When large sums of money and homes are involved, the likelihood of being involved in litigation increases significantly. As a result, a seemingly small misunderstanding can blossom into a large-scale disagreement, causing hurt feelings and loss of trust in the licensee. Litigation is expensive for all parties concerned and takes an immeasurable toll on people. Nonetheless, the court dockets are overloaded with increasing numbers of lawsuits. Consequently, real estate licensees are required to practice within the guidelines of many federal and state laws. You should do everything possible to protect your clients, customers, and the public and to avoid litigation or censure.

Real estate licensees have a duty to protect the public against fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical practices and should be expected to maintain high standards of professional conduct in their dealings with the public and with other licensees. It is equally important to avoid any activities that give the appearance of impropriety even if they are not specifically illegal. The public has a right to expect proper professional expertise whenever they interact with a real estate licensee.

In this course, we will review some basic concepts related to ethics, including a discussion of fraud. We will examine federal antitrust laws that are intended to protect the public from illegal practices that would hinder their right to choice in the marketplace. Finally, we will have a brief discussion about protecting the privacy and identity of consumers.

This course looks at the history of fair housing and examines in depth the most pertinent legislation in force today. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 was the first major legislation that applied to residential housing. The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 broadened the coverage, increased the enforcement policies of the Act and stiffened the penalties invoked for violation of the Act. Specific advertising policies are investigated and illustrated. The procedure for filing a complaint of discrimination are studied in detail and there are lots of hints on how to stay clear of discriminatory practices in sales, rentals and financing of real estate.

Course Learning Objectives 

• Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 
• Discuss the history of Fair Housing legislation 
• Discuss the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and Amendments to that Act
• Explain the importance of Fair Housing in the RE industry and how this Act is enforced 
• Identify exemptions under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 
• Discuss the amendments which were later added to the Fair Housing Act 
• Explain which actions are prohibited under the Fair Housing Act 
• Explain the amendments of 1988, made to the Fair Housing Act 
• Discuss what actions would qualify as a violation of the amendments dealing with familial status 
• Define “handicap” under the law of the Fair Housing Act
• Identify the words, phrases, and symbols in advertising that would be considered violations of the Fair Housing Act 
• Explain how to file a fair housing complaint 
• Summarize the acts that may lead to the Attorney General to bring civil action against someone for Fair Housing Violations

This course covers all facets of the law of agency, specifically as it relates to New York. It will cover the history of agency law and common law and give an overview of the development of the agency arrangement throughout the years. It will also explain the key elements of fiduciary responsibility, as well as the consequences for failing to carry out those responsibilities.

Course Learning Objectives 

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

• Describe how common law affects real estate law 
• Define terms used within this chapter 
• Identify the six keys of a fiduciary responsibility 
• Explain the importance of full disclosure 
• Recall the ways an agency relationship can be created or terminated 
• Explain the differences between the types of agency relationships 
• Recognize the risks in accepting a dual agency relationship 
• Discuss how designated agency can be safer than dual agency 
• Discuss the benefits afforded to clients by buyer's agents 
• Identify the opportunities of buyer's agency 
• Review the history of buyer's agency 
• Identify the general provisions of a buyer contract 
• Recognize the possibilities for fee arrangements within a buyer agency situation

This course describes implicit (unconscious) biases, how they are created, and how by understanding them we can interact and communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. No matter if you are new to the business or are a veteran real estate agent, your success depends on your ability to work with other people. And now those people are multifaceted, multiracial, and multicultural.