Keller Williams Coastal Valley is opening a new real-estate licensing school at its Santa Maria office. Attendees will be taught in a classroom setting by an experienced, veteran trainer starting Feb. 25. Many real-estate licensing classes these days are taught online, but the owners of Keller Williams believe there’s a better way to learn the business.
“There is a real need in this area for a licensing school with live instruction. Students do much better in a classroom setting where they can ask questions, problem -solve with their peers, and participate in discussions,” explained Lawnae Hunter, co-owner of the Keller Williams office. “They learn faster and are better prepared for the real-estate license exam. We supplement the instruction with practice quizzes, online resources, presentations by real-estate professionals, and also by rookies who have less than a year in the field.”
The classes, which will be offered twice a year, will be held on five Saturdays over a seven-week period to accommodate people who may be employed during the week or have family obligations. The classes include real estate principles, real estate law, and real estate practice. According to California law, students must pass three real-estate classes—three credits’ worth—prior to taking the Real Estate Salesperson Exam. These classes can be taken at a community college or at a real-estate licensing school such as Keller Williams Coastal Valley.
The classes will be taught by Don Kalal, a veteran real estate trainer with the California Brokers Institute. He’s helped thousands of students pass the exam over his 25 years in the business.
“Preparing for the real-estate exam is much like learning a foreign language, and sharing the experience with other classmates helps imprint the material in your brain,” Kalal said in a recent press release.
The Keller Williams firm is so confident in Kalal’s approach to teaching the class, if any students fail to pass the exam, they can take the classes again at no charge.
Before enrolling in the class, prospective enrollees also have the opportunity to meet with Keller Williams Coastal Valley team leader Pat O’Brien to determine if a real-estate career is right for them.
“Real estate can be a very financially rewarding career, but it is important that people understand the business model and make a commitment to a career change,” O’Brien said in a recent press release.
Personality tests are also available to determine if the career is a good fit.
Given the current state of the real-estate market, this might seem like an unusual time to be offering classes to license new Realtors.
“The economy is recovering a little bit,” Hunter explained. “People might be starting to think about a career change. We work with many people who are transitioning from other careers to real estate. Also, it has been a transitional time for Realtors, with some having gone on to other fields. Overall, real-estate careers are still a great path for many people.”
The fee to enroll in the real estate licensing school is $457, which covers all five weeks of classes, materials, books, and sample tests. To enroll or to get more information, contact O’Brien at Keller Williams Coastal Valley at 310-5800. The offices are located at 204 E. Enos Dr., Santa Maria.
Highlights
• The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County recently announced the latest local businesses to achieve its Green Business certification.
The two North County companies recognized were the Chumash Casino Resort & Hotel in Santa Ynez and the Z Folio Gallery in Solvang.
The businesses were awarded the certifications along with seven others at a luncheon at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott on Feb. 15. The Southern California Gas Company presented its Energy Smart Award to Greg Lowe and Mark Funkhouser of the Chumash Casino Resort & Hotel.
The Green Business Program recognizes businesses going beyond required measures in addressing waste reduction and recycling, energy efficiency and conservation, air pollution prevention, and alternative transportation. The program is free and currently offers certification for the office and retail sector, restaurants, automotive shops, and lodging establishments.
For more information, including a complete listing of all local Green Businesses, go to greenbizsbc.org.
Biz Spotlight is compiled by intern Pamella Wood. Highlights are written and compiled by Staff Writer Jeremy Thomas. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Feb 23 – Mar 1, 2012.