Today we’d like to introduce you to Aliyah Gary.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been in real estate for 15 years. I began my brokerage company, iCare Realty, during the market crash. I was heartbroken at how many people were losing their homes and decide to start a brokerage company donates 5% of our commission to a charity or family in need. As the vision and mission for iCare grew I decided to turn my training new agents joining the industry. I start by teaching the state required pre-licensing course to aspiring agents. I teach to the exam, so the information remains relevant to what is required to pass the exam. The modules are fun, and lively. I play games with the students, we sing songs and laugh…. a lot! It’s a great time. I then offer APEX training for the agents to teach them the business of real estate. From getting clients to closing deals.
Has it been a smooth road?
Being a woman, a woman of color, and entrepreneur looking to enter, in a strong way, what I like to call the boys network has not been easy. It took me over a year just to find a location. Brokers would give me the run around, bait and switch me with less attractive locations, overcharge me for rent or not considering me at all once they met me. One broker actually tried to extort me and take my business away from me in return for space.
Once I was up and running I would teach 16 hours a day, 6 days a week. I would forget to eat and completely lost my social life. I have certainly paid my dues.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Cambridge Real Estate Collaborative story. Tell us more about the business.
I instruct aspiring agents in the state required real estate exam. My school is a favorite on Yelp because I take a fun, interactive and specialized approach to an otherwise boring process. I have created a program that I am very proud of. Most schools simply lecture to the students for 40hours. My program is a combination of lecture, practice exams, and group discussion. This approach allows the students to not become overwhelmed by the material. They are relaxed and familiar with the exam when they go to sit for it. I proudly say that I have an 88% pass rate with students taking and passing the exam on the first try.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The process of lecture only teaching has been the standard in the industry. The industry is saturated with agents that, due to lack of preparation, make avoidable mistakes that cause a blemish on the profession. There isn’t much offered to the students to prepare them to be a successful agent. I am working to make the APEX training an industry leader in preparing the students to be prepared and ethical agents once they are licensed.
Pricing:
- In-classroom lectures – $329.00
- eClassroom – $399
- APEX Training – $329
Contact Info:
- Address: The Cambridge Real Estate Collaborative
- Website: www.thecrec.com
- Phone: (617) 444-9418
- Email: register@thecrec.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecambridgerealestatecollaborative/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cambridge-real-estate-collaborative-cambridge
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