Below is a list of the continuing education courses that we currently have available. If you are interested in scheduling a course with AmeriSpec of St. Louis , please click on the Schedule Course button below the course that you are interested in and we will contact you to finalize a date and time. If you have any questions about our continuing education program, please contact us at: 636-458-5300.
Avoiding the Aggravations of Home Inspections
Course Description:

The home inspection is one of the most crucial parts of the home buying process. Offers are finalized or revoked as a result of a home inspector’s report. A home inspection can be a source of anxiety for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. However, real estate agents can ease some of their clients’ anxieties by helping them to be better educated and prepared for the home inspection process. Many aggravations can be avoided if the real estate agent prepares the buyer and seller before the inspection takes place.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Set expectations for the buyer
  • Explain common components of an inspection agreement
  • Avoid aggravations by preparing the seller
  • Avoid aggravations by preparing the buyer
Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
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Going Green: For Real Estate Agents
Course Description:

A home’s energy efficiency has a direct impact on the owner’s wallet. Real estate agents are often asked by client's questions regarding a home’s energy efficiency, including questions about the home’s heating and cooling system, construction, and appliances. In addition, many people are becoming more aware of how their lifestyle decisions directly affect the environment. This course is designed for real estate agents who want to better advocate for clients that are concerned with a home’s energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Differentiate between ‘green’ and ‘green-washed’ products and services
  • Describe the characteristics and benefits of green appliances
  • Describe the benefits of green systems that can be installed within a home
  • Identify characteristics of green construction
Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
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Grow Houses
Course Description:

A grow house is a home that was formerly used to grow marijuana. There are both small and large grow homes ranging from a portion of the home to the entire home dedicated to the growth of marijuana. Grow homes can seemingly “fit in” with other homes but there are certain identifiers to look for. There may be physical impacts to the home that would affect the home inspection, including electrical issues, structural effects and mold.   

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

•       Define a grow home

•       Determine how a grow home operates

•       Identify how this will affect the home

•       Recognize a grow home

•       Prepare for inspection and remediation

Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
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Kitchen and Bath Appliances: What Real Estate Agents Need to Know
Course Description:

Interested buyers and sellers often ask real estate agents basic questions regarding kitchen and bath appliances. Participants of this course will learn about the different types of kitchen and bath appliances available to consumers, the basics of how those appliances function, and common problems associated with those appliances. Completion of this course will allow participants to provide increased insight on kitchen and bath appliances to their clients. 

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the basic characteristics of kitchen appliances including dishwashers, refrigerators, food waste disposals, ranges, ovens, exhaust vents, microwave ovens and trash compactors.
  • Describe the basic characteristics of bathroom appliances including mechanical exhaust vents.
  • Identify common problems associated with kitchen and bath appliances.
  • Explain what a home inspector looks for regarding each appliance. 
Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
Schedule Course
Lead Safety: What Real Estate Agents Need to Know
Course Description:

Any structure built before 1978 is at risk for containing lead paint. The prevalence of lead paint may impact a buyer’s decision on whether or not to purchase a property. Sellers may have more realistic expectations regarding the sale of their property if they are aware of the implications of lead based paint that may be present on their property. Real estate agents can help to communicate the implications of lead based paint to their clients if they are better educated on the subject.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define lead abatement and explain why lead based paint is prevalent in buildings prior to 1978.
  • Identify and explain the health implications of lead based paint poisoning.
  • Describe risks of performing renovations on areas afflicted with lead based paint.
  • Explain government regulations that address lead based paint.
  • Describe tests available to determine if lead based paint is prevalent in a building.
  • Communicate implications of lead based paint to clients. 
Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
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Managing the Home Inspection
Course Description:

The home inspection is one of the most crucial parts of the home buying process. Offers are finalized or revoked as a result of a home inspector’s report. A home inspection can be a source of anxiety for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. However, real estate agents can ease some of their clients’ anxieties by helping them to be better educated and prepared for the home inspection process. A good home inspection should be thorough so that all parties have confidence when completing the home buying process. 

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the elements and characteristics of a home inspection
  • Discuss strategies for preparing both the seller and the buyer for the home inspection
  • List the steps to take when preparing a home for the inspection
  • Describe common report findings
  • Review questions that are frequently asked to home inspectors
Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
Schedule Course
Mold: What you Need to Know About Mold and How to Read Air Sampling Reports
Course Description:

The presence of mold can derail the home buying process. Participants of this course will learn common causes of mold and how they can be addressed in order to diminish the impact of mold when buying and selling a property.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define mold and explain its common causes
  • Describe health effects of mold
  • Provide answers to buyers’ commonly asked questions regarding mold
  • Describe the impact of mold on the real estate transaction
Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
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New Home Construction
Course Description:

Assisting a buyer on a new home can be a challenge for a real estate agent and varies greatly from a typical resale inspection. The home buyer has high expectations of the finished product and those need to be managed.  Navigating the relationship with the home builder takes an experienced approach with a different purchase agreement, timing milestones and general considerations. A knowledgeable real estate agent can help make this transaction easier by understanding the process and helping the buyer through the process with the home and the builder.  A knowledgeable real estate agent can also help their client set reasonable expectations that can ease anxiety and help make the purchase of a new home the positive experience it should be.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Help your buyers know what to expect from a new home
  • Learn some of the considerations of new homes
  • Understand the stages of construction
  • Look at some of the typical problems that occur during construction
  • Understand levels of quality control and workmanship standards
  • Learn about life cycles of common components and appliances
Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
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Pests and Environmental Hazards For Real Estate Professionals
Course Description:

This course examines the various pests and environmental hazards that can destroy a home, including those that might be missed by a traditional home inspection.  It is important that real estate professionals are aware of the damage that these pests can inflict along with some warning signs of their presence so they can better advocate for their clients.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the different types of wood destroying insects
  • Explain how wood destroying insects can enter and defect a home
  • Describe the preventative measures that can be taken by homeowners to deter pest destruction
  • List what areas of the United States is affected by each wood destroying insect
  • Understand the implications of wood destroying insects on real estate transactions
Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
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Radon and Real Estate Transactions
Course Description:

Any home, regardless of when it was built, its location, or the materials used to build the home, can expose its residents to radon. Many states require that a home’s radon history be disclosed to potential buyers. As a result, radon testing may play an important role in the real estate transaction process. Real estate agents that are better informed on the potential hazards associated with radon as well as mitigation techniques will be able to better guide their clients through the real estate transaction process.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify risks associated with long-term radon exposure.
  • Describe ways that radon can infiltrate a house.
  • Explain testing measures that can be used to identify the presence of radon in a home.
  • Describe the benefits of radon mitigation systems.
  • Guide their clients through the real estate transaction process with particular sensitivity to radon. 
Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
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Residential Structural Inspections: For Real Estate Agents
Course Description:

The overall structure of a home is the backbone that holds everything in place. For many, the structural integrity of a home is often viewed as the most crucial part of the home-buying process. By being able to observe and report on these critical matters during the structural portion of a home inspection, real estate agents are in a unique position to offer expertise and peace of mind to all parties involved in the home-buying process.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

•       Define terms commonly used during the structural portion of the home inspection process.

•       Understand common causes of structural damage.

•       Understand risks associated with inspecting structural components during a home inspection.

•       Identify areas to consider during structural portion of the home inspection, including attics, basements, crawlspaces, floors, ceilings, windows, and doors.

•       Define common concerns related to the inspection of the exterior structure and related components, including property lots, decks, porches and foundations.

•       List examples of limitations that should be noted in a report of the structural inspection.

Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
Schedule Course
The 10 Most Common Home Defects: For Real Estate Professionals
Course Description:

The home inspection is one of the most crucial parts of the home buying process. Many issues identified during the home inspection, if left untreated, can lead to significant costly repairs later, or even unsafe and hazardous living conditions. Offers are finalized or revoked as a result of a home inspector’s report. A home inspection can be a source of anxiety for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. However, real estate agents can ease some of their clients’ anxieties by helping them to be better educated and prepared for the home inspection process. This course will identify the most common problematic areas in a home inspection and provide real estate agents with tools and strategies they can use to allay their clients’ concerns. 

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

•       Better equip the buyer for the home inspection

•       Advise and prepare the seller

•       Assist their clients in understanding issues of concern raised by the home inspector

•       Anticipate frequently asked questions regarding the home inspection process

Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
Schedule Course
The Basics of Heating Systems: For Real Estate Agents
Course Description:

 

One of the house’s most integral operating systems is the heating system. As a result, potential buyers may have questions or concerns about the condition of a home’s heating system. Real estate agents will be able to serve as advocates for their clients during the home buying process as a result of participating in this course.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the steps a home inspector takes when inspecting a heating system as well as the appropriate recommendations an inspector is qualified to make regarding a heating system.
  • Identify and describe the fundamental components and characteristics of heating systems.
  • Describe characteristics and risks associated with gas furnaces.
  • Locate furnace maintenance recommendations. 
Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
Schedule Course
Understanding Residential Electrical Inspections
Course Description:

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical problems are the largest cause of property damage in home structure fires across the United States. Since electrical inspections are important for the safety of one’s home, they often cause anxiety to those purchasing or selling a home. By understanding the process of performing residential electrical inspections, real estate agents can help give peace of mind to all parties involved in the home-buying process.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

•       Understand the importance of safety when evaluating electrical systems in the home

•       Define basic safety rules to use when inspecting live electrical components

•       Define and identify components of Service Entrance equipment

•       Identify common failures that can lead to unsafe conditions around the home

•       Understand safety issues related to inspection of panels and enclosures

•       Understand connections and defects inside the service panel

•       Define current standards for outlets in and around the home

Course Credit:
Real Estate Continuing Education - 3.00 Credits  (Missouri) 
Schedule Course
AmeriSpec of St. Louis
17269 Wild Horse Creek Rd. Suite 220
Chesterfield, MO 63005
Phone: 636-458-5300
www.amerispecstl.com