LEGAL 220 - Real Estate and Property Law

5.0 Credits
An overview of the laws that govern real estate and other forms of property. Topics include real estate transactions, deeds, mortgages, closings, title searches, and recordings. This course also covers leases, Washington’s landlord-tenant laws, and the legal aspects of personal property. Emphasis is placed on the paralegal’s role working in a real estate and property law practice. Recommended completion of or concurrent enrollment in LEGAL 200.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Distinguish between the concepts of real property and personal property.
Explain the most common types of real estate transactions and conveyances, including deeds, contracts, leases, and deeds of trust.
Describe a typical real estate transaction, including file preparation, contract review, deed preparation, financing options, title examinations and insurance, and closings.
Demonstrate knowledge of Washington State’s system of recording and searching for public documents, including title.
Identify the rights and duties owed to landlords and tenants under Washington’s Residential Landlord Tenant Act.
Perform the essential duties of a real estate and property law paralegal and identify activities that would constitute the unauthorized practice of law if performed by a paralegal.
Identify and draft various documents involved in conveying real property through sale, lease, or other transactions.

Course Typically Offered
Summer