Q: What is REAP?
A: REAP is an industry-backed, market-driven program with a 5-year track record. REAP finds, trains and places talented, dedicated, minority professionals with leading commercial real estate firms. REAP works through education, networking, and professional training. Nearly 50 Associates have earned positions with firms that develop, lease, and manage shopping centers and office buildings; and more become 12-month Associates with each class.

Q: How does the REAP course prepare prospective Associates for professional positions?
A: The REAP course exposes Associates to the elementary concepts and terminology of building and property management, emphasizing the role of effective management in increasing the financial return of an income-producing commercial property. The course focuses on how the professional preserves and enhances value through increasing net operating income and reducing risk. Texts include industry publications and materials developed by instructors, who are senior industry professionals. See Course Description

Q: What are the qualifications for entry into the program?
A: A bachelor’s degree, 3-5 years of business experience, and residence in Metro Washington, Atlanta or New York City, is required. Preference is given to applicants who have experience with financial statements and budgeting and backgrounds in project management, negotiation, and sales are helpful. Experience in real estate is not required.

Q: Will I receive a 12-month Associate position at the end of the course?
A: The top Associates of the Class are eligible for Associate placement.

Q: What opportunities are offered to the 12-Month Associate?
A: The Associate is a full-time, entry-level professional in whatever areas the firm needs assistance. Associates have:

• coordinated tenant fit-up at a new office building
• prepared variance reports in preparation for budget season
• helped to screen proposals to buy a building
• helped to secure office buildings against protesters
• assisted in kiosk and specialty leasing at a regional mall
• created 10-year pro formas for use in evaluating refinancing a retail portfolio
• negotiated and settled lease disputes
• helped with crowd control and security at a regional mall’s July 4 celebration

Q: What is the cost for tuition? What does tuition cover?
A: $500.00. $250.00 upon acceptance into the program, and $250 before Class begins. Tuition covers classroom sessions, site visits, professional textbooks and Instructors’ materials, REAP networking and counseling events during and after the course, and Associate placement opportunities for the top Associates.

Q: What methods of payment are accepted for tuition?
A: Tuition payments are accepted through PayPal.

Q: If I decide, after acceptance into the program, that I am not satisfied with my experience, or if I am asked to withdraw, may I get a tuition refund?
A: No

Q: What is the deadline for submitting my application?
A: REAP will start accepting online applications in June 2006 for the next Class in Atlanta and Washington, DC, and in Fall 2006 for the 2007 New York Class. (If you wish to receive information/updates on the application process by E-mail, please send an E-mail to reap@uli.org to be added to our mailing list).

Q: Is my application information kept confidential?
A: Information is shared only with the industry professionals that assist REAP in evaluating applicants.

Q: Where are classes being held?
A: Howard University School of Continuing Education in Silver Spring, MD, the Business School at Atlanta University Center, and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) in New York.

Q: Is there parking or public transportation available at these locations?
A: Washington—A metered public garage is adjacent to the Howard site, which is also within 2 blocks of the Silver Spring stop on Metro’s Red Line.     Atlanta—A metered University parking garage is within a 5-minute walk. MARTA’s West End Station is a few minutes walk.    New York – ICSC headquarters is near Rockefeller Center, accessible from many subway stations.

Q: How long does the course run?
A: About 25 weeks, one evening a week.

Q: What topics are covered in the course?
A: See Course Description.

Q: What happens if I should miss a Class?
A: Attendance at all classes, site visits, and networking events is critical to success in the course. Failure to attend will disqualify an Associate from placement and from receiving REAP’s Certificate of Completion, and may result in the student being asked to withdraw.

Q: Does the REAP course give me credit towards industry certifications such as the CSM, RPA, or CCIM?
A: No, but REAP’s website directs you toward industry programs that will count towards industry certifications. REAP Associates are given Certificate of Completion at graduation.

Q: How are Associates evaluated by REAP in determining recommendations for 12-Month placement?
A: Constructive class participation, attendance, and performance on a final exam are considered.

Q: In addition to regular and prompt attendance, study, and active networking at events, what else is needed to qualify for Associate placement?
A: REAP is looking for the characteristics of successful real estate professionals: self-starters who enjoy competition and are comfortable with the protocol of corporate America.

Q: May I take the course on-line?
A: Because of the importance of networking in Associate placement, on-line courses are not offered.

Q: Will REAP hold classes in other cities?
A: REAP has plans for expansion to Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, and Chicago. Visit our website periodically for updates.