REAL ESTATE ECONOMICS: RLST-092 / NCRL-092

Online - West Valley College 

Taught with credit and non-credit options:

Fall Session - 15-week, plus a final exam week: 

Fall 2025 (August 23 – December 12) RLST-092, Section 77355 (Credit option for CSU transfer)

Fall 2025 (August 23 – December 12) NCRL-092, Section 77356 (Non-credit, non-transferable)

Course Description

An asynchronous course, building on Real Estate Principles (RLST90). 

This course is provides a general introduction to the study of real estate economics. We will consider basic economic concepts and how they apply to real estate.  Included in this class will be a study of cities, suburbs, housing and non-residential real estate. We will explore how real estate is valued including factors influencing real estate pricing, the effect of government controls on the land market, how private regulations/controls can affect the real estate market, and how real estate is affected by socio-economic factors. 

We will also touch on financing and tax issues as they affect real estate applying many of the concepts discussed in this class to the real estate market in the Bay Area and in California. 

New for my Fall 2023 class, exclusionary zoning and densification. We will see how these two practices, originally used against minorities with the likes of Redlining contributed to California's housing shortage and minority generational wealth suppression.   

This course applies toward the educational requirements for the California Real Estate Salesperson license and is an elective for the state Real Estate Broker license and the Real Estate Appraiser education requirements. 

Taught as a CSU transferable and a non-CSU transferable continuing education course. 

While our course will summarize information needed for the State of California real estate license examinations, supplemental outside study is needed for state exams preparation. 

Course Overview

Course content is presented in 15 study modules exploring the author’s textbook and the instructor's topical supplements. Module studies include reading assignments, textbook & supplements, and YouTube videos. Study modules contain concept reinforcing discussion questions and case studies.  Study modules assignments included the aforementioned discussion questions, the author’s chapter quizzes, and the instructor’s crossword puzzles.

Course Routine

Our class is asynchronous. It does not have fixed meeting times, but it does have assignment deadlines. 

The rhythm of an online course is different from on-campus courses.  Rather than one class meeting per week, our course activities are distributed over the week to allow for flexibility in participation and independent assignment completion. Students and the instructor make postings to the course around the clock. Regular participation in discussion board assignments is mandatory. Though assignment submissions may be posted at any time of day or night, students are accountable for assignment deadlines.

Course content becomes available per the schedule at the rate of one new study module per week in our 15-week study semester, followed with a final exam in the 16th. Typically, study module assignments and the mid-term exam are due prior to midnight each Sunday, and the final exam is due on our the last Friday of the semester. 

In summary, students work independently within each module. Study module assignments reinforce study concepts and provide for student grade point accumulation.  

The midterm exam, marks our halfway point in the course covering our initial chapters, typically chapters 1-8 or 1-9. The final exam covers all chapters. The final exam becomes available at the end of our last week of instruction (week 15). The final exam must be submitted by the due date and time, on our last class day to receive credit. 

My tentative class assignment schedule is included at the end of this syllabus.  

Assignment Due Dates and Late Grading Policy

The Canvas Module and Syllabus views show assignment due dates.  Homework assignments are explained in each Canvas lesson module that is released as the course unfolds. The assignment groups and grade points above list the various assignments and their weighting.  

Late Grading Policy

When emergencies arise, contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss options. Extensions are given at the instructor’s discretion. There is no exception for the final exam. It must be completed per schedule as course grades are submitted promptly at the end of the school term. My distant learning courses do NOT afford an “incomplete option”. 

I typically mark down late assignment postings 10% for each module in arrears. For example, if you turn in your module 3 assignment(s) during the Module 5 period, the two-module difference will earn you a 20% grade point deduction. 

Additionally, you will NOT be eligible for the supplemental grade points for your late comments to a fellow student’s post, as the time has passed where they may add value or create additional discussion. 

Pass/No Pass Grading Option

You may take this course on a pass/no pass grading option basis rather than a letter grade. To do so, you must submit the school application for pass/no pass and advise me of your submittal by the end of our second day of instruction for accelerated semesters.  Forms are available on the schools’ portal web site and within the Mike’s Supplements folders.

Mid-term and Final Exams

Our exams will consist of multiple-choice questions addressing fundamental property management concepts and real estate terminology.  Since our class is a distant learning one, the exams are timed, open book assessments.  

A closed book final exam, if needed, may be made by arrangement with the instructor prior to the course midpoint. Any such closed book exam will be scheduled to occur at West Valley College during the final exams’ week. 

The exams will cover lecture material, textbook readings, class discussions, and homework assignments. The tests cover topics in the textbook that we did not discuss in class. The midterm covers chapter 1-9, and the final covers all textbook chapters.  The final exam becomes available some three business days prior to our ending class date. This exam must be submitted by its due date to receive credit. The Canvas Final Exam module contains complete details.

Student Participation & Responsibilities

An initial student roll (Census Roll) will be taken at the end of the Introduction module’s learning period using the Canvas Learning Management System. Students not completing the first module’s assignments by the census roll due date, or not advising the instructor they wish to remain in the class, will be dropped. After the first module, student homework submissions provide the basis for attendance.

It is the student’s responsibility to drop the class if they wish to discontinue.

Each student is responsible for completing all assignments per the class schedule. I may make changes to this syllabus or the reading list during the semester. When I do so, I will advise via the Canvas Learning Management System.  It is the student's responsibility to stay informed of these changes by ensuring the Canvas system contains their contact information for class notifications.

Textbook

Real Estate Economics, 6th Edition, By Walt Huber. Educational Textbook Company, Inc. Covina California.  Printed options (new/use, and electronic rental) are available from the West Valley College Bookstore. Students using other sources such as Amazon or Redshelf are advised to verify/compare prices and confirm the textbook edition.  

I recommend ordering your textbook at least two weeks before the semester start.

Students will not succeed in my courses without textbook study. So don't waste our time thinking you can by using other sources such as the internet.

Reading and Study Contents

The Canvas online course modules contain reading assignment details. My lesson plan covers all Huber’s Real Estate Economics textbook chapters at an easy pace of one chapter per module each week.  Students are urged not to delay their weekly readings and to include the end of chapter reviews in their study as a means to reinforce real estate concepts.  

Discussion Question Assignments 

Active participation in discussion board assignments is mandatory.  Discussion questions require you to answer questions or address case studies in the narrative. You will write your postings to a discussion forum. In addition to your initial posting, most case study-based discussion assignments afford you opportunity to earn 5 additional points with constructive comments to fellow student's posting. Only a few of our discussion assignments are case studies. There is an exception for early DQ postings in the 15-week semesters that is discussed in the Introduction module. 

Evaluation Criteria for Discussion Question Participation & Assignments:

Your discussion board postings will be evaluated in the areas of timeliness, quantity, quality and visibility as detailed below. These criteria show the minimum standards for receiving a passing grade. Greater detail are provided in the Canvas introduction module.

Quality: Postings should be substantial (more than a brief one-or two-line comment) Posts should reflect an understanding of the topic supported by course readings, personal experience, and/or additional research. For full credit, posts should extend or deepen the discussion in a relevant way.

Timeliness: Initial responses to the discussion question are made early in the discussion period.  Replies to fellow students are presented in a timely manner to allow for robust discussion and reflection. You must meet deadlines to receive full credit. Late DQ peer comments receive no credit. 

Visibility: Actively involved no less than 3-4 days a week). Canvas provides usage history.

Readability: Posts are visually attractive and understandable to your readers, e.g. break text into paragraphs, space between paragraphs. All discussion question postings shall be as narrative in the forums. File postings in lieu of written narrative postings are NOT acceptable as they do not promote discussion. I will deduct 5 grade points for each file I have to convert to a readable format for our DQ assignment.

Clarity: Ideas are communicated in clear, grammatical English. Your objective is effective communications with writing that is clear, concise, direct, and professional. Don’t make us guess. Graphs and pictures are encouraged when they support your statements. 

Cite your sources:  Postings must include cited references and other sources for full credit. Cite it or lose a point. If you tell me something, I want to know the source. Always document your sources such as the textbook, an internet source or other creditable source. Wikipedia is NOT considered an academic source and it should only be utilized as a point of departure for your information search.  For this course, any citation style is fine for referencing the information that you gathered or quote. Be sure to include in “quotation marks” any information that you copy. Dead web links are not acceptable. The likes of quoted or copied ChatGPT is not acceptable. 

General Information

Information Technology

You need good computer skills and internet access to successfully complete this course.  Most students have found a PC with a full-size keyboard and high-speed internet access is a must. Do not expect to be successful in our class or within the real estate vocation using just a smartphone.

Do not send scans of handwritten notes.  Prior instructor approval required for video presentations. Voice mail and text message submittals will not be accepted in lieu of forum postings.  A real estate financial calculator is not required, but is helpful.    

Canvas Learning Management System

Canvas is our virtual classroom on the internet containing all class content such as discussion forums, exams, supplements, videos, puzzles, and quizzes. Here you will interact with your fellow students and me. You may log into Canvas via My Portal or with a direct sign-in page.   When you log into the system, you will see a listing of your courses.  If you are having trouble accessing the portal, please watch the video, How To Sign In to My Portal. Additionally, you may need to link your account to OpenCCC the first time using the Canvas link. Here are instructions on How to link your Canvas account to OpenCCC.  

Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated.  Plagiarism is the uncredited use (both intentional and unintentional) of somebody else's words or ideas.  If I discover that any student has engaged in plagiarism on an assignment then I reserve the right to issue that student a failing grade on that assignment.  Please refer to the College's policy on academic dishonesty in the College Catalog.

Unlawful Discrimination/Sexual Harassment

West Valley College is highly committed to fostering a safe and healthy learning environment. Title IX and District policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual misconduct, harassment, domestic, and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Sexual assault and harassment can undermine student learning and success.  Students can help create a safer and better community both inside and outside the classroom. Please see Title IX, Violence Against Women (VAWA) and the Campus SaVE Act, for more information including filing a report.

If you have a complaint or someone shared information with you as a student or employee that is unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment, contact the Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at West Valley-Mission Community College District at 408-741-2060.  If the Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources is not available, contact the Office of the President of West Valley College. 

Accommodations for a Disability

West Valley College strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including permanent disabilities or chronic or temporary medical conditions), please let me know immediately so that we can privately discuss options. You are also welcome to register with the Disability and Educational Support Program to establish reasonable accommodations. After registration, DESP will notify of your approved accommodations.

Disability and Educational Support (DESP) Contact Information

The DESP office is located in the LS building. Their phone number is (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY). Information about their services can be found at westvalley.edu/desp.

West Valley College Accessibility Statement

Students are directed to the West Valley College Accessibility Statement for accessibility policy, objectives, resources, issue reporting, questions and accommodation testing.

Student Help and Support

West Valley College has many Student Services that are here to support your success and help you achieve your goals. Check them out at westvalley.edu/services.

Emergency Information

Be prepared! 

Review the college’s Emergency Preparedness information at westvalley.edu/emergency. If you attend classes on campus, we recommend putting WVC emergency numbers into your phone.

Class Schedule

The next page reflects my class schedule plan, whereas Canvas shows our ongoing active schedule. Canvas also delivers schedule change announcements if the student enables this notification feature.

The ‘PreClass’ Modules in the Module Release Date column below are available prior to the official class start date in my accelerated Summer term classes. In my non-accelerated Spring and Fall semesters, the ‘PreClass’ modules are available on the first day of the term.

Canvas provides active class schedule information in a narrative format in the Modules and the Syllabus Views, plus homepage reminders. For an understanding of the content and assignments related dates, please see the Canvas ‘Class Schedule Information’ page within our Welcome to our Property Management Class module.

Early access to the summer semester class materials via Canvas starts one week prior to the official class start date and the last class access date is extended through the Saturday of our last week to complete the final exam.