Washington Real Estate Fair Housing (3hr)

The purpose of this course is to introduce real estate brokers and managing brokers to the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) and the Washington Law Against Discrimination (chapter 49.60 RCW) as it relates to real estate transactions.

The course will teach real estate brokers and managing brokers the historical and societal context of housing discrimination, the legal framework intended to prevent housing discrimination, and steps to take to prevent housing discrimination. We'll start with a brief history of laws passed to protect people from discriminatory conduct and then explain categories of discrimination policies and practices. We'll then go into details about the basic protected classes outlined by the Federal Government and the expanded classes covered by Washington law. Lastly, we'll explain practices that you as a licensee can do to ensure everyone has an equal right to housing options and what clients can do if they, unfortunately, experience housing discrimination.

Course Topics

This course will address the following topics.

• Module 1: Historical and Societal Context

• Module 2: Legal Framework

• Module 3: Role of the Broker and Managing Broker

• Final Exam

Module 1: Historical and Societal Context

To have a proper perspective of today's fair housing laws, it is important to understand how the United States has gradually expanded equal opportunities for its citizens over the course of two hundred years. This segment will present the historical background that led to our current fair housing laws, as well as the ongoing challenges that continue to face our nation as it strives toward equal opportunity and rights for all of its citizens.

Module 2: Legal Framework

In this chapter we will explore the role of the federal, state, and local governments in fair housing law, along with the types of housing covered by federal law. We will look more closely at the protected classes of individuals who are protected by federal law and Washington law. We'll review federal and state laws, go into detail about the protected classes, and visit court cases.

Module 3: Role of the Broker and Managing Broker

Washington real estate licensees are oftentimes the face of the interaction between real estate buyers and seller. The conduct of agents can have an influence on their clients. Showing courtesy and respect during any interaction can reflect positively on an agent and their client and help to make for a smooth transaction. On the opposite end, treating others in a bias and derogatory manner based on race, sexual orientation, native language, and so on, does not benefit the industry at large and can actually discourage people from participating in the real estate market.

In this chapter, we're going to look at how managing brokers and brokers can act in a fair and unbias manner. We're going to explore the activities that are prohibited by Washington law and show you ways that seemingly innocent acts may be actually considered discriminatory. You'll also learn about how those who experience discrimination can file a complaint and the agencies that will investigate housing discrimination claims.

Completion Requirements

This is a 3 credit hour course that will take 2.5 hours of study to complete (3 credit hours @ 50 minutes per hour = 150 minutes). It contains segments that include a variety of activities. Students must successfully complete all activities and assignments in the order in which they are presented to receive credit for the course. The Washington Department of Licensing requires students to participate in the full length of the course before receiving credit. No partial credit will be awarded for partial completion.

At the end of the course a final examination is required. The final examination consists of 20 questions. A score of 70% or greater is required for course completion. After successfully passing the final exam, a course completion certificate for Washington real estate continuing education will be issued.

Refunds

Refunds for this course are subject to the refund policy set forth in OnlineEd's terms of service.

Prerequisites

This course has no prerequisites.