Return to course listing

Creative Pathways to Homeownership: The Essentials

$39
This product includes:
ANNUAL CE REQUIREMENT Elective Hours: 3 Mandatory: 0 Total Hours: 3
Description
State Requirements

Today’s buyers and sellers are working in a market that doesn’t look like it did a few years ago. Prices are up, inventory is tight, and the “usual” path to homeownership doesn’t work for everyone anymore. That’s why options like shared equity programs, down payment assistance, co-buying, owner financing, and alternative loan programs are popping up in real transactions—and the agents who understand them are the ones keeping deals alive.

In this three-hour elective course, you’ll get a clear, practical breakdown of what these pathways are, when they tend to show up, and how to talk about them in a way that helps clients without putting you in the role of a lender or attorney. You’ll also learn smart habits for working with the right pros and guiding creative transactions with confidence.

Course highlights include:

  • Strategies for overcoming affordability and limited inventory challenges
  • Creative financing options, including shared equity and co-buying models
  • Guidance for working with multi-generational and non-traditional buyers
  • Step-by-step overview of down payment assistance programs and grants
  • Practical application of forgivable loans and alternative funding sources
  • Clear boundaries for agent responsibilities and referral best practices
  • Tools for structuring and explaining co-ownership agreements
  • Communication approaches for aligning multiple buyers in one transaction
  • Real-world scenarios illustrating creative deal structuring
  • Building and using a trusted network of lenders, attorneys, and housing resources
Package Content:

State Requirements For Minnesota

Minnesota State Requirement Details for Real Estate Continuing Education

Hours Required by the State: 15 hours per year

Renewal Date: 6/30 every two years (annual CE requirement is 15 hours) 

Please Note: Although the renewal date is 6/30, all CE must be completed by 6/15

The CE Shop’s Offering: 15 hours

7-1-25 - 6-30-26 MN Required Module: Contracts

This 2025/2026 Module also Satisfies the 1-Hour Broker Module Requirement.It does NOT satisfy the Fair Housing Requirement or Agency Law Requirement

Reporting: The state requires course completions to be reported to the state. We will report your course to the state upon completion.

Expiration Date of Course: Course expiration dates vary by course. Each individual course will have an expiration date listed in your account. See Terms & Conditions for more details.

Certificates: Immediately upon course completions, The CE Shop will provide students with an electronic copy of the course certificate of completion. Certificates will remain in your account for a minimum of five years, should you need additional copies at a later time. Please refer to your application to determine if you need to submit your certificate(s) of completion. Course completion dates are recorded using Central Standard Time. Please note that the date on your certificate of completion will reflect this.

Final Exam: Final exams must be passed with a minimum of 70%

Seat Time: It is required that all students spend a minimum amount of seat time engaged in the course content. Our online course delivery system manages this requirement for you.

Max Hours in a 24-Hour Period: Students will not receive credit for more than 8 hours of prelicense education in a 24-hour period. Our online course delivery system manages this requirement for you.

Minnesota Department of Commerce

Street Address: 85 7th Place East, Suite 280, St. Paul, MN 55101

Main Office: 651-539-1500

Complaints: 651-539-1600

License Renewal Website

Licensee Renewal Information

Contact the Commission