课程大纲：

Buying and Selling Houses in America: Pinpoint the Market and Go for It
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Date: June 24 - July 5, 2013
Instructor: Peng Zhao
Email:
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Course Description & Objectives
This is a brief introduction to U.S. residential real estate market. Within two weeks, students will get exposed to a variety of topics through case studies by using online resources. Students are expected to examine the house buying and selling process, home improvements, American home styles and structures, real estate terminologies and real estate investment options. At the end of two weeks, the students will virtually “buy” a house in America.
Course Structure
The class will be taught in English. The related online resources will be provided on instructor’s blog. A survey will be conducted at the beginning of the class so that the instructor can tailor the class a bit more to meet students’ interests. The class will be divided into study groups for role playing and for the virtual “buying” project. There will be a daily quiz and a final group presentation.


Course Schedule (Tentative)
6/25:

• A glimpse of the U.S. real estate market
• Class survey
• Form study groups
• Research Tools

6/26:

• Case study on: California (San Francisco) real estate market
• American House styles, structures, functions

6/27:

• Case study on: Florida (Orlando) real estate market

• House buying process
• Study Groups select the “buying” project

6/28:

• Case study on: Washington DC metro area (N. Virginia) real estate market
• Understand real estate “languages”

7/2:

• Home improvement: spend less, profit the more

• Transform a house into a home

7/3:

• Working with a real estate agent
• America, a nation on the wheels

7/4:

• The house selling process

7/5:

• Presentation: “Let’s Go, Buy a House in America”

Grading Method
6 quizzes, 9 points/each = 54 points
7 class participations, 3 points/each = 21