Realtor CE

Continuing Education for Realtors

Click here for the calendar of upcoming class offerings.

Timothy J Howell, RLS (CE Broker 50-34054 & 50-40890) is the approved instructor for the following courses.

Tim earned a bachelor’s degree in cartography with a survey emphasis and a master’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Alternative Dispute Resolution. He has been surveying since 1995 and has been a Registered Land Surveyor in Tennessee since 2003. Tim was an Instructor of Communications and assistant Debate Coach at Walters State Community College for five years. He is also a TN Supreme Court Rule 31 listed Mediator and has been a volunteer mediator and trainer with the Knoxville Community Mediation Center since 2014.

Communication Courses

COMM 1000 – Fundamentals of Communication

Courses designed to introduce the learner to the world of communication and cover the basics of it.

COMM 1010 – The What and Why of Communication (1 hr. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130984)
This course lays a foundation of vocabulary and concepts key to studying communication. It will cover models of communication as well as contextual scenarios. It will explain what communication competence is and cover some myths surrounding communication.

COMM 1020 – The Self, Perception, and Communication (2 hrs. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130980)
This course delves into the elements of perception and expands on how these can affect if/how communication is done. It examines gender, empathy, emotional intelligence, and identity to ascertain how to compensate for perception variances when communicating.

COMM 1030 – Culture and Communication (1 hr. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130986)
This course looks at variations cultures and co-cultures have in styles of communication. It intends to build communication competence by identifying the pitfalls of communicating with people from cultures other than that of the communicator.

COMM 1100 – Elements of Communication

Courses designed to cover the various topics in communication and explain how these elements are used to become a better communicator.

COMM 1110 – Language and Communication (2 hrs. CE).

(ce broker #20-1130966)
This course examines several factors regarding language and how to utilize this information to become a competent communicator.

COMM 1120 – Nonverbal Communication (2 hrs. CE).

(ce broker #20-1130970)
This course looks at the types and styles of nonverbal communication. It delves into how culture affects the different elements that make up nonverbal communication and how these elements impact effective communication.

COMM 1130 – Elementary Listening (1 hr. CE).

(ce broker #20-1130952)
This course examines the fundamental notion of listening. It elaborates that it is not “natural” and must be learned. The course is designed to enhance the learners’ ability to listen effectively.

COMM 1131 – Intermediate Listening (2 hrs. CE).

(ce broker #20-1130974)
This course delves deeper into listening and covers the what and how of listening types.

COMM 1132 – Advanced Listening (2 hrs. CE).

(ce broker #20-1130960)
This course uses the combined information from the two previous sections to empower the learners to become effective listeners. This section is a “hands-on” segment. It uses activities and discussions to reinforce the information previously taught.

Survey Courses

SURV 1000 – Elementary Surveying

Beginning land survey classes designed to introduce the learner to a variety of topics aligned with land surveying.

SURV 1010 – Land Survey Background (3 hrs. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130978)
There is a common misconception among most people (and many Realtors) of what a surveyor does. Part 1 of this course teaches Realtors the basics of land surveying.

SURV 1020 – Easements, Rules, and Guidelines (2 hrs. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130976)
There is a common misconception among most people (and many Realtors) of what a surveyor does. Part 2 of this course teaches Realtors the intricacies of easements and the rules and guidelines that govern land surveying.

SURV 1030 – Ordering a Survey (1 hr. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130958)
There is a common misconception among most people (and many Realtors) of what a surveyor does. Part 3 of this course teaches Realtors how to navigate the needed information to effectively order a survey.

SURV 1035 – How a Survey is Completed (1 hr. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130962)
A bit of “mystery” may exist surrounding what a surveyor does. This course provides a basic understanding of land surveying and educates the learners on what goes into performing a land survey.

SURV 1040 – Map Reading (2 hrs. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130972)
There are many elements of a map or plat that are not necessarily understood by the layperson. This course sets out to remedy this by explaining the various elements of a map and/or plat, focusing on survey plats.

SURV 1050 – Floodplain Basics (1 hr. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130954)
Flood insurance is often required for land found within a special flood hazard area. Understanding these and how they impact development is key in determining if a property is appropriate for a client.

SURV 1051 – Elevation Certificates (2 hrs. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130956)
When flood insurance is required, an elevation certificate is often needed to determine the insurance rate. Realtors are often called upon to explain the forms; the best way to learn is to do it. This course will teach the learners to interpret elevation certificates.

SURV 1060 – Elementary Developments (1 hr. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130982)
This is an introductory course on the basics of land development. It covers the basic types of developments and begins to delve into when each type would be appropriate.

SURV 1061 – Intermediate Developments (2 hrs. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130968)
Dividing property is necessary to the function of a surveyor. Realtors are often the go-between with the surveyor and the client. It is necessary for the Realtor to know how to advise a client on what they can do with their land. This course delves deeper into dividing land, emphasizing specific real-world situations.

SURV 1070 – Basic Legal Descriptions (1 hr. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130950)
As the first person dealing with the property, a listing agent must be able to understand what it is that the client is listing. This course introduces the learner to legal descriptions.

SURV 1071 – Intermediate Legal Descriptions (2 hrs. CE)

(ce broker #20-1130964)
As the first person dealing with the property, a listing agent must be able to understand what it is that the client is listing. This course teaches Realtors how to read, write, and plot legal descriptions as well as identify the age or potential integrity of a description in order for the Realtor to serve their clients by anticipating issues.

SURV 2000 – Intermediate Surveying

Older classes (still offered through 12/31/2024)

The Subdivision Process – 2 CE hours

(ce broker #20-919260)
With many lenders no longer accepting multiple residences on single properties, the chances of a Realtor dealing with dividing property have increased significantly. This course will instruct the Realtor as to how to divide property, what can be divided, and what to expect when dealing with the planning commission. Additionally, the course will introduce the learner to the process from a surveyor’s point of view – detailing the field, office, and approval processes.

How a Survey is Completed – 2 CE hours

(ce broker #20-919244)
Discrepancies are inevitable when comparing any surveys. These discrepancies compound when dealing with aged surveys. This course teaches Realtors to recognize the limitations of older surveys and thereby assist their clients to manage their expectations when relying upon them.

Working with Legal Descriptions – 3 CE hours

(ce broker #20-919256)
As the first person dealing with the property, a listing agent must be able to understand what it is that the client is listing. This course teaches Realtors how to read, write, and plot legal descriptions as well as identify the age or potential integrity of a description in order for the Realtor to serve their clients by anticipating issues.

Finding Property Corners– 4 CE hours (only offered in special situations)

(ce broker #20-919264)
Whether listing or showing land, Realtors will field questions regarding the location of property lines and corners. This course instructs Realtors on utilizing maps, geographical information systems (GIS), compasses, GPSs, and pacing in order to locate property lines.

Bring your laptop, handheld GPS, tablet, or smartphone.

Flood Plains – 3 CE hours

(ce broker #20-919238)
Elevation Certificates are necessary for obtaining flood insurance coverage for properties located within special flood hazard areas. This course teaches Realtors to identify whether or not properties are located within special flood hazard areas, read Elevation Certificates completed by surveyors, engineers, or architects, and in certain circumstances, prepare an Elevation Certificate for their client.

Survey 101 – 3 CE hours

(ce broker #20-919248)
There is a common misconception among most people (and many Realtors) of what a surveyor does. Part 1 of this course teaches Realtors the basics of land surveying and instructs them on how to order a survey properly.

Survey 102 – 3 CE hours

(ce broker #20-919252)
There is a common misconception among most people (and many Realtors) of what a surveyor does. Part 2 of this course teaches Realtors about property development, understanding legal descriptions, map reading, and an introduction to floodplains.