Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Gordon.
Scott, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2007, our local real estate market was in a severe downward spiral. The real estate “bubble” not only busted at the seams, it blew out the backside of it’s over plus-size blue jeans! I could not have imagined the financial troubles our industry had on the horizon. The foreclosure rate rose quicker than Nana’s homemade bread. As home prices continued to deflate, many of the unseasoned agents jumped on an express flight out of the real estate business; back to the well-known destination of “a real job.” Having had the benefit of witnessing both Up & Down markets, I knew. There would be a fair amount of homeowners who would have to sell. On August 1, 2007, I opened Realty Edge, a boutique real estate office on the South Shore. For the next 10 years, we continued to ride out the waves and rolled with the punches. I’m happy to say, Realty Edge just celebrated its 10 year anniversary.
In 2013, I decided to take my passion for real estate to the next level. I always enjoyed training new agents and teaching them how to survive in a constantly changing market. A few months later, I became certified Real Estate Instructor through the State of Massachusetts. Shortly thereafter, I began teaching the state required pre-licensing real estate classes for a few different schools. As a person who is always looking to perfect their craft, I knew the best way to accomplish my vision was to opening my own school. In 2014, after a few friendly nudges, I opened the Real Estate Licensing Academy as a division of Realty Edge. By design, the academy remains neutral in the sense that it is not used as a recruiting tool. The school’s # 1 priority is provide the best education to its students without a hidden agenda. To stand out above our competition, we have industry experts lecture the students. Such as: a Mortgage Loan Officer, Real Estate Attorney, Home Inspector, etc.) In addition, we pride ourselves on offering job placement services to our students. On occasion we invite local real estate companies who are hiring to come in and give their pitch. No other school provides these service to my knowledge. We offer various classes, to suit the needs of most. Our most popular class is the: “Weekend Warriors” which runs two back to back weekends. We also offer a “Mothers Hours” class (for men & woman) which is held twice a week for 4 weeks. Evening classes are also offered periodically. All classes come with textbooks, practice exams, course PowerPoint and a copy of my book, “SALE PENDING, A Sixteen Step Guide to Buying Real Estate” which was published in 2013.
As a licensed real estate instructor, I travel all over the state & teach continuing education classes to current Salespersons & Brokers. They are required to obtain 12 CE credits every two years, in order to renew their license. As many know, the real estate business can be a very profitable one, however, what they don’t know is, it can also be very dangerous. Realtors meet perfect strangers at homes on a daily basis. Unfortunately, not all prospects have good intentions. There have been quite a few incidents over the years that have not turned out well for my fellow practitioners. Both woman & men have been victimized. The real life stories that agents share with me would make the hair on your arms raise. Fortunately for me, I studied the martial arts when I was a teenager as a means of defense from school bullies. At age 19, I achieved my 1st degree black belt, Today, I pass these skills on to my peers through my real estate teachings. I developed a Realtor Safety class which focuses on forming good safety habits as well as teaching the agents basic self defense techniques. At the end of this 2 hour class, agents leave feeling more confident in themselves & are better prepared for any unexpected challenges they may face in the field.
Has it been a smooth road?
The only thing smooth, was the tip on my ballpoint pen anytime I wrote out a check. It took a little some time to get the word out. Part of our marketing plan was directed towards real estate brokerages. Of course some of them were reluctant to send their new hires to our school in fear that I would try to recruit them for my own real estate company. I can’t say that I blame them for having those thoughts. The only way to overcome this obstacle was to prove to the brokerages that our school is neutral & not used as a recruitment tool. I began inviting various brokerages to classes so they could give their 15 minute pitch to our students. This showed the brokerage that we were indeed – neutral throughout. Proving to be a valuable exercise as it gives the students an opportunity to conduct an informal “interview” with various hiring companies.
Remaining competitively priced was also another hurdle. There are a wide variety of schools. I didn’t want to be the cheapest or most expense, rather somewhere in the middle of the road. I believe we’ve achieved a great balance both in pricing & service offerings.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a state approved real estate school located at 335 Washington Street, Norwell, MA – we specialize in teaching the 40 hour pre-licensing courses required by the State of Massachusetts before a person can sit for the Salesperson or Brokers License exam. In addition, we teach continuing education courses to current licensees as they are required to complete 12 hrs. of Continuing Education every two years before they can renew their license.
I’m most proud of the Realtor Safety class that I developed as it’s unique in design & its benefits are far greater than any test grade. We are the only school that offers this type of specialty class.
What sets us apart – a variety of things…
– Live instruction
– Small class sizes – to maximize the learning experience
– Utilize industry experts as guest speakers – who remain available after class is over for student consultation.
– Provide high quality textbooks & study guide materials
– Give students multiple practice exams & other helpful tools & resources
– PowerPoint slides of the entire course
– Break-out groups & review games
– Job Placement Services
– Personal Tutoring Service
– Ample parking
– Very very comfortable chairs
– Provide: coffee, water & snacks
– Our slogan : HAVE FUN WHILE LEARNING!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston is an incredible place. It allows for all types of opportunities. Born & raised south of Boston on the South Shore, I’m partial. I would highly recommend both the inner city limits as well as the outer limits. Boston area market for any type of business venture.
Pricing:
- “Weekend Warrior” Classes $196 (4 sessions)
- “Mothers Hours” Classes $250 (8 sessions)
- Private Tutoring $75/hour
- Broker Pre-Licensing Classes $295
- Purchase book: SALE PENDING, A Sixteen Step Guide to Buying Real Estate $14.95
Contact Info:
- Address: 335 Washington Street
Norwell, MA 02061 - Website: www.re-school.org
- Phone: 800-681-4840
- Email: realestatelicensingacademy@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realestatelicensingacademy/
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