In late 2016, fueled by a passion for excellence and a desire to elevate the real estate profession, I embarked on a journey that would reshape not only my career but also the practices of numerous colleagues and practitioners. As a seasoned real estate broker with years of experience under my belt, I recognized the need to enhance the industry’s standards and empower agents with the knowledge and skills to better serve their clients.
It all began when I was approached by representatives from our state association, who recognized my dedication to the field and invited me to share my expertise through teaching. Their request was simple yet profound: to impart a better way of working with buyer and seller clients, to demystify the complexities of real estate contracts, and to refine the art of pricing properties accurately through comprehensive market analysis. Although it sounded appealing, teaching others was never something I ever saw myself doing.
Taking on the challenge with enthusiasm, I dove into the role of an instructor, eager to instill confidence and proficiency in my fellow agents. Drawing from my own experiences and continuous education, I crafted tailored courses that delved deep into the intricacies of real estate practice. From navigating legal nuances to mastering negotiation tactics, my aim was to equip agents with the tools necessary to excel in every facet of their profession.
The story of my journey to start teaching and the decisions to continue is one that is honestly fraught with possibility, excitement, a lot of drama and something that I would never choose to agree to go down this road. At the same time, I am not a quitter and who honeslt minds being personally and professionally attacked for the simple reason you agreed to teach; agreed hence being talked into it. But, I digress (thats a story for another day).
Beyond state-level engagements, I also ventured into teaching advanced coursework sanctioned by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). This expanded scope allowed me to reach agents not only in Texas but across the nation, amplifying the impact of my teachings and fostering a community of lifelong learners committed to excellence.
Those who have ever said ‘those that can’t teach’ know nothing about teaching. Teaching is one of the hardest yet most rewarding journeys I have ever gone down. In fact, any class that I have not originally written and taught required me to add so much of myself into the class, my own knowledge and experience, as well as my ability to bring the course material to life. NAR course content is a perfect example. I have been extremely blessed to have repeat students in my class when I have taught in Texas or nationally. I have had students who have taken every single class that I have ever offered and told me in class one day in front of everyone “this is the last class I can take of yours because I have taken them all… please write more”. Its rewarding, humbling, and extremely exhilarating all at the same time.
What sets my approach apart is not just theoretical knowledge but practical insights gained through active brokerage. As a practicing instructor, I bring real-world scenarios to the classroom, bridging the gap between theory and application. This unique perspective enables me to address challenges head-on, offering pragmatic solutions that resonate with the daily realities of real estate practitioners.
Through years of teaching, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative effect of education on agent performance. By empowering agents with comprehensive knowledge, we not only enhance the value they provide to clients but also mitigate liabilities for brokerages. In a profession where trust and competence are paramount, investing in education is not just beneficial but essential.
Moreover, my role as an instructor has deeply enriched my own practice as a real estate broker. Engaging with agents from diverse backgrounds and regions has broadened my understanding of the industry landscape, exposing me to new perspectives and strategies. This continual exchange of ideas has honed my skills and reinforced my commitment to delivering unparalleled service to my clients.
My journey from practitioner to practitioner and educator has been a fulfilling endeavor fueled by a passion for excellence and a dedication to advancing the real estate profession. As I continue to teach and learn as well as serve my own client base, my hope is to inspire a new generation of agents committed to raising the bar and redefining industry standards as well as continuing to work with my clients who find value in my services. Together, we can shape a future where expertise, integrity, and professionalism reign supreme, ensuring successful transactions and satisfied clients in every market we serve.
