This mandatory 10-hour pre-licensing course is essential for aspiring Ohio real estate professionals, providing a fundamental understanding of the theory, principles, and practice of real property valuation (appraisal). Understanding how to estimate a property's worth is critical for both listing agents setting prices and buyer agents advising clients on offers and financing. The course delves into the concept of value, differentiating between market value, price, and cost, and explores the crucial forces—economic, social, governmental, and environmental—that influence a property's ultimate worth in the Ohio market. A core focus of the class is mastering the three primary approaches to value used by professional appraisers. Students will learn the step-by-step process of the Sales Comparison Approach (selecting and adjusting comparable sales), the Cost Approach (calculating replacement costs and depreciation), and the basic principles of the Income Capitalization Approach (used for investment properties). We will also examine the essential principles of value, such as Highest and Best Use, Substitution, and Contribution, which guide every appraisal decision and Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) prepared by an agent. By the end of this course, students will be able to outline the full appraisal process, effectively apply basic valuation methods, and understand the final steps of reconciliation and reporting. This knowledge not only fulfills the 10-hour appraisal education requirement set by the Ohio Division of Real Estate but also equips future licensees with the analytical skills necessary to accurately assess property value and ethically serve their clients throughout the buying and selling process.

This mandatory 40-hour pre-licensing course serves as the foundational introduction to the real estate profession, providing the essential vocabulary, concepts, and practical procedures necessary for a career in Ohio. The class establishes a clear understanding of real property and its various forms of ownership, including estates in land, methods of holding title (e.g., joint tenancy and tenancy in common), and the legal distinctions between real and personal property. It explores the physical and economic characteristics of land, methods of legal description (such as metes and bounds), and the impact of government controls like zoning and comprehensive planning on property use. A significant portion of the course is devoted to the transfer of title and the transactional lifecycle of a property sale. Students will learn the functions of various legal instruments, including deeds, which convey title, leases, which govern landlord-tenant relationships, and the steps involved in a professional real estate closing/settlement in Ohio. We will cover core concepts of contract law, focusing on the elements of a valid contract, breach of contract, and the specific application of these principles to real estate agreements, such as purchase contracts and listing agreements, preparing the future licensee to manage client expectations and deadlines. Successful completion of this 40-hour course will provide the necessary knowledge base for the entire Ohio real estate exam and the subsequent three pre-licensing courses. Ultimately, the Real Estate Principles & Practices class equips the student with the foundational knowledge of brokerage operations, fair housing fundamentals, and ethical sales practices—essential tools for not only passing the licensing examination but also ensuring a competent, ethical, and successful start to a career as a licensed real estate salesperson in the state of Ohio.

The Real Estate Finance course provides pre-license students with a foundational understanding of the financial principles and practices that support real estate transactions. This course introduces the basic concepts of money, credit, lending institutions, and mortgage markets, while examining how financing affects buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. Students will explore the various types of real estate loans, including conventional, FHA, and VA financing, as well as loan underwriting, qualifying borrowers, and the role of government agencies and the secondary mortgage market. Emphasis is placed on understanding interest rates, loan terms, closing costs, and the practical application of financing in residential and commercial transactions. By the conclusion of this course, students will be able to identify key financial instruments, explain the mortgage process from application to closing, and apply financing concepts to assist clients in making informed real estate decisions. This knowledge prepares candidates to meet the Ohio Real Estate Commission's pre-license education requirements and to build a strong foundation for a successful real estate career.

This mandatory, 40-hour pre-licensing course provides the essential legal foundation required for safe, ethical, and professional real estate practice in Ohio. Given the high stakes of property transactions, a thorough understanding of the law is non-negotiable for all licensees. This class explores the primary sources of real estate law at the federal, state, and local levels, focusing heavily on the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 4735 and the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) which govern license law, ethical conduct, and the regulatory environment under the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. A critical portion of the curriculum is dedicated to the legal relationships that define a real estate professional's responsibilities. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of Agency Law, including the creation of agency, the duties owed to clients (fiduciary duties), and the proper disclosure procedures required in Ohio when representing buyers, sellers, or acting as a dual agent. The course also details the legal requirements for creating, executing, and enforcing key real estate documents, such as listing agreements, purchase contracts, deeds, and mortgages, ensuring students know how to protect their clients' interests and avoid common legal pitfalls during a transaction. Crucially, this course provides intensive instruction on Federal and Ohio Civil Rights Laws, including the Fair Housing Act and its protected classes, housing discrimination, and the professional's role in promoting equal opportunity. By successfully completing this 40-hour course, students will fulfill the state's mandatory legal education requirement, prepare to excel on the Ohio licensing exam's state-specific portion, and build the confidence necessary to conduct all future business with the highest standards of legal compliance and professional ethics.