This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of real estate law and the critical role of title examination in property transactions. Students will learn the basics of property ownership, estates, and interests, while exploring how deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements impact the transfer of real property. The module highlights the importance of title work in preventing legal disputes and ensuring clear ownership, as well as the role of title examiners, attorneys, lenders, and title companies in the real estate process.
- Teacher: Dr. Troy Richardson
This course introduces students to the public record systems that form the backbone of title examination. Students will learn how to locate, retrieve, and interpret essential real estate documents such as deeds, mortgages, releases, assignments, and tax records. The course also covers probate files, divorce decrees, and court judgments that may affect property ownership.
- Teacher: Dr. Troy Richardson
This course trains students in one of the core skills of title examination: tracing the chain of title and evaluating the conveyance of property rights. Students will learn how to follow the ownership history of real estate through successive deeds and transfers, ensuring that each link in the chain is valid and properly recorded.
- Teacher: Dr. Troy Richardson
This course focuses on identifying and analyzing the claims and limitations that can affect a property’s marketability and transfer. Students will learn how to research and interpret liens, encumbrances, and restrictions recorded against real estate, and understand how these legal instruments impact ownership rights.
- Teacher: Dr. Troy Richardson
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to prepare professional title reports and abstracts, essential tools in real estate transactions. Students will learn how to organize and summarize findings from public records into clear, accurate reports that attorneys, lenders, and underwriters rely on to evaluate property ownership and risks.
- Teacher: Dr. Troy Richardson
This course introduces students to the role of title insurance in protecting property buyers, lenders, and owners against hidden risks and defects in real estate transactions. Students will explore how title insurance policies are structured, what risks they cover, and which exclusions and exceptions commonly apply.
- Teacher: Dr. Troy Richardson
This course guides students through the critical final steps of a real estate transaction: the closing process and post-closing procedures. Students will learn how title examiners and legal assistants support attorneys, lenders, and title companies in ensuring that all documents are accurate, funds are properly disbursed, and title issues are resolved before property transfer.
- Teacher: Dr. Troy Richardson
This course emphasizes the ethical responsibilities and professional standards required of title examiners and legal assistants in the real estate industry. Students will explore issues of confidentiality, accuracy, and impartiality in handling sensitive property and client information. Special focus is given to avoiding the unauthorized practice of law, maintaining integrity in reporting findings, and ensuring compliance with both legal and industry standards.
- Teacher: Dr. Troy Richardson