Hingham Real Estate Veteran Says It’s An Ideal Time to Get Your License – and It’s Affordable, too!

If you have ever considered entering the world of real estate, now may be the right time to act.

According to Christine Stonis, owner of the Real Estate Learning Center in Hingham, Mass., (http://mass-real-estate-class.com) and a pioneer in the industry, this is an ideal time to earn that Real Estate License you’ve been thinking about. She says, “The economy shows signs of steady improvement, the housing market is hot, and our course, which takes just two weekends, is one of the least expensive in the state. We make it affordable to get your license.” This year, her Real Estate Learning Center is marking its three-year anniversary.

Stonis has solid credentials. She has been the owner-broker at Stone-River Realty for 13 years and an agent for 23. She started her career ‘flipping’ residential real estate, an area in which she still dabbles. A real estate instructor for 7 years, in addition to running her realty business and the state-approved school, she manages commercial property in Massachusetts and Connecticut for a large, well-known real estate firm.

The 40-hour licensing course is offered the first two weekends of every month (except if it falls on a holiday) from 8 am to 6 pm. The October course is slated for Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 7 – 8, and Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 14 - 15. Stonis says, “Upon completion of the classes, students receive the required certificate to take the exam with PSI., a major step toward becoming a sales agent. The full course plus textbook costs $139, less than half of what most others charge. We must be doing something right: Students come from Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Mass. Many students traveled 115 miles from Agawam for the two-day course. Some travel from Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Even counting the cost of one hotel night, it’s less than what others charge for the course alone.”

Students learn about legal issues, ethics, real estate finance, contracts, taxes, and insurance. Once they complete their training and become properly licensed, as sales agents they can go to work for a broker. Each two-day course also includes talks by guest speakers who bring a wealth of real estate real-world experience. Lectures are given by Cheryl Smith, Senior Mortgage Specialist at Fairway Mortgage; Nelson Depina, Leasing Manager at Jacob Realty; and Real Estate Attorney Tim Vanderveen of Marshfield.

Stonis notes many reasons why an increasing number of people are interested in obtaining their license including earning extra income, being your own boss, and the satisfaction of helping clients find the right home. Also, some experts predict that the next few years will see a boom as millennials buy homes to raise their families. In addition, flips and other investments are popular and lucrative, and real property is often less risky than other investments. And home prices are increasing, convincing renters to buy, and foreigners are eager to invest in U.S. real estate. Housing experts are predicting existing home sales of over 6 million units in 2017 and over 1.3 million new homes being built per month until 2024. It is predicted that existing-home purchases will rise 2.8% in 2018, to 5.8 million. “It’s all good for the well-trained, professional broker,” Stonis smiles.

The Real Estate Learning Center is offering the required 40-hour salesperson's real estate class for $139.00. The cost includes the book to help prepare to pass the exam. The next two-day classes run from 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 7 – 8, and Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 14 – 15. Stonis suggests reserving space soon as classes sell out in advance. Classes are held at 160 Old Derby St., Ste 101, Hingham, Mass. -- just off Route 3 (exit 15), across from the Derby Shoppes. For more info, email info@mass-real-estate-class.com or visit http://mass-real-estate-class....

By Stan Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com / 508-269-0570