Online Continuing Education Courses in Real Estate

Online continuing education courses in real estate provide the coursework needed to satisfy licensing and renewal requirements for real estate professionals. Such courses may also allow individuals to update knowledge and skills and gain special industry designations or certifications.

Overview of Online Real Estate Continuing Education Courses

Since each state determines specific licensing requirements for its real estate professionals, individuals should first check with the department responsible for writing and enforcing real estate laws and practices in their state. Once real estate professionals have determined the specific state requirements needed to maintain or renew a license, they can then choose which online courses will best meet their needs. Some of the most common continuing education courses for licensing and renewal requirements cover property management, finance, ethics and contracts. Online coursework can also be used to obtain specific designations through the National Association of Realtors and its affiliates, including Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager titles.

Course Requirements

A computer with an Internet connection is needed to take online real estate continuing education courses, and each school describes in detail specific computer requirements needed for its coursework; some list free downloads - such as Internet Explorer, Adobe Flash, Windows Media Player, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Mozilla Firefox - that can be accessed to ensure potential students meet minimum computer requirements. On-site computers at local libraries are also a viable option. Self-motivation and basic computer skills are necessary.
Generally, online courses are self-paced with a specific date for completion. Exams are required for students taking online courses to satisfy licensing and renewal requirements or to gain special industry designations. However, no exam is necessary for the real estate professional whose goal is to simply update knowledge and remain current within the industry.

Online Real Estate Continuing Education Course Offerings

Real Estate Finance Course

Students learn about consumer protection policies and fair trading laws, investments and different lending options available to acquire real estate. This online course also provides a historic perspective on finance as it relates to the real estate market.

Real Estate Contracts Course

In this course, students learn the legal processes for terminating or discharging a valid contract. Students also gain an understanding of the different types and classifications of contracts as well as what makes a contract valid.

Real Estate Ethics Course

Making sound decisions is important in real estate as well as all other business transactions. This course provides information about the code of ethics for real estate professionals and how it is enforced.

Property Management Course

This online course offers instruction in various aspects of managing residential, office, commercial and industrial types of properties. Lease, fair housing and risk management topics are covered.