The Real Estate Certificate Program offers the course work that meets the standards of professionalism in the real estate industry, and at the same time provide needed computer, communication, and math skills that will better prepare you in the field.  The program follows the guidelines set by the Alabama Real Estate Commission.  The program meets the career objective of persons interested in real estate sales or other allied real estate professions. For students seeking to enter the real estate field, it offers formal education that meets the industry's goals of professionalism.

Real Estate is a booming area at the present.  People of all ages are considering real estate as a full-time or part-time career.  One can start as early as 19 years of age.  Real estate offers excellent income potential, flexible work hours, and income is gained at your pace.  The first step is being certified.  The Real Estate Certificate takes each student through the 60 hours of instruction for pre-licensure, and at the same time prepares them with basic computer, communication, mathematical skills needed to be proficient and confident in the area.  The Alabama Real Estate Commission Examination is required after pre-licensure instruction.

Note: *OAD 101 (Beginning Keyboarding) or at least 45 GWPM is recommended as a prerequisite for OAD 125

The following applies for the Real Estate Program: 

• All elective(s) and/or substitutions must be approved by the area advisor

• PSY 100 is a prerequisite for this program

• WorkKeys pre-assessment is required

• BUS 210 (Introduction to Accounting) is recommended as a prerequisite for BUS 241

RLS 101 - Real Estate Principles - 4 Hours

Prerequisite: As required by program.

This is an introductory real estate course providing the necessary terminology, background, and understanding of real estate principles. Topics include history of property ownership, real estate finance, real estate law, and the mechanics of listing and closing the sale. It is designed to assist those preparing for the real estate salesman's licensing examination in Alabama.

RLS 108 - Real Estate Math - 3 Hours

Prerequisite:  RLS 101.

This course is a study of the mathematics used in real estate. It includes mortgage lending calculations, tax calculations, interest calculations, insurance calculations, and all types of land measurements.

RLS 110 - Real Estate Finance - 3 Hours

Prerequisite: As required by program.

This course provides an analysis of money markets with special emphasis on real estate financing. Topics include interest rates, lending policies, problems and rules in real estate financing of real property.

RLS 116 - Real Estate Appraisal CERTIFICATION - 4 Hours

Prerequisite: As required by program.

This is an introductory course providing the foundation of real estate appraisal. Topics include site and physical factors; effects of the money and capital markets; methodologies used to value property; and how to present and evaluate the appraisal report.

RLS 125 - Real Estate Law - 3 Hours

Prerequisite: As required by program.

This course deals with the Alabama real estate law. Emphasis is placed on areas as real property and zoning easements, titles, deeds, recording practices, contracts, mortgages, and law.

RLS 130 - Light Residential - 3 Hours

Prerequisite: As required by program.

This course provides the non-technical student with an introduction to the basic principles of light and residential construction. Topics include terminology, importance of project planning, and importance of special building requirements and environmental concerns.

RLS 135 - Real Estate Operations - 3 Hours

Prerequisite: As required by program.

This course provides an overview of the administrative practices involved in operating a real estate firm. Topics include leadership; recruiting, selecting, and training employees; market analysis; financial system and records.
 

RLS 140 - Independent Study in REAL ESTATE - 3 Hours

Prerequisite: As required by program.

This course allows a student to pursue independent studies in the real estate field. Projects and/or topics may be assigned by the instructor or designed by the student, with instructor's approval.

RLS 190 - Real Estate Workshop - 3 Hours

Prerequisite: As required by program.

These workshops consist of presentations of current topics of interest to those employed in the real estate industry. They can be developed to meet the continuing education requirements of the real estate professional. They are offered upon demand.

RLS 204 - Real Estate Sales - 3 Hours

Prerequisite:  RLS 101.

This course covers all phases of the various ethical techniques used in selling real estate. It includes fundamental concepts concerning human relationships and various methods used in advertising and promoting the sale of real estate.
 

RLS 205 - Property Management - 3 Hours

Prerequisite: As required by program.

This course includes principles and practices of property management. Emphasis is placed on residential, business, industrial, and investment properties.

RLS 211 - Commercial and Investment PROPERTY - 3 Hours

Prerequisite:  RLS 101.

This course deals with the sales of apartment buildings, hotels, lot and mercantile buildings, motels, office buildings, regional shopping centers, retail stores, and special purpose properties. Also examined are sales and leaseback plans, percentage leases, investing, and income tax considerations.

RLS 281 - Real Estate Brokerage - 3 Hours

Prerequisite:  RLS 101.

This course offers an exposure to the principles and techniques of mortgage financing and brokerage operations. It is designed to assist those preparing for the real estate broker's licensing examination in Alabama. Upon completion, the student should have a basic understanding of real estate brokerage.

RLS 285 - Real Estate Investments - 3 Hours

Prerequisite: As required by program.

RLS 285 is an introduction to investment real estate. It examines the advantages, disadvantages, and tax implications. Feasibility studies are included dealing with real estate to be held for appreciation and income producing real estate.