Introduction to Real Estate

This course is designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts and principles in the world of real estate.

• 1.1 What is Real Estate?
  • Definition of real estate
  • Importance of real estate in the economy
• 1.2 Real Estate vs. Personal Property
  • Differentiating between real property and personal property
  • Examples of each

Module 2: Types of Real Estate

• 2.1 Residential Real Estate
  • Single-family homes
  • Condominiums and townhouses
  • Multi-family properties
• 2.2 Commercial Real Estate
  • Office buildings
  • Retail spaces
  • Industrial properties
  • Hospitality and healthcare properties

Module 3: Real Estate Ownership

• 3.1 Forms of Ownership
  • Sole ownership
  • Joint tenancy
  • Tenancy in common
  • Community property
• 3.2 Ownership Rights and Restrictions
  • Bundle of rights
  • Easements and encumbrances
  • Zoning regulations

Module 4: Real Estate Transactions

• 4.1 Buying and Selling Real Estate
  • Steps in the buying process
  • Steps in the selling process
  • Role of real estate agents
• 4.2 Real Estate Contracts
  • Basics of a purchase contract
  • Contingencies and earnest money
  • Common contract forms

Module 5: Real Estate Financing

• 5.1 Mortgage Basics
  • What is a mortgage?
  • Types of mortgages (fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate)
  • Down payments and loan-to-value ratio
• 5.2 Financing Sources
  • Traditional lenders
  • Private lenders
  • Government-backed loans (FHA, VA)

Module 6: Real Estate Valuation

• 6.1 Property Appraisal
  • Role of appraisers
  • Factors affecting property value
  • Appraisal methods
• 6.2 Market Analysis
  • Understanding real estate markets
  • Market trends and indicators

Module 7: Real Estate Legal Aspects

• 7.1 Property Laws
  • Real property vs. personal property
  • Property rights and restrictions
• 7.2 Contracts and Disclosures
  • Key contract terms
  • Required disclosures in real estate transactions

Module 8: Real Estate Investment Basics

• 8.1 Real Estate as an Investment
  • Investing in residential and commercial properties
  • Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
• 8.2 Investment Strategies
  • Buy and hold
  • Fix and flip
  • Rental income

Module 9: Real Estate Ethics and Professionalism

• 9.1 Ethical Considerations
  • Responsibilities of real estate professionals
  • Ethical dilemmas in real estate
• 9.2 Professional Organizations
  • Role of real estate associations
  • Benefits of membership

Module 10: Real Estate in the Digital Age

• 10.1 Technology in Real Estate
  • Online listings and virtual tours
  • Real estate apps and websites
  • Digital marketing for properties
• 10.2 Future Trends
  • Emerging technologies in real estate
  • Sustainability and green building