Skip to Content


Real Estate

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Real Estate (RE) Courses

RE 295 Independent Studies in Real Estate

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.


RE 299 Experimental Offering in Real Estate

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.


RE 300 California Real Estate Principles

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the basic laws and principles of California real estate. It provides the background and terminology necessary for advanced study in specialized courses. This course is required by the California Department of Real Estate prior to taking the real estate salesperson's examination.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • explain the fundamental concepts and principles of real estate.
  • apply the technical terminology involved in the real estate field.
  • understand real estate transactions.
  • describe the requirements for the "California Real Estate Salesperson's" License Examination.

RE 310 Real Estate Practice

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the daily operations in the role of real estate agent or broker. It includes listing, prospecting, advertising, financing, sales techniques, escrow, and ethics. This course also covers basic laws and practices of California real estate and provides background and terminology necessary for advanced study in more specialized courses. This course applies towards the educational requirements for the California State Broker's examination.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • describe the responsibilities of a real estate professional.
  • define the technical terminology involved in the real estate field.
  • describe the requirements for the "California Real Estate Brokers and Salesperson" license examinations.
  • analyze real estate situations and property, interpret the data, and properly complete deposit receipts.
  • understand implicit bias, explicit bias, and the history of discrimination in the housing industry.

RE 320 Real Estate Finance

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:RE 300; RE 300; ENGWR 102 or 103 and ENGRD 116 or ESLR 320 and ESLW 320; BUS 105
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers real estate financing, including lending policies and problems in financing transactions in residential apartments and commercial and special purpose properties. Methods of financing properties are emphasized. It meets one of the educational requirements to qualify for the California Department of Real Estate broker's examination.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • examine theoretical and practical applications of real estate financing.
  • assess the process of financing various types of real estate.
  • identify sources of funds and the various entities which affect qualifications and availability of funding.
  • examine loan processes, appraisal for lenders, and foreclosures.
  • evaluate secondary markets and construction loans.
  • calculate real estate finance and alternative financing methods.

RE 330 Legal Aspects of Real Estate

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:RE 300; RE 300; ENGWR 102 or 103 and ENGRD 116 or ESLR 320 and ESLW 320; BUS 105
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers California real estate laws, including methods of ownership, estates, transfers, financing instruments, foreclosures, leasing, contracts, and agency. It meets one of the educational requirements to qualify for the California Department of Real Estate broker's examination.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • analyze the important legal aspects of real estate.
  • apply real estate law principles.
  • analyze real estate case law.
  • diagram the organization and structure of the U.S. legal system and procedures.
  • apply the ethical standards of the real estate profession.
  • evaluate real estate legal issues before they arise.
  • develop solutions to real estate legal issues.

RE 342 Real Estate Appraisal

  • Units:3
  • Hours:62 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers entry-level education in the real estate appraisal field, concentrating on the appraisal of single-family residences (real property). It covers Basic Appraisal Principles (30 Hours) and Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 Hours) pursuant to the Appraiser Qualifications Board's (AQB) Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria (effective January 1, 2008). This course is designed to meet the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA) requirements for Basic Education (60 Hours). It also meets the California Bureau of Real Estate (BRE) college-level educational requirements (3 semester units) for the salesperson and broker examinations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • define real property concepts, characteristics, and legal descriptions.
  • distinguish between the different forms of ownership, types of leases, contracts, and public or private controls.
  • describe the four influences on real estate values: government, economic, social, and physical.
  • identify the different types of value: market value, insurable value, and salvage value.
  • explain classical economic principles.
  • analyze real estate market fundamentals and characteristics.
  • interpret appraisal ethics and appraisal theory and practice.
  • apply proper valuation procedures and techniques in developing a credible appraisal report.
  • analyze real property descriptions, characteristics, and considerations for highest value and best use.
  • evaluate and apply the market approach, cost approach, and basic income approach processes as appropriate.
  • complete or review a residential appraisal (subject to practical experience and licensing) pursuant to current ethical standards and practices.

RE 350 Real Property Management

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers operation and management of real property marketing procedures, leases, maintenance, insurance, accounting, records, public and human relations, employer responsibilities, and selection of personnel and agreements. This course applies towards the educational requirements for the California State Broker's Examination.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • describe the major functions of property managers, including their legal and interpersonal concerns.
  • detail specific practices and problems in management of various properties, such as retail property, office buildings, apartments, industrial property, and condominiums.
  • define the technical terminology in the property management field.
  • describe the requirements for the California Real Estate Broker's and Salesperson license examinations.
  • demonstrate practical tools for property management.
  • identify everyday issues regarding maintenance, accounting, administration, and other activities.

RE 360 Real Estate Economics

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:RE 300
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the nature and classification of real estate and real estate investments. Topics include economic development of real property, real estate cycles and market trends, and governmental and private sector influence on the economics of real estate. It is recommended that this course be taken last in the real estate series. This course meets one of the educational requirements to qualify for the California Bureau of Real Estate broker's examination.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • explain the fundamental concepts and principles of real estate economics
  • evaluate economic impacts of income and property taxation on market value
  • analyze national, regional, and community trends in terms of their effects on real estate
  • formulate income processing scenarios through the use of break-even analysis, cash equivalents, capitalization theory, and internal/fair rates of return
  • define the economic principles that govern real estate markets and buyer/seller behavioral patterns
  • describe sound real estate investment strategies through an analysis of real estate economic trends

RE 495 Independent Studies in Real Estate

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.


RE 499 Experimental Offering in Real Estate

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.