The home inspection is one of the most crucial parts of the home buying process. Offers are finalized or revoked as a result of a home inspector’s report. A home inspection can be a source of anxiety for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. However, real estate agents can ease some of their clients’ anxieties by helping them to be better educated and prepared for the home inspection process. Many aggravations can be avoided if the real estate agent prepares the buyer and seller before the inspection takes place. 

A home’s energy efficiency has a direct impact on the owner’s wallet. Real estate agents are often asked by client's questions regarding a home’s energy efficiency, including questions about the home’s heating and cooling system, construction, and appliances. In addition, many people are becoming more aware of how their lifestyle decisions directly affect the environment. This course is designed for real estate agents who want to better advocate for clients that are concerned with a home’s energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Interested buyers and sellers often ask real estate agents basic questions regarding kitchen and bath appliances. Participants of this course will learn about the different types of kitchen and bath appliances available to consumers, the basics of how those appliances function, and common problems associated with those appliances. Completion of this course will allow participants to provide increased insight on kitchen and bath appliances to their clients.  

Any structure built before 1978 is at risk for containing lead paint. The prevalence of lead paint may impact a buyer’s decision on whether or not to purchase a property. Sellers may have more realistic expectations regarding the sale of their property if they are aware of the implications of lead-based paint that may be present on their property. Real estate agents can help to communicate the implications of lead-based paint to their clients if they are better educated on the subject. 

Any structure built before 1978 is at risk for containing lead paint. The prevalence of lead paint may impact a buyer’s decision on whether or not to purchase a property. Sellers may have more realistic expectations regarding the sale of their property if they are aware of the implications of lead based paint that may be present on their property. Real estate agents can help to communicate the implications of lead based paint to their clients if they are better educated on the subject.

The home inspection is one of the most crucial parts of the home buying process. Offers are finalized or revoked as a result of a home inspector’s report. A home inspection can be a source of anxiety for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. However, real estate agents can ease some of their clients’ anxieties by helping them to be better educated and prepared for the home inspection process. A good home inspection should be thorough so that all parties have confidence when completing the home buying process.

The presence of mold can derail the home buying process. Participants of this course will learn common causes of mold and how they can be addressed in order to diminish the impact of mold when buying and selling a property. 

This course examines the various pests and environmental hazards that can destroy a home, including those that might be missed by a traditional home inspection.  It is important that real estate professionals are aware of the damage that these pests can inflict along with some warning signs of their presence so they can better advocate for their clients.

Any home, regardless of when it was built, its location, or the materials used to build the home, can expose its residents to radon. Many states require that a home’s radon history be disclosed to potential buyers. As a result, radon testing may play an important role in the real estate transaction process. Real estate agents that are better informed on the potential hazards associated with radon as well as mitigation techniques will be able to better guide their clients through the real estate transaction process. 

The overall structure of a home is essentially the backbone that holds everything in place. For many, the structural integrity of a home is often viewed as the most crucial part of the home-buying process. By being able to observe and report on these critical matters during the structural portion of a home inspection, real estate agents are in a unique position to offer expertise and peace of mind to all parties involved in the home-buying process.

A sewer scope is a video inspection of the lateral sewer line leading from the house at/near the foundation and connecting to the city or HOA tap or septic tank.  This inspection is often completed by a licensed home inspector during the home inspection process, whose final report can affect the settlement of a real estate transaction.  By becoming better educated on the different options available for the inspection, real estate agents can ease their clients’ anxieties by sharing knowledge of what to expect during and after the sewer scope inspection.

The home inspection is one of the most crucial parts of the home buying process. Many issues identified during the home inspection, if left untreated, can lead to significant costly repairs later, or even unsafe and hazardous living conditions. Offers are finalized or revoked as a result of a home inspector’s report. A home inspection can be a source of anxiety for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. However, real estate agents can ease some of their clients’ anxieties by helping them to be better educated and prepared for the home inspection process. This course will identify the most common problem areas in a home inspection and provide real estate agents with tools and strategies they can use to allay their clients’ concerns. 

Showing a newer home can be a challenge for a real estate agent. The home buyer and seller both have high expectations. A knowledgeable real estate agent can help make this transaction process easier by understanding the characteristics of a newer home. Helping the prospective home buyer temper their expectations for a newer home is important. A real estate agent’s ability to identify the typical problems found in a newer home and put them into perspective for a buyer is necessary. A knowledgeable real estate agent can help their client know what to expect from their newer home to help ease anxiety.

The real estate market is rife with opportunities, but it also poses significant risks—one of which is vacant property scams. As a real estate professional, you have the responsibility to protect not only yourself but also your clients from falling prey to these scams. This course aims to equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to identify and mitigate the risks associated with vacant property scams.