The Cotton Center for Real Estate Studies, established with a generous contribution of Jack and Ann Marie Cotton, is dedicated to the education and continued professional development of real estate professionals and the mentoring of those new to and seeking to enter the profession. The Center will focus energy and activity on advancing the field and affiliated elements while empowering individuals to attain home ownership. It will encompass all of the real estate courses currently offered by the managing department, the Workforce Education Resource Center, WERC, and anticipates developing new curriculum as appropriate in such areas as real estate licensing, appraising, sales and marketing, investment analysis, finance, property development and management, and related topics and issues.

Current offerings include licensing, continuing education, and appraisal classes. Other offerings will be added over time which may include Goal Setting, Marketing, Finance and an annual speaker series. National real estate speakers will be invited to the College to present programs of interest to real estate professionals.

In addition on-line information for homeowners and realtors will be available at the Cotton Center for Real Estate Studies. For further information about the Cotton Center for Real Estate Studies, contact the director at 508-362-2131 ext. 4505.

Real Estate Sales Courses

WRE008 Cotton Lecture Series

WRE035 Real Estate Continuing Education
All Massachusetts Real Estate Brokers and Salespeople who wish to maintain an active real estate license must complete 12 hours of continuing education every renewal period (2 years). Topics vary each semester. $175.

WRE036 Real Estate Sales Pre-license
This condensed 24-hour course will prepare you for the State License Exam. Material is presented in a thorough and easy to understand manner. This course is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration for fulfilling its licensing requirement and covers the areas necessary for successful completion of the Massachusetts Real Estate Sales Exam. The fee includes materials and text. $299.

WRE037 Real Estate Broker Pre-license
This condensed 30-hour course will prepare you for the Massachusetts Real Estate Brokers Exam. Pre-requisite- Massachusetts Salesperson license and must have worked in the field for at least 25 hours per week, for one year within the last two years. Principal Broker must certify. Textbooks included.

Real Estate Appraisal Courses

WRE083 Virtual Real Estate Appraising
This appraisal-specific program of instruction is designed to provide real estate appraisers, bankers, realtors, and assessors with the knowledge and techniques needed to fully utilize current technology in conducting appraisal development and reporting. The class is conducted in computer lab with online access, utilizing MS Office software. Use of online resources, research, analysis, and presentation skills for real estate appraising will be covered. This course has been approved by the Mass. Board of Reg. of Real Estate Appraisers and the MBREA for 15 hours of credit. $300.

WRE002 Advanced Virtual Real Estate Appraisal
This advanced course will build upon knowledge gained in the first offering. Topics include advanced web resources and research techniques, advanced database concepts (creating an application system using macros, developing relational tables and complex queries and reports), advanced spreadsheets (pivot tables, data forms, creating scenarios and goal seeking), advanced word processing (automated and electronic forms, customized reports with columns, tables and graphics, importing and exporting documents). This course is approved by the MA Board of Reg. of Real Estate Appraisers and the MBREA for 15 hours of credit. $300

WRE003 Twelve Things Residential Appraisers Should Know
Through use of case studies and group interaction, this seminar explores various ways appraisers can positively meet their professional obligations while enhancing the quality of their appraisal development and reporting and client interaction. Areas covered include dealing with difficult clients and assignment conditions, using technology effectively, writing effective reconciliations and analysis sections, grappling with complex assignments and properties, and avoiding pitfalls in residential assignments and their successful completion using standard forms and narrative formats. Prof. Standards will be covered in the context of being essential aids to the working appraiser. $150

WRE004 Twelve Things Commercial Appraisers Should Know
Rather than focus on the negative, this seminar helps appraisers concentrate on ways to succeed. Through use of case studies and group interaction, this seminar explores various ways appraisers can meet professional requirements while building on appraisal development, reporting, and client interactions. Areas covered include dealing with difficult clients and assignment conditions, using technology effectively, writing effective reconciliations and analysis sections, dealing with complex assignments and properties, sorting out analysis and highest and best use issues among property types, and avoiding commercial appraisal assignment tricks and traps. Professional standards will be covered affirmatively as a means to bolster the work of the typical appraiser. $150

WRE005 Real Estate Appraisers Overview of MS Office
The course will focus on tips, techniques, and shortcuts using the Microsoft Office Suite software. Utilizing many hands-on, practical exercises, students will learn more about the use of, as well as the integration of, MS-Word documents, MS-PowerPoint graphics, MS-Access databases, and MS-Excel spreadsheets. NOTE: This class is designed for beginning computer users and for persons desiring a refresher course. Approved for 7.5 cont. ed. E/B credit by the MBREA. $150

WRE006 Database & Spreadsheet for Appraisers
This class covers creating spreadsheets with MS Excel. Database management concepts will be introduced using Microsoft Access. Participants will learn how to store all types of appraisal information in a way that it can be quickly found, sorted, and reported. The class will also discuss appraisal issues as they are relevant to producing credible appraisal assignments and reports. Approved for 7.5 continuing education E/B credits by the MBREA. $150.

WRE081 Rea 1 Real Estate Appraisal Basics
This course presents methods used in the collection and analysis of data needed to estimate the value of residential properties using the three approaches to value: cost, income, and sales comparisons. Successfully completing the course and examination will fulfill a portion of the academic requirements for RA and MRA designations. Key topics include appraising as a profession, purpose of an appraisal, influences that effect value, site valuation, highest and best use, gross rent multiplier, depreciation?all forms, sales comparison techniques, reports?types and styles. This course has been approved by the MA, ME and NH Boards of Reg. of Real Estate Appraisers for 39 hours of credit, and by the RI Board of Reg. for 33 credits. Textbooks included. $549

WRE095 National Uniform Standards of Processional Appraisal Practice
This course will explain the National USPAP as promulgated by the Appraisal Foundation. Successful completion of this course fulfills the Title XI requirements relating to instruction on professional appraisal practice. MBREA members will also fulfill the MBREA's requirement of mandatory education participation in PAP seminar. MRA and RA members will earn 15 recertification credits. This course has been approved by the MA, NH, ME, and RI Boards of Registration of Real Estate Appraisers for 15 classroom hour credits. 1.5 CEU. $279

WRE099 USPAP Update
A one-day seminar developed to update the participant's knowledge of the National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. All materials included. $180.