BEMIDJI, Minn. (August 27, 2009) — In collaboration with Lake Superior College, the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation is offering real estate certification in three 30-hour sessions beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15. The courses will be held on the campus of Bemidji State University, but signup and registration is handled through Lake Superior State College.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce requires 90 hours of pre-licensure training to become a licensed real estate agent in Minnesota. These 90 hours of training will be offered in three courses, Real Estate I, Real Estate II and Real Estate III. Real Estate I prepares students for the state real estate exam, which is taken at an authorized test center and is not part of this series. The three courses must be taken sequentially, and participants must attend every session of each of the three courses to successfully complete the training.

Real Estate I
This intensive course covers the basics of real estate principles and practices. It also prepares students for the state license exam to become a real estate agent. Students will learn the responsibilities of a real estate agent, the legal issues involved with real estate sales and gain an understanding of content material in preparation for a practice state license exam.

Chapters 1-3 of the textbook for Real Estate I must be read prior to the first night of the class on Sept. 15. Books may be picked up at the center’s Bemidji facility at 3801 Bemidji Ave. North, Suite 4.
Dates: Eight days of courses, Tue-Wed-Thurs, 6-9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. from Sept. 15-26, 2009. Attendance is mandatory for all sessions.
Location: Decker Hall 15, Bemidji State University, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, Minn.
Cost: $310, includes the book “Principles of Minnesota Real Estate, 4th Edition (2008 revision)” by Rick Larson.

Real Estate II
The second of three real estate licensure courses will continue to explore the business relationship between agent and client. Practical activities provide applied experiences to develop skills and refine techniques for understanding a variety of agreements and written materials.
Dates: Eight days of courses, Tue-Wed-Thurs, 6-9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. from Oct. 6-17, 2009. Attendance is mandatory for all sessions.
Location: Decker Hall 15, Bemidji State University, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, Minn.
Cost: $269.

Real Estate III
The final segment of the three-part real estate series further explores listing and sales business transactions. Practical activity scenarios will provide students with opportunities to accurately complete and present a variety of forms.
Dates: Eight days of courses, Tue-Wed-Thurs, 6-9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. from Oct. 20-31, 2009. Attendance is mandatory for all sessions.
Location: Decker Hall 15, Bemidji State University, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, Minn.
Cost: $269.

Registration can be handled for each course individually, or a person can register for all three courses simultaneously for $848. Acceptable payment options are full payment at time of registration by cash, check or credit card; a letter of authorization from a funding source; or on-line eCashier. Contact the center for eCashier instructions.

Individuals who wish to be added to the center’s mailing list or have questions regarding the course should contact the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900; toll free, (888) 738-3224; or via e-mail, cri@bemidjistate.edu.

ON THE WEB
• Center for Research and Innovation: http://www.cri-bsu.org
• Complete course information and registration forms: http://www.cri-bsu.org/real_estate091509.cfm
• Real estate course FAQ: http://www.cri-bsu.org/real_estate_faq.cfm