Facebook profile, this course will help you gain an understanding of the legal, regulatory, ethical, and professional issues that should shape your online content and conduct.

This exciting new course features:

• Resources to help you in developing your online presence through personal websites, blogs, social media profiles, email campaigns, etc.
• Tech tips from Amy Chorew that will assist you in protecting your online image
• Details on reducing legal, ethical, regulatory, and practical risk you face through your online real estate activities
• Checklists with website best practices and email etiquette tips that can be used in your online marketing activities
• A handout with tips on avoiding E&O insurance claims stemming from your online real estate activities

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

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

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

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

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 include:

• 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