Friday, Jan. 09, 2009

Learn more about real estate in classes at MJC

Appraisals, contracts and VA loans among topics

Three hands-on classes at Modesto Junior College will teach people how to buy, sell and invest in real estate. The courses start next week and teach real estate practices, principles and finance.

"Real estate is in a huge state of flux, possibly the worst in history. Yet this is the best time for first-time buyers and investors to purchase in many years," said John Bawiec, the MJC instructor who will teach the courses.

Bawiec said sales are booming for Central Valley homes priced below $200,000.

"Interest rates are at their very lowest. However, (buying a home) is much more complicated than in the past," he said. "Short sales, foreclosures, bank-owned properties contribute to the problems, and qualifying has become much harder."

The MJC courses will teach buyers, sellers and investors about those issues. The classes can help students obtain a license to sell real estate. The real estate practices and real estate principles courses are required to take California's real estate exam.

Each of the three-unit classes will be taught during MJC's 16-week spring semester, starting Monday through May 2, on the east campus, 435 College Ave. Each course costs $60. There are no prerequisites. Students may register at the first class session.

Real estate practices will be taught from 6:30 to 9:35 p.m. Mondays in the Forum Building, Room 110. It will cover appraisals, listings, title and escrow, financing, property management, sales and the loan process. There will be handouts, guest speakers and perhaps a field trip.

Real estate principles will be taught from 6:30 to 9:35 p.m. Tuesdays in Forum Building, Room 110. It will cover basic legal and contractual terms and the forms used in the real estate profession.

Real estate finance will be taught 6:30 to 9:35 p.m. Wednesdays in Founders Hall, Room 182. It will cover appraisals, loans from the Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs and elsewhere, prequalifying buyers, the Internet, investment opportunities, seller financing and property management.

To register, go online at www.mjc.edu or call the college at 575-6470. For more information, call Bawiec at 545-1525.