Calendar

REAL ESTATE FORUM 2009. Topics include buying and selling in a down market, mortgage programs, overview of short sales and foreclosures and investment opportunities. 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 15. Free. Coldwell Banker Burnet, 4100 Berkshire Lane, Plymouth. 763-234-9835.

BUYING FORECLOSED AND SHORT-SALE PROPERTIES. Topics include how to find deals in the foreclosure market and negotiate with banks. For first-time buyers or experienced investors. 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 17. $15. Minneapolis Community Education, Pratt Elementary School, 66 Malcolm Av. SE. 612-668-1100.

BUYING A DUPLEX AS AN INVESTMENT. Topics include tax benefits of owning rental property, how to evaluate property and protect yourself as a landlord. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 18. $15. Minneapolis Community Education, Anwatin Middle School, 256 Upton Av. S. 612-668-2470.

BUYING A HOME: SPECIAL PROGRAMS. Overview of home-buyer programs that include down-payment and closing-cost assistance. 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 18. $15. Minneapolis Community Education, Roosevelt High School, 4029 28th Av. S. 612-668-4828.

BUYING DISTRESSED PROPERTIES. Learn the facts about buying homes that are vacant, boarded or condemned from PRG, a Minneapolis nonprofit organization. The class is for owner-occupied homes, not investors. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 23. Free. Minneapolis Community Education, Henry High School, 4320 Newton Av. N. 612-668-1922.

HOW TO SELL A HOME FOR MORE MONEY. Learn about staging, home improvements and other ways to make buyers want your home. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 23. $15. Minneapolis Community Education, Lake Harriet Upper Elementary School, 4912 Vincent Av. S. 612-668-3330.

BUYING A HOME IN TODAY'S MARKET. Topics include financing, purchase agreements, price range, tax advantages and when to buy. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 25. $15. Minneapolis Community Education, Lake Harriet Upper Elementary School, 4912 Vincent Av. S. 612-668-3330.