Unit 1668: Fundamentals of Real Estate Law

1. Introduction to Real Estate Law

• Overview of real estate law
• Key legal concepts and terminology
• Regulatory framework governing real estate transactions

2. Types of Real Estate Ownership

• Sole ownership
• Joint tenancy
  • Rights of survivorship
• Tenancy in common
• Other ownership structures (e.g., tenancy by entirety)
• Impact of ownership types on rights and responsibilities

3. Real Estate Contracts

• Essential elements of contracts
  • Offer and acceptance
  • Consideration
  • Legal capacity
  • Legality of purpose
• Written agreements and the Statute of Frauds
• Common types of real estate contracts

4. Land Use Regulations

• Zoning laws and classifications
• Land use restrictions
• Environmental regulations affecting property use
• Permits, variances, and nonconforming uses

5. Property Rights and Liabilities

• Types of property rights
  • Easements
  • Restrictive covenants
  • Adverse possession
• Liabilities related to property ownership
  • Trespassing
  • Nuisance laws

6. Real Estate Financing

• Overview of financing methods
  • Mortgages
  • Deeds of trust
  • Promissory notes
• Legal implications of default
• Foreclosure processes and rights of parties

7. Real Estate Disclosures

• Legal requirements for disclosures
• Property defects and material facts
• Environmental hazards and lead-based paint disclosures
• Consequences of nondisclosure

8. Real Estate Transactions and Closing Process

• Negotiation of terms and conditions
• Role of escrow agents
• Title searches and title insurance
• Transfer of ownership and recording
• Closing documents and procedures

9. Landlord-Tenant Law

• Lease agreements essentials
• Rights and obligations of landlords and tenants
• Rent payments and security deposits
• Eviction procedures and tenant protections

10. Real Estate Agency and Brokerage

• Legal relationships between agents, brokers, and clients
• Fiduciary duties and agency disclosure requirements
• Licensing regulations and compliance
• Ethical considerations in real estate practice