COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

CORE:  Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate  ~  3.5 Clock HoursThis class discusses the new seller disclosure forms, new licensing requirements for loan originators, anti-trust issues, transaction file requirements, the Uniform Regulation Business and Professions Act (RCW 18.235) and more.  This course is required by all agents and brokers for each license renewal.
 

Dealing With Distressed Properties  ~  4 Clock HoursToday’s housing inventory is heavy with properties in “short sale”.  For agents to be successful with this kind of inventory they need to have a working knowledge of the short sale process.  This course will discuss the pros and cons of short sales for the agents as well as their buyers and sellers.  Students will learn about who can and cannot do third party negotiations as well as who has the responsibility and liability for what happens.  This course will also cover the timelines involved in a foreclosure.  Students will be brought up to date on the “distressed Homes” law that was updated in March, 2009.

Changing Business in a Changing Economy   ~  4 Clock Hours
Explore the evolution of real estate, from the traditional offices we used to know to the new technology of today that has created virtual offices.  Discuss different types of business models and how agents interact with each other in today's marketplace.

Cover Your Assets: A Risk Reduction Course for Real Estate Agents   ~  4 Clock Hours
 This course is designed to help agents set up systems that will assist them to avoid law suits.  Students will learn about the legal system and how to conduct themselves if involved in a potential lawsuit.  The course also discusses anti-trust issues

Ethics for Real Estate Agents  ~  4 Clock Hours  
This class is based on the 2008 Code of Ethics.  Students will discuss the difference between morals and ethics and how they apply to real estate transactions; they will review the preamble, the articles and the standards of practice, the grievance and arbitration process and review some case studies for practical applications.  This course will satisfy the NAR quadrennial requirement for REALTORS.

Blow The Whistle:  Stop Fraud!  ~  4 Clock Hours / 4 Credit Hours
Approved for Real Estate Agents and Loan Originators
 
Mortgage fraud has become a front page headline topic.  Agents, appraisers, escrow officers and loan originators are all part of the problem.  Learn how to recognize and avoid

Financing:  The Other 1/2 of the Game  ~  7.5 Clock Hours
Agents need to know the kind of financing their buyers are getting in order to write the purchase and sale agreement.  Be knowledgeable about the different kinds of loans available in today's market and what they mean to your buyers and sellers.  Students will discuss the changes in the current market vs. the last few years of the "hot" market and how it has impacted today's transaction.  And no discussion of financing is complete without reviewing the creative financing options that are available - and the ones to avoid! 

Contracts:  Your Protective Shield  ~  7.5 Clock Hours
Writing clean contracts that are easily understood by all provides a protective shield to you and your clients.  Is your shield full of holes?  Nothing is more upsetting (and costly) to an agent than discovering their language was unclear or incomplete and the other side can walk away unharmed.  Come to this class and learn how to plug those holes!  This class will include a review of the most commonly used MLS contracts, how they inter-related, how they protect you and your clients and steps to take to ensure there are no loopholes for someone to walk away. 

Bullet Proof Your Transaction!  ~  3 Clock Hours
Ever had a transaction fail?  In this market it seems an agent must write 5 deals to get 1 or 2 to stay together to closing.  This course will give agents some tools to help them identify problem areas, tips on troubleshooting and plans for derailing the problems before they happen.

Secret Agent 007  ~  4 Clock Hours  (pending approval)
Many agents don’t understand much about the agency law until they find themselves in an angry confrontation with a client who thinks they should be doing more.  Come to this class and learn about agency and how it affects your business.  This course will also review the NWMLS Buyer Broker forms and include a discussion on retainer fees from both buyers and sellers.

Real Estate Practices  ~ 30 Clock Hours
Learn about agency relations, negotiations and sales techniques, evaluating property, the financing and closing processes as well as listing and purchase and sale agreements.  This course satisfies the state requirement for new licensees in their first renewal period.