Housing discrimination remains a problem, even among real estate licensees who should know better. This was recently demonstrated through a Newsday expose on a three-year study using fair housing testers on Long Island. And just last year, New Jersey investigators issued 100 violations against housing providers (licensees and landlords) who barred prospective tenants from their choice of housing simply because they were using vouchers. 

To combat discrimination, the National Association of REALTORS® has strengthened its fair housing standards and recently came out against hate speech—even on members’ social media sites.

In this course, we’ll revisit the Newsday expose and new NAR guidelines. But first, we’ll review the federal Fair Housing Act and protected classes. The course also gives you the opportuity to determinew whether your own "implicit bias" may be preventing you from providing equal service to all. 

Course highlights include:

• Federal Fair Housing Act: overview and list of federally protected classes
• New Jersey Fair Housing Act and affordable housing programs
• A look at the Newsday Long Island fair housing tester expose
• New Jersey State Law Against Discrimination
• Implicit bias and how to recognize it
• New guidelines from the NAR on nondiscriminatory practice and the prohibition against hate speech, even on private social media sites
• A glimpse into the future of fair housing law

Imagine navigating the real estate world as a series of strategic roles, each with its own set of rules and responsibilities. In New Jersey, you can step into the shoes of a buyer's advocate, a seller's champion, or even juggle both sides in a disclosed dual agency setup. Understanding these roles and how to communicate them effectively ensures that everyone in the transaction is on the same page.

This one-hour course provides licensees with an understanding of the intricacies of New Jersey’s business relationships and the specific disclosures required for each.

Course highlights include:

• Review of the different types of agency in New Jersey
• The five primary business relationships in New Jersey
• Disclosure requirements
• Presenting the Consumer Information Statement
• Interactive activities and scenarios to put the content into action

There’s a reason real estate agents often rank among the least trusted professionals in the U.S. But what can you do to improve the public’s perception? And what should you do when you run into an ethical dilemma or into a licensee who’s not behaving ethically? As a real estate professional, you can help raise the bar and improve the reputation of the industry. You can lead by example.

Aligned to the requirements of the current NAR cycle, this course will empower you to recognize and respond to ethical dilemmas, inspiring consumer confidence. For answers to ethical dilemmas, we’ll look to several articles of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics, and draw from real-life ethical scenarios. In three short hours, you’ll be better prepared to exemplify the professionalism and cooperation that’s the true foundation of the real estate industry.

Course highlights include:

• Meets both regular ethics renewal requirements and new licensee ethics course requirements
• The importance of ethical behavior in NAR members and non-members alike, fostering a spirit of cooperation
• History and evolution of the Code, the preamble, and the Code’s influence on state licensing laws
• Structure of the Code
• Review and application of articles 1, 2, 3, 9, 12, 15, and 16 of the NAR Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
• Case studies of real-life ethical challenges
• Mediation and arbitration, with arbitration as the monetary dispute resolution process between REALTORS®
• Application of Article 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics to the complaints and hearing process
• Grievance committee vs. professional standards committee
• Best practices for demonstrating ethical behavior every day

*This course was designed by us to meet the REALTOR® Code of Ethics Training Requirement. Please confirm that your local association, who administers the Code of Ethics training, will accept this course.

Attacks on real estate professionals have made headlines at an alarmingly more frequent rate in recent years. After an incident where a licensee is harmed, everyone vows to do better, and the topic of safety is pushed to the front of training schedules. Then complacency sets in.

Criminals count on complacency.

This course reviews studies and statistics of safety issues in the real estate industry, and best practices for personal safety.       

Course highlights include:

• Crime statistics and studies that challenge preconceived notions
• Risk factors and vulnerabilities that unique to real estate professionals
• Case studies to illustrate how criminals target their victims
• How to develop a personal warning system and trust your instincts when something feels “off”
• Activities and scenarios to provide real-world context for course content

Fair housing law stands as a cornerstone of civil rights legislation, aiming to eliminate discrimination in housing markets and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, or any other protected characteristic. By understanding the importance of fair housing law, licensees recognize its pivotal role in fostering inclusive communities and combating systemic inequalities. This course explores the historical context, key provisions, and practical applications of fair housing law, equipping licensees with the knowledge and tools necessary to uphold these principles in their professional endeavors.

Real estate licensees play a vital role in upholding fair housing principles and safeguarding the rights of all individuals in the housing market. As gatekeepers of property transactions, licensees must stay abreast of fair housing laws and practices to ensure ethical and nondiscriminatory conduct. Beyond legal compliance, embracing fair housing principles fosters trust, promotes diversity, and enhances business success in an increasingly diverse marketplace. This course will empower licensees to navigate complex fair housing issues with confidence, fostering a culture of inclusivity and advancing the vision of fair and equitable housing for all.

This course was designed to meet the REALTOR® Fair Housing Training Requirement. Please confirm that your local association, who administers the Fair Housing training, will accept this course.

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, this is a niche business requiring specialized skills and knowledge.

Explore the role of the property manager, common tenant issues, and federal laws.

Course highlights include:

• Property management contracts
• Property types and evaluating factors
• Tips for building a successful working relationship with property owners
• Landlord and tenant obligations
• Tips for screening and retaining tenants
• Informal rental agreements and the risks involved
• How to deal with delinquent tenants
• Fair housing guidelines and exemptions

Note: This is an introduction and overview of property management.