Real Assist offers a wide range of 1/2 hour to 1 hour classes on topics related to real estate. Our classes easily fit into an on-site "brown bag" format. Classes can also be presented off-site at a location of your choice or at the Keller Williams Mid-Willamette office located in Avery Square in Corvallis. Classes will be scheduled to meet your needs. Most classes are held at lunchtime, followed by early morning or early evening. Longer, more in-depth classes are also available by request.

Classes will be coordinated by Barbara Swain and Carol Trueba, in collaboration with a variety of business partners and consulting contractors who are available to share their expertise. Real Assist has the resources to customize classes to meet the needs of your employees. With advance notice, we will make every effort to present a program tailored to your workforce.

Sample Real Assist classes include:

• "Cost vs. Value": Plan your maintenance and remodeling dollars by learning how to determine which home improvements make good financial sense.
• Mortgage Update: After all the bad news in 2007, learn about mortgage rate trends for 2008, what's happening with the sub prime mortgage mess and how the financial markets have impacted our local real estate market.
• Maintenance 101: Maintain the value of your home by learning home inspector's tips for great home maintenance. A refresher course for some, new ideas for all.
• Planning for a Simple Remodel: Do i need a permit (probably and we'll let you know why)? What can & should I do myself? Plus, who should I hire to do what I can't?
• First Time Home Buying: How to plan for a first time home purchase. Instructors may include Realtors, lenders, inspectors and contractors. Course participants will be provided with extensive materials.
• Green Home Ownership: Learn about sustainable construction materials for updates & remodels; financial advantages and how to's for an energy audit of your home.
• Wealth building through Real Estate: A fresh look at real estate ownership as a method of building wealth, including the financial advantages of individual home ownership and investing.
• Investing in College Rentals: The pro's and con's of renting to college-age young adults; the financial advantages of buying a rental for your own student.
• Second Home Investing for Aging Parents: Financial and logistical considerations for purchasing or remodeling a home for aging parents.