Wetlands and Real Estate [2025]

Over the past several years the changes to wetlands law and regulation have had a significant impact to the real estate industry. You need to know about these changes.

In this class, we will be covering both the Federal wetlands rules as well as the North Carolina programs.

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GSA Open Market Item
Level I
On-Demand
Online

$159.00

Course Includes
4 CE Credit hours
Training Certificate
5 On-Demand Modules
Digital Training Badge

What You Will Learn

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Understand the criteria required to identify wetlands
  • Know key case law which affects wetland delineation
  • Pinpoint key agencies and their role in wetland determination
  • Understand the nature of the classification of Waters of the United States
  • Demonstrate knowledge of who can issue a Jurisdictional Determination and which agencies oversee the 404 program
  • Identify public and private wetland mitigation services

Product Description

On-line & On-demand

Unlock the complexities of wetlands within the North Carolina real estate landscape with our comprehensive 4-hour online masterclass, specifically tailored for real estate professionals. This course delves into the integral role that wetlands play in the ecological fabric of the region and the significant impact they have on property values, development potential, and regulatory compliance. Join us to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace by understanding the intricate balance between environmental stewardship and real estate development.

Key Features:

  • Expert-Led Sessions: Engage with leading environmental scientists and real estate experts specializing in North Carolina’s unique wetland ecosystems and property market dynamics.
  • Interactive Learning Platform: Experience a state-of-the-art online classroom environment that facilitates live interaction, Q&A sessions, and real-time case study analyses.
  • In-Depth Regulatory Guidance: Receive up-to-date information on state and federal wetland regulations, including the Clean Water Act and state-specific guidelines impacting land use and development in North Carolina.
  • Valuation Techniques: Learn how to assess and communicate the impact of wetland proximity and health on property valuation, using advanced appraisal methods and market analysis.
  • Risk Management Strategies: Understand the risks associated with wetland properties, from flooding to insurance implications, and how to navigate them effectively.
  • Sustainable Development Practices: Explore how to integrate sustainable development practices into projects that align with wetland conservation efforts, enhancing property value and environmental outcomes.
  • Comprehensive Resource Materials: Gain access to a wealth of resources, including regulatory documents, valuation tools, and ecological reports that can serve as a reference in your professional practice.

What You Will Learn:

  1. The Ecology of Wetlands: An overview of North Carolina’s wetland types, functions, and the ecological benefits they provide.
  2. Wetland Laws and Regulations: A detailed breakdown of the legal framework governing wetlands in North Carolina and how it affects real estate.
  3. Impacts on Property Values: Insights into how wetlands can both positively and negatively influence property values and marketability.
  4. Navigating Development Challenges: Strategies for successful development near wetlands that comply with environmental regulations while maximizing property potential.
  5. Case Studies: Real-world examples of North Carolina properties that illustrate the complexities and solutions associated with wetland-related real estate transactions.
  6. Future Trends: An analysis of emerging trends in wetland conservation and real estate, preparing you for future market shifts.

Who Should Enroll:

This course is ideal for real estate agents, brokers, appraisers, developers, and anyone involved in land acquisition, management, or development in North Carolina. Whether you are looking to refine your expertise for client advisory, stay ahead of regulatory changes, or optimize property investments, this masterclass equips you with essential knowledge and skills.

Certification: Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, demonstrating their enhanced understanding of North Carolina wetlands in the context of real estate.

Enroll now and bridge the gap between real estate prowess and environmental consciousness in one of the nation’s most diverse ecological landscapes.

The Swamp School is an established environmental compliance training school. We teach thousands of environmental professionals annually on various wetland related topics. We are pleased to also be a North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) Certified education provider (#1624).

The class is approved for 4 Continuing Education NCREC elective credits that can count towards your North Carolina Real Estate License renewal. The NCREC approved course number is: 4011.

NCREC Education Provider #:  1624
NCREC Approved Course #:  4011

Important:  NCREC requires that licensed Real Estate brokers review and confirm acceptance of  the Swamp School’s Policies and Procedures Disclosure (PPD) before they purchase this class.  A copy of the Swamp School’s NCREC approved PPD can be downloaded  HERE.  We will ask you to send a signed receipt of the PPD at the start of the class.  This will be done online. The PPD is also included in our school terms and conditions.

Time Limits

Students in an On-Demand Course (asynchronous distance learning) must complete all sections within 30 days of enrollment of the course or by June 10, 2024 whichever comes first.

Technical Support

If you need help with the class please start a chat or give us a call during normal business hours (M-F, 9-4 ET).  After hours support requests will be addressed the next business day.

Class Format

This class is offered online as a asynchronous distance learning program.  It incudes four (4) hours of subject presentations.  Viewing hours are tracked and it is required that 90% of the subject presentations be viewed in order to receive credit for the class.  In addition there are short quizzes at the end of each presentation.  These are meant to verify that the student did in fact watch the presentations.  Students are given multiple tries to pass the quizzes and they are able to re-watch the videos if needed.  However, continuing education credit is only counted for one full viewing of each presentation.  Multiple views do not add additional continuing education hours.  An overall course quiz grade of 70% is required to receive credit for the class.

Students will be required to have some basic computer and internet skills in order to access and complete this class.  Students will be asked to upload several documents for ID verification and the PPD receipt.  These documents can be scanned or photographed using a cell phone.  Students will need reliable internet access during the course.

The course also incudes a number of video help presentations that are optional and do not count towards continuing education hours.  These are provided as aids to the student to accommodate different levels of experience with online learning programs.  Additional time should be allowed for getting up to speed if the student is new to online learning.

Course Guide

Wetlands and real estate values have a complex relationship, and several factors need to be considered when assessing the impact of wetlands on property values. Here’s an overview of how wetlands can affect real estate:

Positive Impacts on Real Estate Values

  1. Aesthetic and Recreational Value: Properties adjacent to wetlands can have increased value due to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities they provide, such as bird watching, fishing, and hiking.
  2. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Wetlands contribute to biodiversity and provide valuable ecosystem services such as water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration, which can be a selling point for environmentally conscious buyers.
  3. Exclusivity and Privacy: Wetlands can offer natural buffers to development, providing a sense of privacy and exclusivity for nearby properties.
  4. Rarity and Conservation Status: Properties that include or abut protected wetlands might be more valuable due to their unique status and the limited availability of such features.

Negative Impacts on Real Estate Values

  1. Regulatory Restrictions: Wetlands are often protected by regulations that can restrict development and land use, potentially reducing property values due to the limitations placed on property owners.
  2. Risk of Flooding: Properties near wetlands may be at a higher risk of flooding, which can lead to increased insurance costs and a decrease in property value.
  3. Pest Issues: Wetlands can be a habitat for pests such as mosquitoes, which can be a deterrent for some buyers and negatively affect property values.
  4. Maintenance Costs: The presence of a wetland may increase the cost of land maintenance for property owners, due to the need for specialized landscaping or management of invasive species.

Market Perceptions and Trends

The influence of wetlands on real estate values can also depend on market perceptions and trends. In some markets, the presence of wetlands is highly valued and can significantly increase property values. In others, potential buyers may see them as a liability.

Regulatory and Legal Considerations

Real estate values can be significantly affected by the regulatory environment regarding wetlands. In many countries, there are strict regulations on the use and development of wetland areas. For example, in the United States, the Clean Water Act can impose restrictions on development near wetlands, impacting property values either through direct regulation or through the permitting process.

Economic Studies and Assessments

Numerous economic studies have sought to quantify the impact of wetlands on adjacent property values, with mixed results. Some have found that proximity to wetlands can either increase or decrease property values depending on the type of wetland and the socio-economic context of the area. The specific characteristics of the wetland (e.g., whether it’s a marsh, swamp, bog, or fen) and the quality of the wetland environment can also play a role.

Conservation and Development Balance

The balance between conservation and development is key in determining the impact of wetlands on real estate values. Sustainable development practices that protect wetlands while allowing for responsible use of nearby lands can lead to a positive relationship between wetland conservation and property values.

Final Considerations

  • Local Context: The impact of wetlands on property values can vary greatly depending on local environmental, economic, and regulatory contexts.
  • Future Changes: Climate change and evolving regulations may alter the relationship between wetlands and property values over time.
  • Long-Term Value: Some investors and homeowners place a long-term value on ecosystem sustainability and resilience, potentially outweighing short-term valuation concerns.

In summary, the relationship between wetlands and real estate values is multifaceted and can vary widely. Those considering the purchase or sale of properties near wetlands should consult with local experts, including real estate agents, ecologists, and land-use planners, to understand the specific impacts on property value in their area.

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