Experienced real estate investor Leo Summerhays says it doesn’t matter what the market is doing—the principles of real estate don’t change. What matters is what you want from real estate, and whether a particular property can help you accomplish that. Get real-life perspective on the benefits and burdens of owning real estate, without the hype and sales pitch. Learn to evaluate properties in terms of what you want—a home, tax break, appreciation or cash flow—so you know when to get in, if at all. Extensive handouts are included in the class fee but you’ll be crunching numbers, so bring pen, paper and calculator. To buy or not to buy? That is the question you’ll be able to answer.

Leo Summerhays has been investing in apartments, single-family homes and vacant land since 1991. He owns five properties and enjoys sharing with others the lessons he has learned.

4 Wednesdays            July 23 thru Aug. 13         7-9:30 pm
Course #694                $84 (couples $160)

What is a FICO score? This “magic number” is the basis for determining your rate and terms for home loans, credit cards and other financing. Higher rates can add up to thousands of dollars that you don’t need to pay! Find out what factors are likely to raise (or lower) your own credit score so you can make financial decisions that contribute to a higher credit rating. Small mistakes can add up to big points! For instance, did you know you should never close out your oldest accounts? Also learn strategies for removing negative and obsolete information like inquires, late payments, collections, tax liens, and even foreclosures from your reports. So learn to score!

Teresa A. Pitts has been a personal financial literacy coach and presenter for over 17 years. She is a motivational speaker and certified financial counselor.

1 Saturday             9 am-Noon             $29
Course #688          June 21

Foreclosures are taking a bigger share of the home sales market. Statewide, they made up 33% of 2008’s first quarter sales, compared to 3% for same period last year. REO’s can be found for $85,000 with low down payments and easy qualifying. In this Marshall Reddick seminar, you’ll learn how to find these properties before anyone else does so you can make successful offers. Find out what kinds of properties and which locations appreciate most. Also discover how to get the best deals when you purchase directly from people in foreclosure and when you go for a loan. Take a free, optional tour by a real estate professional afterward (from 4-5:30). Seminar participants are also invited to a no-host lunch (you pay for your own meal).  *$25 material fee payable in class.

Kim Cahill is a California Licensed Real Estate Broker and Appraiser with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and management with an entrepreneurial emphasis. After attending a weekend seminar taught by Dr. Marshall Reddick, she developed a diverse real estate portfolio with properties throughout the United States.

1 Saturday             July 19    9 am-5:30 pm
Course #699          $49* (couples $79*)

If you want to make some money in your spare time and maybe even live rent free, then consider  property management. It’s not hard to get a position as an apartment manager, but there are important things you need to know to get the right one. In this information-packed seminar, Thierry will reveal the pros and cons of working for a big property management company and how much you can expect to earn. Topics covered include communication with tenants, daily tasks, maintenance issues, forms, notices and legal procedures, liability issues, manager’s etiquette, tricks of the trade, and how to deal with evicting tenants. This class is also very valuable if you plan to buy an income property and want to get insider information on how to rent apartments easily to new tenants. *$20 material fee (cash only), payable to instructor first class, for a CD with over 100 forms, letters and notices useful for managing properties. Optional certificate of completion available for $5 (course #113). Bring a sack lunch.

Thierry Hassid manages three buildings in L.A. and has been managing for six years in the U.S. He was a leasing manager for a 200-unit building in France.

2 Saturdays           Aug. 16 & 23         10 am-3 pm
Course #708          $79* (couples $150*)

Are you a property owner, board member, real estate agent or other professional involved with homeowners associations? If so, chances are that some legal and management issues you deal with are confounding. This information-packed seminar will cover topics like rules, collections, meetings and voting, maintenance and repairs, board and management company obligations, and liabilities. It’s designed to help large and small associations run efficiently and comply with  ever-changing applicable laws. *$15 material fee payable to instructor.

Jeanne H. McDonald is an attorney with over 14 years’ experience in all aspects of representing homeowners associations.

2 Saturdays           9 am-Noon             $45*
Course #700          July 26 & Aug. 2

The Real Estate Centre’s One-Day Exam Prep program provides you with all the tools you need to pass your real estate salesperson or broker licensing exam the first time! Taught every weekend in locations throughout Southern California, the One-Day Exam Prep class provides you with a full day of focused learning. Cover all the knowledge tested on the state exam, plus do practice questions similar to those on the exam. You will receive a course outline, practice tests, glossary of terms, math workbook, four audio CDs and weekly updates. Prerequisite: Licensing requirements for the real estate salesperson exam change on Oct. 1, 2007.  Check with the California Department of Real Estate to view the required courses you need to qualify for the salesperson or broker exam. Note: this class is held off campus (the West L.A. location is near LAX.)  Directions provided upon registration. *$10 handling/postage fee for mailing course materials.

The Real Estate Centre was formed in 1988 by John Henderson, a real estate broker and attorney. Under the direction of Mr. Henderson, the Real Estate Centre and its staff have helped over 85,000 people pass the state exam.

1 Sat or 1 Sun         8:30 am-5 pm           $130* 
Course #711            Call for dates