Classes on How to Buy & Sell Houses
With the recent growth in interest for flipping houses, many schools are tapping into the market by offering classes in buying and selling real estate. Whether you want to become a licensed real estate agent or broker or just want to buy and sell a few houses as a hobby, you can find courses to help you along the way.
1 General Course
Many schools, particularly community colleges, offer basic real estate courses covering the general aspects of buying and selling houses. These classes may discuss the financial aspects such as interest rates and tax implications, the differences in types of housing, real estate terminology, how to judge the housing market, using real estate forms and documentation, insurance requirements, zoning, legal regulations, contracts and marketing strategies to help sell houses. Some classes may include information about renting out a house or apartment after purchasing.
2 Licensing
If you want to become a licensed real estate professional, you'll be required to take certain courses. The specifics vary by state, but typically students must pass classes totaling around 10 semester credits before being allowed to sit for the licensing exam. Classes focus on the general process of real estate transactions and the legal requirements. They may break down courses into components such as basic principles, financing, real estate law, record keeping and appraisals.
3 Other
Students looking for advanced information in one particular aspect of buying and selling houses may find classes that build on the general principles and provide further detail about concepts such as the use of computers in real estate, economics or property management. Courses outside the real estate focus may also help brokers. For instance, California accepts courses in business law and accounting for part of the licensing requirement, and the concepts within these classes may be helpful in buying and selling real estate.
4 Prerequisites
Students should be aware that some courses, even the basic principles classes, may require prerequisite courses or skills demonstration. While each school may set its own requirements for entry into classes, basic level understanding and application of English, math and reading is commonly needed to successfully complete the courses. Students demonstrate these qualifications through a satisfactory grade from a preparatory course in the specific discipline or through achieving appropriate scores on placement exams.
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