First Assignment Spring 2026

Welcome to Real Estate Law. I’m looking forward to working with you this semester.

This course is built around a semester-long real estate transaction simulation. From the first few weeks onward, you will work in small groups to simulate a real estate deal from contract through closing, taking on professional roles that mirror real-world practice. Many of our in-class exercises and assignments will build on this simulation, allowing you to apply doctrine to transactional decision-making and drafting.

1. Please review the following materials on the Blackboard course site:
• Course syllabus
• Class calendar
• Blackboard site organization and materials
Come to class with any questions about course structure, expectations, or assignments.

2. Required Survey - Real Estate Transaction Roles

Preferably before January 10, 2025, please complete the Real Estate Transaction Role Preferences Survey located in the course content area on Blackboard. This will allow me to finalize group assignments during the first week of class and organize seating accordingly.

In this course, you will work in small groups (approximately three students per group) to simulate a real estate transaction from start to finish. These groups will be used throughout the semester for weekly simulations and activities, so it is important that roles are set before class begins.

3. Reading Assignments for first week of class

Lefcoe, George. Real Estate Law and Business: Brokering, Buying, Selling, and Financing Realty. Durham, N.C.: Carolina Academic Press, 2016.
• Chapter 1 (for Jan. 12)
• Chapter 3 (for Jan. 14)

I look forward to seeing you in class and starting the semester together!

Regards,
Professor Hoffman