Category: Books

Real Estate License Exams For Dummies

Every year, thousands of Americans make the leap to an exciting, rewarding new career in real estate. If real estate is your dream career, passing the real estate license exam is the first step to success. With real estate basics and unbeatable study tips, “Real Estate License Exams For Dummies” will help you pass the test with flying colors – and get your new career off to a great start. If you want to get the best possible score on the exam, you need the kind of practical test preparation guidance you’ll find here – all at a much cheaper price than you’d pay for a test preparation seminar or class. “Real Estate License Exams For Dummies” covers all the basics on: how – and what – to study; knowing what to expect on test day; developing the math skills you’ll need; understanding your state’s license laws and procedures; and, different exam formats.In addition to helping you get a great score on the test and get licensed, this handy guide also covers the basics of the real estate business itself – from legal issues to taxes to contracts. For anyone preparing for the license exam, or just thinking about taking it, this unbeatable study guide answers all your most vital questions on: careers and job opportunities in real estate; how commissions and other forms of payment work; working independently or for an agency; federal fair housing laws you should know; land and ownership rights; owning through partnerships, cooperatives, and corporations; deeds, mortgages, and closings; types of real estate contracts and agreements; environmental regulations; valuation and property appraisal; financing and taxes; and, using real estate as an investment vehicle.Plus, two practice exams with answers and explanations let you test your knowledge before you take the exam, so you’ll know if you’re ready or not. “Real Estate License Exams For Dummies” is a helpful, straightforward resource that puts future real estate professionals on track for success.

Read More →

Manual of Soil Laboratory Testing: Volume III: Effective Stress Tests, Third Edition

This volume provides a comprehensive working manual for the laboratory testing of soils for civil engineers. It is an essential practical handbook for all who are engaged in laboratory testing of soils as well as being of great value to professional engineers, consultants, academics and students in geotechnical engineering. Revised and updated, the contents reflect current practice in standard laboratory test procedures for determining some of the important engineering properties of soils.

The authors have had many years experience in managing large soil testing laboratories since the early 1950s through to the present day, whilst actively contributing to the development of geotechnical testing through training courses, lectures, committees and working groups. They recognise that it is particularly important for test methods to be fully understood and a step-by-step approach has therefore been used in presenting each section.

The test procedures comprise the measurement of soil permeability, CBR value, drained and undrained shear strength, and consolidation characteristics. Additional material in this new edition includes the Fall cone procedure for measurement of shear strength in clays based on the European Technical Specification, a simplified direct approach and a useful arrangement for applying pressures in multistage triaxial tests to meet the requirements of BS1377. The latest requirements for calibration of equipment and measuring devices are presented and discussed, together with the significance of quality assurance based on recognised laboratory accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025.

Descriptions of test methods are complemented by many numerical examples in order to illustrate the methods for recording test data, making calculations, presenting graphical plots and deriving test results. Fundamental principles are explained, where appropriate, so that the operator can have a better understanding of the significance of the tests and guidance is given where experience has shown that difficulties may be encountered. The importance of good techniques, essential checks on test equipment and laboratory safety are all emphasised.

Read More →