The purchase of real property is often the largest and most important purchase a person will make in their lifetime. Understanding the complexities of the buyer and licensee relationship allows you to effectively communicate with your customer or client and provide the tools for a successful sale.

Learn how to interact with short sale sellers knowing how to help them through the tough short sale process while diligently advocating on their behalf. Understand the pitfalls that await buyers of short sale properties so you can provide better protection during the short sale transaction.

Emotional support animals, service animals, and reasonable accommodations. How does the concept of reasonable accommodations play out in property management? Explore the issues and options faced by landlords and property managers surrounding assistance animals. Learn to recognize scenarios in which fair housing and ADA laws apply and how to ensure that indiciuals with disabilities have equal access to housing.

Fair housing law presents an ever changing landscape as new forms of discrimination reach legislative awareness. Licensees have a responsibility to stay informed to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local fair housing laws.
On the heels of the 50-year anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, we review the evolution of fair housing law and look at new and proposed fair housing protections.

Discover ways to build and retain a client base by taking care of those clients. Learn about planning, time management, technologies, real estate markets, and real estate trends. Gain a foundational understanding of the breadth of commercial real estate through learning about office, retail, and industrial property types.

Discover ways to build and retain a client base by taking care of those clients. Learn about planning, time management, technologies, real estate markets, and real estate trends. Gain a foundational understanding of the breadth of commercial real estate through learning about office, retail, and industrial property types.

This course is a must. Gain an understanding of how the sales comparison approach to property value can differ from other classic methods of property valuation.

If you are new to commercial real estate or deciding if it is the career for you, get a foundational understanding of commercial real estate. In the context of real estate, the terms commercial and investment are commonly used interchangeably. Begin your journey down the road of understanding commercial and investment real estate, the marketplace, and some of the pros and cons of dealing in commercial and investment properties. Leases and how commissions are paid on a commercial real estate transaction will be discussed.

Learn about commercial investment (sale) and lease real estate transactions. Assess how to help clients determine what their needs are when investing in real estate. Examine real estate market forces, investor motivations, investment terminology, and the risks associated with real estate investments. Study the methods used when analyzing real estate investments for buyer clients. Review the transaction flow of a lease transaction for a national retail client including timing of events and the documentation involved in the deal.

Learn how to identify risks and develop a risk management plan.

Real estate is a dynamic industry and the many chages to adapt to a transforming marketplace keep licensees on their toes. Be prepared by learning the four trending issues: MLS Clear Cooperation Policy, iBuying, negotiating nuances, and disaster planning. Understand how to best support your customers and clients in these current trends that impact them and real estate brokerage.

With more than 20 million veterans living in the United States today, real estate professionals can have a powerful and profound impact for those who served all while expanding their business in a patriotic way to an underserved market. Better serving our nation’s veterans and helping military families purchase a home starts with one simple question: “Did you serve?”
Become empowered to provide valuable support to veterans and military families by helping them understand the VA-guaranteed loan program and application process. Learn valuable tools and strategies for serving the unique needs of veterans.

To protect the consumer and mitigate legal issues, licensees must maintain detailed and organized records for each transaction, even if the transaction doesn’t close. Doing so satisfies regulatory requirements and serves as a risk management measure. Good document management provides proof that a licensee did what was required, when it was required.
Learn how to select and timely use transactional documents accurately to ensure all parties are protected.

Real estate agents are often ranked as the least trust worthy professionals. Licensees can help raise the bar and change the public’s perception of the profession through leading by example and following the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) code of ethics.
Learn how to recognize and respond to ethical dilemmas in a way that exemplifies the professionalism and cooperation that is the true foundation of the real estate industry.

The US Congress and state legislatures have made it clear that ensuring everyone equal access to housing is an important goal. Real estate agents need to know what conduct violates anti-discrimination laws to avoid potential liability. Review the mandatory fair housing laws and issues that real estate licensee must understand. Learn the federal anti-discrimination laws, problems that can occur from fair housing violations, and your duties and responsibilities to treat all parties fairly and equally under the law. Explore the differences in which advertisements are viewed within the parameters of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and the Communications Act of 1996. Actual court cases and rulings will be presented throughout the course.

Buyers and sellers want assurance that their individual interests are being protected in real estate transactions. Before disclosing any personal information, consumers want to know what type of agency relationship, if any, they have with the real estate professional. Agency laws protect the consumer involved in a real estate transaction. These laws vary by state. However, they all have the same basic requirements. Explore agency concepts and be better prepared to represent your clients and work with your customers.

First-time homebuyers often rely on an agent’s expertise, knowledge, and calm influence for a successful transaction that helps them achieve their goal of homeownership. Learn how to develop a niche target market of first-time home buyers or improve your overall knowledge about how to work with this buyer demographic.

Financing is as integral to real estate transactions as the home itself, and it’s beneficial for licensees 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, and introduce you to some loan programs you may not be familiar with, helping you identify better the right financing options for your clients.

This course will explain the difference between an exhibit and an amendment and help the agent to assess the necessary forms for various transactions. Many forms are covered in detail. The course will enhance the agent’s ability to identify the various provisions needed to complete an efficient ethical transaction.

Any Georgia licensee renewing a real estate license must complete 3 hours of continuing education on the topic of license law. This mandated Georgia-specific course breaks down the rules, regulations and laws regarding the practice of real estate into simple, easy to understand content. Topics include: license status as it relates to prohibited conduct, transferring a license, trust account management, unfair trade practices, advertising, brokerage firm management responsibilities, proper handling of real estate transactions, licensees acting as principal, and much more.

This course will identify criteria for handling earnest money within the guidelines of the Georgia Real Estate Commission. It will delineate the responsibilities of the agent and broker regarding the handling of the funds and the necessity of time constraints. The functions of a trust account and required accounting system are also discussed. Laws governing agents who own rental property are also included in this course.

Becoming an expert in areas that benefit your clients is one of the best ways to promote and market yourself. The more you understand the concepts, processes, challenges, and calculations associated with real estate finance the better you can assist your clients through an often frustrating process.

You will review a brief history of the mortgage industry and its players. Financing, security instruments, and legal clauses commonly included in such instruments will be discussed. Various loan types, including government-backed mortgage programs, will be reviewed as well as mortgage fraud and predatory lending. You will examine the loan process, qualifying standards for borrowers, and mortgage laws.

Flood zones, property inspections, and consumer privacy and data security represent three distinct yet urgent topics in real estate. Take a closer look at each of these areas with an emphasis on how best to support clients and customers. From flood zone disclosure obligations and insurance requirements to inspection contingencies and third-party referrals to federal data security laws and breach notification policies - a lot can go wrong. The real estate professional’s job is to act within the scope of their responsibility to make sure everything goes right.

Fraud has become a major issue in the real estate indutry making the industry no stranger to the white collar criminal. 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.

Revisit the basic concepts of property law, including the nature of property, freehold and leasehold estates, possessory and non-possessory interests, co-ownership issues, conveyances, property rights, and restrictions on those rights. Review case studies involving property issues that illustrate these basic concepts.

This course will present the elements of a buyer agency relationship and compares the services offered to clients as well as customers. This course will help an agent formulate a compelling buyer agency presentation.

The Internet is rich with promotional opportunities. Whether it’s a post on Facebook, a tweet linking to your new listing, a status update on LinkedIn, a virtual home tour on YouTube, or photo collage on Pinterest, there are plenty of ways to promote your professionalism, highlight your expertise, increase your connections, and showcase your listings.
Learn to use the unique marketing and advertising tools available through social media to better serve your clients and customers, and promote your brand.

Learn the specifics of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics. Examine ethical practices and decision making for real estate professionals. This course meets the NAR required quadrennial Code of Ethics training for REALTORS®.

Gain insight into the real estate settlement process with a focus on the roles and responsibilities of the lender and title company. Learn how to better support your clients through the loan application and decision (underwriting) process, and how to assist with obtaining the required title clearance and documents. Familiarize yourself with the content and requirements for the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure to better assist your clients in understanding the impact these two disclosures have on the real estate transaction.

Learn how to complete a quality broker price opinion report (BPO)!

Begin by comparing BPOs to appraisals and explain why the BPO has become a favored report in recent years for lenders. You will examine the entire BPO process, including how to get registered, the different types of BPOs, the requirements of each, and how to complete a BPO form. Proper inspections and data gathering are critical aspects of the BPO. You will learn how and where to find this information. There are safety considerations to keep in mind when going to a property. There will be a review of precautions you can take to stay safe while you're in the field.

Attacks on real estate professionals have made headlines at an alarmingly more frequent rate in recent years. While the news print is still wet and the internet still on fire with these shocking stories, everyone vows to do better, and the topic of safety is pushed to the front of training schedules—but then complacency soon sets in again. That is what criminals count on.
Learn methods and practices that best promote safety and review studies and statistics that are somewhat unique to the real estate profession.

Learn the "how-to" of professionally researched and presented comparative market analysis. Licensees who take the time necessary to prepare a well-researched CMA for their clients help their clients make the best decision for their particular situation, protect their interests, and reduce their risk.

Learn the importance of the home inspection contingency and the benefits of properly educating buyers and sellers on the inspection process and any resulting negotiations. This course outlines the disclosure requirements and offers a comprehensive review of inspection types and issues.

An effective property manager is a true asset, maximizing an owner's income and minimizing expenses. Knowledge of the industry in general, and a thorough understanding of leasehold estates, leases, fair housing laws, and fiduciary responsibilities are essential for the professional property manager and any real estate licensee. Examine the characteristics of leasehold estates and commercial leases. Explore the job of the property manager and the wide range of responsibilities and requirements. Evaluate the relationship between the property manager, landlord, and the tenant including the screening, application, and eviction processes.

The ins-and-outs of property management leases.

Examine the purpose of property tax, how it is assessed and how it can be disputed. Learn how appraisers assess property value, how to work with the appraiser and how to refute an appraisal that does not seem to fit the property appropriately.

Contracts are an integral part of the real estate business and most transaction disputes can be traced back to the real estate contract. Learn the different contract classifications and statuses, and the requirements of a valid and enforceable contract. Review the different types of contracts used frequently by real estate professionals. Understand what constitutes a breach of contract and the different methods that can be used to remedy a breach.

Revisit the fundamentals of disclosure as it relates to sellers, buyers and real estate professionals and the obligations of each party. Review the “As Is” clause and the importance of material facts disclosure. Reexamine seller property disclosure and the significance of a home inspection for the buyer. Evaluate the difference between misrepresentation and fraud.

For many real estate professionals property management is a natural extension of their expertise. Whether you’re thinking about taking on your first property or looking to grow your property management business, there are a number of important matters to keep in mind.
Residential Property Management Essentials provides real estate licensees with a solid understanding of pertinent property management issues by exploring the role of the property manager, common tenant issues you’re likely to encounter, and crucial federal laws that every property manager needs to understand. This understanding will help prevent tenant issues, and reduce risk of litigation for property managers and their clients.

Effective July 1, 2016, any licensee renewing a real estate license must complete 3 hours of continuing education in an approved course on the topic of license law. This course meets the license law education requirement and examines the Georgia Real Estate License Laws, and the Rules required under Rule 520-2-.04(6)(f). Review the license laws and rules on brokerage, trust funds, and unfair practices.

Licensees assist the public in what is likely the largest transaction of their lives. Emotions can run high, and there are a lot of details to track. This can make real estate a risky business. Following the specific laws that regulate the real estate industry can mitigate the risks. It's equally important to avoid any activities that, while not specifically illegal or unethical, give the appearance of impropriety. Explore some of the issues that can put a real estate licensee and a brokerage firm at risk, and the tools you need to assess and avoid the risks.

More than 80% of real estate licensees leave the business in the first two years because they don’t have an executable business plan. Learn how to develop a complete, well considered business plan that includes: taking stock, creating a vision, and gathering the tools necessary to achieve that vision so you can create a professional, exemplary, referral driven business that serves clients needs and exceeds client expectations.

Running a brokerage firm is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. You must consider the liability, the responsibility that comes with having employees, and the risk involved in this type of venture. Get the tools and information you need to help you make an informed decision and be prepared for the job.

Understand the second home buying market and the unique and varied needs of second home buyers. Learn about the market for second home purchases, the various purposes of second home ownership such as for investment, vacation and retirement, and the regulatory, financial, and management considerations.
Be prepared to better serve second home buyers by introducing them to the benefits and drawbacks of second home ownership, regulatory, budgeting, tax, and practical considerations, and options in co-ownership.

Tax-deferred exchanges are sometimes referred to as the best kept secret in the tax code. Using an appropriately formed exchange, an investor can defer paying taxes on the profit from one investment and instead use all of the profits to fund another investment.
An understanding of the basics will help licensees when working with investors who plan to use one or more properties in a 1031 tax-deferred exchange. Become more comfortable with guiding clients through a 1031 tax-deferred exchange transaction and ensuring critical deadlines are understood and met.

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. Not pounding the pavement, buying bus signs and billboards, or purchasing leads.
This course helps you turn your acquaintances into your biggest advocates through respectful, non-intrusive methods.

Understand the unique needs of the senior market and how real estate professionals can serve those needs. According to a report issued by Census.gov, An Aging Nation: The Older Population in the United States, “In 2050, the population aged 65 and over is projected to be 83.7 million.” That’s almost double what that population numbered in 2012. Equip yourself to fulfill your fiduciary duties to older clients and in protect their best interests via a comprehensive understanding of the particulars and practicalities of this market segment.

In the age of movements such as #MeToo and Time’s Up, sexual harassment and sexual discrimination have moved to the forefront of the national conversation. Allegations, investigations, firings, resignations, and even arrests have rippled across major industries and affected high-profile individuals in entertainment, media, politics, and business. In short: workplace behavior is under a microscope like never before. The real estate industry is no exception, and some areas leave clients and licensees highly vulnerable. Protect clients and customers from harassment by brokers, licensees, lenders, property managers, and others in the housing industry and provides guidance on how to file complaints when individuals do encounter harassment.

Social media’s fluidity continues to provide change for the real estate industry, professional and client. There are currently more mobile devices than people, and those devices are being used to connect people globally using social media applications. As a real estate professional, ensure that you are using social media appropriately and ethically. Review the REALTORS® Code of Ethics to make certain you are in compliance while using technology and social media in your business. Learn how to stay abreast of issues surrounding social media, and processes you can implement to protect your reputation.

After the housing bubble burst, foreclosed and short sale properties were prevalent. Although these properties are not as abundant today there are still homeowners who want to consider a short sale as a way to avoid foreclosure and lenders who wish to reduce their inventory of foreclosed properties.

While it’s not your job to act as a tax advisor to real estate clients and customers, having a strong understanding of property tax-related issues likely to come up during the transaction process helps you provide a better quality of service. And, thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the U.S. tax code recently underwent a number of significant changes relating to mortgage interest deductions, SALT caps, tax brackets, and more.
This three-hour course provides an overview of property-related tax issues so that licensees may help consumers become better aware of the tax implications of buying, owning, and selling property.

Technology is a tool, and one that’s increasingly important to the business of real estate. Used wisely, it can free up time usually spent on mundane tasks to allow licensees to work at a higher level of client service.
According to recent surveys of the National Association of REALTORS®, staying up to date on new platforms and systems will be one of the biggest challenges for brokers in the coming years. The industry is changing, and technology is a big driver of that change. But technology comes with risks: exposure, data breaches, confidentiality breaches, and security issues. Licensees need to know how to manage those risks and stay in compliance while meeting clients’ desires for technological advances in 3D imaging, livestreaming, drone photography, photo editing, and listing promotion. The good news is that technology can even help manage risks and protect sensitive date if used wisely.

Gain a solid foundation in your understanding of commerical real estate by the learning the need-to-know information on a broad range of commercial topics. Commerical differs sharply from residential real estate. Equip yourself to grasp the more complex aspects of commercial real estate and prepare to work with executives, investors, and business owners - indiciduals whose focus is squarely on the bottom line.

This Georgia-specific course includes seven (7) topics: prospecting and marketing, seller and buyer agency, CMA vs. appraisal, handling earnest money, the GAR Purchase and Sale Agreement F20 and exhibits and amendments.

Examine various aspects of environmental issues and their impact on real estate. Review federal environmental protection and look at both human-made and natural hazards that can impact properties and create stigmas. Explore the latest trends in environmentally conscious building construction with the incorporation of energy efficiency as well as the real estate potential found in brownfield redevelopment.

(While every effort is made to maintain the accuracy of this course, recent changes in laws and procedures may not yet be reflected in the content.)

Learn the concepts of environmental conservation and energy efficiency and how they can influence the marketability of a home. Buyers and sellers are looking to work with real estate professionals who are up-to-date on issues relating to environmental conservation. Sellers are looking for a point of distinction in marketing their home, and energy efficient and environmental features in a house add to its value. Finding a home with added value based on lower utility costs, energy efficiency, and environmental conservation is important to buyers.

Ensure that you understand the FHA appraisal process so that you can better inform and prepare clients who may apply for an FHA-insured mortgage loan. Review the FHA, including its history, funding, and mortgage insurance program. Examine the requirements outlined in the FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook.

Unlike traditional homebuyers, real estate investors enter the market specifically to make money. By understanding the trends that influence the investment market and taking the time to learn about individual motivators and criteria, you’ll be in a better position to help your clients navigate this unique and dynamic market.
Examine key investment strategies and look at how those strategies shape the investor’s short and long term objectives. The course will also review the liabilities and rewards licensees may encounter when working with investor clients.

Understanding Environmental Regulations (UnderER), Commercial Real Estate Transaction Flow (CRETF), Commercial Real Estate As A Career (CREC), Building A Successful Commercial Real Estate Business (BSCREB)

Breaking Barriers: Fair Housing (BBFH), Georgia Mandatory License Law (GMLL), Marketing, Advertising, and Social Media Compliance (MASMC), Personal Safety (PS), Preparing a Market Analysis - Best Practices(PMABP), Property Inspection Issues (PII), Roadmap to Success: Business Planning for Real Estate Professionals (RS_BPREP), Selling Your Sphere of Influence (SYSI), Technology Tools, Trends, and Risk Management (TTTRM)

Evaluating Current Standards in Fair Housing (ECSFH), Keeping It Real: Property Law and Case Studies (RealProp), Property Tax and Mortgage Valuation (PTMV), Real Estate Disclosure Issues: Buyer and Seller Obligations (REDI), Responsibilities of Real Estate Licensees (OL_RREL), Social Media Ethics (SME), NAR: May The Code Be With You (NARCode), Taking the Distress Out of Distressed Properties (DISTRESSED_21), Helping Clients Understand Real Estate Finance (UnderREF), What's The FHA Appraiser Looking For? (FHA_ApprLook21), Understanding Environmental Regulations (UnderER)

Breaking Barriers: Fair Housing (BBFH), Current Issues: Cooperation, Negotiation, iBuyers, and Disaster Preparedness (CNiBDP), Did You Serve? Identifying Homebuying Advantages for Veterans (DYS), Ethical Excellence: Raising the Bar (EERB), First-Time Homebuyers: A Niche to Grow On (FTHBN), Georgia Mandatory License Law (GMLL), Residential Property Management Essentials (RPME), Hot Topics in Real Estate (HTRE), Section 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchanges (TaxDE), Sex and Real Estate: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, and Fair Housing (SRE_SHSDFH), Working with Real Estate Investors: Understanding Investor Strategies (WREI_UIS)