Real estate is fun, rewarding, and interesting, but bad things can happen to good agents. We live in a litigious society, and REALTORS® need to practice risk management at all times. We’ll discuss some of the top ten things which can derail a career; from trying to please everyone and working harder instead of smarter, to carelessness and failing to plan.

You'll come away from this session being able to:

• Organize your business for sanity AND risk reduction
• Recognize that without a plan, you are inviting trouble
• Identify your areas of weakness and how you can improve them

1-2 hours

Do builders create housing trends, or do they follow consumers? In this fast-paced session, we will discuss trends in real estate construction and remodeling. The aging of the Baby Boomer population, coupled with advanced technology, is changing both new construction and modifications to existing housing. The pent-up demand for new construction indicates there will be increased building of new homes in virtually every market. The desire for aging Americans to remain in their own homes means that builders, agents and others in the industry will be challenged to find housing where people can age in place. Agents need to understand the demands of consumers, as well as how to demonstrate the benefits of universal design, coupled with technology, to consumers. 1-1.5 hours

Is professionalism in real estate fading or just in need of a wake-up call?
In this lively and thought-provoking session, Professional Standards Expert Melanie McLane and Attorney Trista Curzydlo tackle the question from two powerful perspectives. Melanie examines professionalism through the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and Pathways to Professionalism, while Trista brings the legal lens to what happens when standards slip. Expect candid stories, real-world examples, and a few spirited debates as they explore shortcuts, communication breakdowns, and technology’s impact on professional conduct. You’ll leave with practical insights to strengthen your professionalism—and protect both your reputation and your clients. This course may be used to satisfy the NAR Ethics requirement at the discretion of the local association. 1-3 hours

What is professionalism? Is it dead in today's world? Have agents started taking too many shortcuts? Is technology a two-edged sword when it comes to professionalism? Are communication skills declining? This course is designed to be used to satisfy the NAR Ethics requirements as we will incorporate both the Code of Ethics and the Pathways to Professionalism. This course was written to meet the NAR Code of Ethics requirement; 3 hours

Video · Extended Description Death doesn’t stop a real estate deal—but it can seriously complicate it. If you’ve ever been unsure who can legally sign a listing agreement after a property owner dies, or confused about whether a POA still applies, this session is a must. Probate, trusts, intestate estates, and title transfers all come with hidden traps that can delay closings, trigger legal disputes, or cost your clients money. Understanding the legal roles and documents involved isn't just helpful—it’s essential to protecting your business, your clients, and your reputation. Don’t get caught off guard when the question is, “Who has the authority to sell this property?” 2-4 hours

Article What should you do (or not do) as an agent when working with an appraiser? What is the appraiser doing and why? The relationship between appraisers and agents should be professional and one of mutual respect. Good appraisers value input and information from agents; good agents understand that appraisers have a framework they must work within to produce credible results. In this fast-paced class, we talk about the issues surrounding appraisers, agents and the resulting friction on both sides: both the “deal-killers” and “trying to influence me” situations. 1.5-3 hours

Don’t miss this fast-moving session covering the facts about construction every real estate licensee should know. Rich with photographs and specific strategies regarding new and old construction, you’ll learn how to identify key red flags affecting value and functionality. 1.5-3 hours

Designation · The ABR® designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. The designation program establishes a foundation of training, skills, and resources to help real estate professionals succeed as buyer representatives. The ABR® designation’s two-day core course is designed to help you conduct a buyer counseling session, sign buyer-clients to a written buyer representation agreement, negotiate buyer-clients offers, and bring the transaction to a successful close.2 days

Family room? Mother-in-law suite? Can you say those things in an ad? What does the REALTOR® Code of Ethics have to say about advertising? Is a Tweet an advertisement? Advertising, Social Media and the Agent explores requirements for advertising according to HUD guidelines, which includes Fair Housing, as well as Article 12 in the Code of Ethics. Is a Tweet an ad? What about Facebook? If you don’t know, you need to find out! 2-4 hours; May be made state specific

• In 2024, the average age of a first time buyer was 40 years old, the highest ever since NAR has studied this.
• By 2034, older adults will outnumber children (Census Bureau).
• Nearly 25% of the global population will be over 65 by 2100 (Census Bureau).

This session is designed for professionals navigating the changing housing landscape influenced by the aging Baby Boomers and advancing technology. It covers adapting housing for all life stages, integrating Smart Home features like "assistive domotics," and understanding evolving consumer demands, accessibility, technology trends, and cost-benefit analysis to cater to multiple generations. 2–4 hours

For Appraisers and Agents In "American Architecture" we'll discuss the construction, style and architecture of homes and other buildings throughout the US. Attendees will learn to identify architectural styles, time period, materials used, and how homes were constructed. Appraisers will explore the actual home style and construction beyond the Fannie Mae descriptions, defining a house's architectural styles, features, and construction date. We’ll even discuss the construction innovations leading to architectural changes. 3-7 hours

I want to thank you for such a helpful class that you taught at Triple Play. I attended the class you taught about Homes throughout the years. Now I know I cannot miss your class ever again! It is quite impressive how much you know." M. King, KW, W. Chester

Video When you sell a house, what are you selling? Every agent should know and understand the anatomy of a house. In this class, we define and discuss the parts of the building envelope, the systems within a house and how they function, what agents should look for when listing homes and what is typically found in various types of residential construction. 2-4 hours

Article It seems like everyone who looks at an appraisal report wants to find errors, faults or even fraud; at minimum, they want to understand what is in the report. In this class, we delve into USPAP requirements for creating credible appraisal reports. We'll explore appraisers' obligations under USPAP, additional client requirements, and methods for assessing a report's credibility. Topics include identifying common red flags like missing data, excessive boilerplate language, data inconsistencies, and unsupported adjustments. 3–4 hours

Since October 2024, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lenders have been required to notify borrowers that they have the right to request a Reconsideration of Value (ROV) if an appraisal contains errors, bias, or questionable comparables. This is a one-time opportunity where the borrower can submit up to five additional comparable sales for review. As their trusted advisor, your clients will look to you for guidance—knowing how the ROV process works, what comps to choose, and how to present them effectively could make all the difference in the outcome. 1-3 hours

Certification · The At Home With Diversity® certification is an educational experience designed to present a picture of the rapidly changing multicultural real estate market. The dynamic and interactive course format facilitates open discussion among students, creating an opportunity to open your mind and think about your clients respectfully and sensitively to their backgrounds and preferences. This certification addresses diversity, fair housing, and cultural differences and will help you build an inclusive business and marketing plan. This course meets the NAR Fair Housing requirement; 6-7 hours

Video This AQB-approved session educates real estate agents and appraisers on essential construction methods in residential real estate, covering everything from site preparation to completion. It identifies major house components, materials, and mechanical systems, while also highlighting 'red flags' for agents and appraisers during home inspections. Additionally, it explains how physical and functional issues impact property valuation. 7 hours; Offered in cooperation with Hondros Learning; Shorter construction sessions are available

Can you recognize when and how bias can appear in appraisals? Can you recognize your own bias? In this session, we’ll discuss the requirements under Fannie Mae and USPAP prohibiting bias from being a part of any appraisal. You'll come away from this session being able to:

• List the words and phrases that should never be used in an appraisal
• Understand how a property should be evaluated based on facts
• Identify shifts in the markets

This course satisfies the NAR Fair Housing requirement at 2 hours; 1-3 hours

Big data algorithms do predictive modeling, estimate value, detect market patterns and more. Professionals industry-wide are using big data—from property valuation using AVMs (Automated Valuation Models) to selling the leads generated by the listing back to the listing agent. Increasingly, computer models are using data to enhance or disrupt real estate. We’ll discuss big data’s pros and cons, issues with its use and the agent or appraiser’s role in protecting consumers while obeying the law. 1-3+ hours

Video This session delves into the challenges faced by both appraisers and agents when pricing and valuating stigmatized properties. Students will learn disclosure laws, how stigma can affect the price of a home and the six common types of stigmatized properties. You will also learn about iconic stigmatized properties, as well as techniques and best practices for making adjustments when dealing with these types of properties. 2-3 hours

CRB Elective · Strategic business planning and implementation are fundamental to the success of any real estate company. The plan must be relevant and address both internal and external changes and challenges. In addition, it must be guided by the company’s values, vision, and mission and executed so that every staff and/or team member is positioned to optimize their contribution. This course provides you with a process for developing a strategic business plan, guidelines for implementing that plan and methods for how to apply the plan to real world situations. 1 day

Certificate Course · This course gives you a better understanding of generational characteristics to help you adapt your communications, marketing, and face-to-face interactions while providing the services that buyer-clients value. 1 day

Explore ways to add value to a transaction or create value in another niche! Better assist consumers by knowing how to identify the highest and best use; determining whether a proposed improvement will result in increasing or decreasing returns; evaluating whether a property should be rehabbed, remodeled or torn down; crunching the numbers on income-producing properties to determine the return and analyzing the effect of a 1031 Exchange versus a straight sale on a property.

4-7 hours; Alternate Title: Consult Your Way to More Income

This course combines Ethics and Fair Housing into a comprehensive session. It includes engaging discussions on ethical dilemmas, dispute resolution techniques, Code updates, Fair Housing laws, HUD guidelines for advertising compliance, and industry best practices. Additionally, proactive safety measures for licensees are also covered. This course satisfies the NAR Fair Housing requirement or COE requirement; 3-4 hours

All of the evaluations were very positive – 5’s across the board (on a 1 – 5 scale). We had a lot of comments on her fun personality, her level of experience and knowledge and engagement with the class!” - Emily Archer MBA, Director of Education, Boise Regional REALTORS®

Watch Melanie Discuss or Read Transcript In this session, we'll delve into the implications of the proposed NAR settlement, including the exclusion of compensation offers via the MLS and the necessity for buyer agency agreements. We'll also discuss articulating our value to sellers, buyers, and fellow agents, as well as strategies for conducting effective buyer counseling sessions and securing agency agreements with clients. 2-4 hours

Certificate Course · This course provides you with knowledge and skills to help you recognize and take advantage of business opportunities, create methods for developing a relocation real estate niche, deliver positive results for all transaction stakeholders, and gain valuable referrals. 1 day

What goes into real estate? Dirt, bricks and other building materials, all placed on a site. What are the truths and myths about real estate? In this course, we’ll explore how to value land and buildings using appropriate techniques for both, with particular emphasis on developing a cost approach. We’ll review construction techniques and red flags, as well as identify sources of physical, functional and economic depreciation. Finally, we’ll explore some of the myths about real estate and real estate valuation. 3-7 hours

What’s the Fed got to do with it? Lots! Economic forces impact real estate in many ways. We’ll discuss the history of economic trends and housing in the United States and give students the tools necessary to look at economic trends in order to be prepared for their effect on the housing market. This course is designed to help appraisers put economic trends in perspective within their market. 2–4 hours

This appraiser course teaches estimation, implementation, and defense of adjustments. Appraisers face scrutiny from various parties, especially in recent years, leading to value reconsiderations and challenges. Our aim is to generate credible reports adhering to USPAP and client guidelines, typically Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, ensuring high-quality, defensible appraisals.
1-3 hours

Testimonial Most agents today are involved in social media. They’re on Facebook and LinkedIn; they are tweeting and blogging—but are they doing it in an ethical manner? Social media is a great way to market...and a great way to destroy your reputation. Ethical Behavior in a Wired World explains to agents how to use social media in a professional and ethical way.
This course satisfies the NAR Code of Ethics requirement. 1-3 hours

I can't believe she made the subject of ethics so entertaining. She was fantastic! Her knowledge was inspiring." Matt Kirkland, Realty Works, Lincoln, NE

Discover the real-life dilemmas agents find themselves in, with respect to diversity among buyers and sellers and the requirements of Fair Housing. We will review national, state and if applicable, local Fair Housing laws, as well as the changes to Article 10 in the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. We will discuss the necessity of agents providing equal access to all clients, as well as respecting the diversity of clients. This course satisfies the NAR Fair Housing requirement; 2-4 hours

We'll examine anti-trust issues, beginning with a review of anti-trust laws and enforcement--including RESPA. Real world examples of obvious violations (and the not so obvious violations) that are frequently committed by agents will serve to illustrate how the law applies. We'll take an especially close look at applications of the law in social media. 1-3 hours

Why fair housing AND anti-trust? The NAR/DOJ settlement has revealed a deep lack of understanding about anti-trust among licensed professionals. We will cover Fair Housing, including implicit and unconscious bias and reinforce learning with intriguing case studies. We’ll also review the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, related regulations, and some of the ethical requirements surrounding anti-trust. Expect lively discussions and activities designed to spark understanding of both of these topics. This course was written to satisfy the NAR Fair Housing requirement when presented at 3+ hours. 2-4 hours

For Instructors This fast-paced course reviews how to engage students from beginning to end, touching on techniques that will engage all four types of adult learners. We design ice-breakers, games, polling, case studies and other techniques within the classroom. 1-3 hours

Learn how to successfully negotiate on behalf of your client, without violating fiduciary duties. The goal of every negotiation is win/win; agents need to consult with their clients to determine the client’s goal and then structure a negotiating strategy that will help them reach it. Agents tend to focus on price; negotiations are about price, terms and conditions. Part of a negotiation includes carefully reading the contract as presented and determining, with the client, what is acceptable and what needs to be negotiated. 1-3 hours

I liked the idea of taking a ton of papers to a FSBO appt and hoping they will wonder what all that is for. Allowing us to take on the overwhelming parts for them." Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS® Attendee

What’s the current buzz on Green? Find out what’s trending and how to identify new materials, methods and techniques in building. This course covers new construction and retrofitting, greening the MLS, adjusting for green features and understanding what motivates buyers. 2.5-4 hours

Certification · The Home Finance Resource Certification Course is designed to provide real estate professionals with foundational education to explain key pieces of the loan origination process confidently. With the skills you gain from this course, you will also be equipped to guide navigating mortgage applications and alternative financing options for all buyers. With the skills you gain from this course, you will also be equipped to guide navigating mortgage applications and alternative financing options for all buyers. 1 day

Video We’ll explore hybrid appraisal models being used by some appraisal management companies in which another person, such as a real estate licensee, collects data and takes photos of a property. This information is then passed on to a certified real estate appraiser who performs a desk-top appraisal using the information provided by the third party. We will explore USPAP compliance, E&O insurance coverage and if this is just a simpler way to do more appraisals or something with inherent risk. 1-3 hours

For Instructors This course covers crafting and gaining approval for courses, and make the students want to take it! Topics include Bloom's taxonomy for learning objectives, three learning domains, implementing ideas, crafting case studies, and scaffolding for skill development. 1-3 hours

You work hard to match clients with the right properties—now make sure you can guide them all the way to the closing table with confidence. In this session, you’ll examine the essentials of financial qualification, understand lender ratios, and break down the three C’s of credit so you can spot potential roadblocks early. You’ll see how amortization really works, explore key loan programs, and learn how lenders value properties so you can set realistic expectations for your clients. Most importantly, you’ll discover how to shepherd transactions smoothly to a successful closing. Please bring a financial calculator or app. 3.5 hours

Certificate Course · This course will help you develop a multi-pronged marketing approach that authentically represents your brand and identify strategies for lead generation and client cultivation.1 day

Video This course will discuss the legal and ethical issues of multiple offers, as well as the agent’s fiduciary duties to clients. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics, as well as state law, will be discussed, compared and contrasted. 3-4 hours

Amazing! This class could have been an 8 hour class, the information was so good. The class was engaged and it flew by. Reviews were awesome. She’s always a pleasure to work with!”
- Brandy Purcell Hartman, RCE, CAE, Mount Rushmore Board of REALTORS®

The real estate business is uniquely cooperative and competitive. To succeed in real estate, agents need to know how to cooperate, compromise and–above all–remain professional. Agents owe duties to their clients, customers and to all consumers. We will review the NAR Code of Ethics and the requirements for presentation of offers, disclosures and notices to consumers and other agents. 1-3 hours; Broker-Manager Version Available

Certificate Course · This course is designed to help you gain the product and transaction knowledge needed to guide buyer-clients through the processes for purchase, construction, and customization of a new home. You will learn how to interact with new-home builders and sales representatives to protect clients’ interests while developing productive business relationships. 1 day

The market has shifted, and it will keep shifting. What was successful for you in the past may not work now. Changes are everywhere: outside influencers seeking a piece of the pie, an economy continuing to evolve, and Artificial intelligence permeating all business. Find out which economic indicators to follow closely; examine the impact of new business models; and discuss strategies to inventory, pricing, and interest rate challenges. 3 hours

An office policy and procedures manual can be the most dynamic document you have in your broker arsenal. Real estate licensees affiliated with a brokerage look to management for guidance in determining how they will respond to specific real estate situations that may or may not be covered by real estate law. Reduce your vicarious liability for licensee performance and build a firm foundation for your company mission and vision by attending this vital course on building your office policies. 3-4 hours

Our brokers loved Melanie's session, we had over 150 attendees!" - Harper Jarrett, Professional Development Director, Georgia REALTORS®

Article · In an unpredictable market, you may be juggling low inventory, multiple above-list offers, rising rates, and anxious buyers or sellers. But how do you bridge the gap between your role and the appraiser’s, especially when escalation clauses and appraisal contingencies come into play? In this session, you’ll dive into the friction—and the opportunities—that arise when appraisers must follow USPAP and lender guidelines while you advocate for your clients. You’ll discover how to navigate a fast-moving market when comps are scarce, how appraisers approach rapid price changes, and how to confidently guide buyers willing to exceed list price. Most importantly, you’ll leave ready to anticipate the market’s next turn and prepare your clients for what’s ahead.

• When the comps aren’t there—what happens?
• When the market is moving quickly, what can an appraiser do?
• How should buyers be advised if going over listed price may mean the property will not appraise?
• What will happen when this cycle ends (and it will)?

1-4 hours

Certification · Melanie co-authored this certification and served as the Lead Instructor (taught the course to other instructors) · Video · Determining property values depends more than ever on professional expertise and competence, the best use of technology, and approaching the pricing assignment from various perspectives. With the Pricing Strategy Advisor certification, you will enhance your skills in pricing properties, creating comparative market analyses (CMAs), working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values. 1 day

To price that three bedroom ranch or two-story Colonial, you do a CMA—right? You compare the property to others like it which have sold. What do you do with an earth berm house? A geodesic dome? A “normal” house with one or more unusual features? What about pricing a non-residential property—a former church or school? There aren’t any comps, so what do you do? We’ll explore how to price that unusual property. You’ll learn more about:

• Determining highest and best use
• Identifying relevant characteristics
• Calculating the “plus” or “minus” of a feature
• Applying real estate valuation principles to everyday use

2-3 hours

‘Pricing the Oddball: Why Relevant Characteristics Matter’ presented by Melanie McLane was one of the best I've experienced. Melanie delivered organized, relevant and valuable information. She was entertaining and captivating.” Debra Lindsey, Broker, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lindsey Realty

For Association Staff Realtor Associations and individual realtors are impacted by commission issues. When disputes arise, association executives or staff may need to organize arbitration hearings. Guiding these panels through hearings can be challenging, especially if they're infrequent. This workshop aims to help association executives or professional standards administrators navigate arbitration panels effectively for the benefit of members. 1-3 hours

Certificate Course · This course covers the fundamentals of real estate investment needed to expand your business services and meet the unique needs of real estate investors. You will learn how to adapt core real estate skills with new skills to effectively serve clients who want to invest in single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and small multifamily properties.1 day