Vermont 4 Hour 2018-2020 Renewal Cycle -- Mandatory Course

This mandatory core course for Vermont real estate agents counts as four hours of continuing education. The course focuses on four different areas of study:

• Buyer and Seller Representation
• Time of Sale Considerations
• Land Use and Property Rights
• Professional Practice, Court Decisions, Case Studies, and Legislative Changes

Each of these study areas includes a variety of topic sections. The first section, Buyer and Seller Representation, covers brokerage service agreements, net listings (and why they're prohibited), conflicts of interest, material facts, land gains tax and how it relates to real estate, current use, estates and probate, and the escalation clause and the risks involved. Under the topic of conflicts of interest, we cover designated agency and dual agency, explaining how designated agency solves the inherent problems associated with dual agency.

In the second portion of the class, we cover topics under Time of Sale Considerations. In it, we cover the mandatory consumer disclosure form in detail, defining substantial contact and the requirements for presenting the form. We also delve into other disclosures, such as the Vermont Department of Health required disclosure, lead-based paint disclosure, and the Act 250 disclosure.

The third portion of the class focuses on Land Use and Property Rights, and covers the Vermont Shoreland Protection Act in detail, including permits, registrations, and exempt activities. This is followed by stormwater rules in Vermont, wastewater systems and potable water supplies rules, and wetlands rules. From there, we get into alternative energy, including the Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan, and finish the section with right-of-way and easements.

The fourth and final area of the course is split into Professional Practice and Court Cases, with Legislative Changes and Updates following. Under the court cases topic, we'll show two videos detailing two recent cases of real estate agents violating the standards of conduct. Alongside these topics are standards of practice (which delves into general ethical duties) broker supervision, and professionalism and unprofessional conduct.

There are in-text questions throughout the course to test your knowledge as you go. At the end of the course, there is a 40-question final exam, which lasts for twenty minutes. 

Class Sample