Gold Coast - Gold Coast Schools Florida's Leader in Professional Education Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:03:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Starting as an Agent in the Tampa Area https://goldcoastschools.com/news/starting-as-real-estate-agent-tampa-real-estate-market/ Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:59:58 +0000 https://goldcoastschools.com/?p=44533 Are you thinking about starting a real estate career? You’re not alone. Real estate attracts many entrepreneurial-minded professionals due to its low barrier to entry and unlimited earning potential. But […]

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Are you thinking about starting a real estate career? You’re not alone. Real estate attracts many entrepreneurial-minded professionals due to its low barrier to entry and unlimited earning potential. But how do you know where to start? This article will help you understand what you need to know about starting as a real estate agent in Tampa.

Understanding the Tampa Real Estate Market

The first step to getting started as a real estate agent is understanding your local market, in this case, the Tampa area. Tampa’s housing market is holding steady in 2026, with home sales up 5.5% year over year. Tampa ranks in the top 15 cities for new-home construction, indicating more homes could come on the market in the coming months.

Key Takeaways

  • Healthy Market: Tampa’s real estate market is growing, with a 5.5% increase in sales in January 2026 (YoY). The city ranks in the top 15 for new home construction, indicating potential opportunities for real estate agents.
  • Competitive Income: Real estate agents in Florida can expect competitive earnings, averaging $181,000.
  • Low Barrier to Entry: Obtaining a Florida real estate license is straightforward. You must meet basic qualifications, complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course, pass a background check, submit an application, and pass the Florida real estate exam.
  • Keys to Success: The first year as a real estate agent is often the most challenging. Success involves choosing the right brokerage, building a strong knowledge base, setting realistic expectations, overcoming challenges like lead generation, and celebrating small milestones to stay motivated.

How much could you expect to make in Tampa real estate?

While the Tampa real estate market looks promising, you may wonder how much you could expect to earn as a real estate agent. Full-time real estate agents in Florida can earn an average of $181,000, according to Glassdoor data from January 2026.

As with most careers, the more experience you have as a real estate agent, the greater your income potential. According to a survey of Gold Coast Schools alumni, one-third of those with four to ten years of experience earned between $50,000 and $149,999, and nearly 1 in 10 reached $150,000–$199,999 during this stage

Is getting your Florida real estate license worth it?

Anyone can become a real estate agent, but you must obtain a license, which takes time and money. However, considering the cost of getting your Florida real estate license is typically under $1,000, and you can get your license in as little as one month, getting licensed is a walk in the park, especially compared to getting a four-year degree.

Getting Licensed

You need to obtain your license before launching your real estate career. Luckily, the process is very straightforward. Just follow these simple steps.

Step 0: Meet the requirements

In order to get your Florida real estate license, you must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have a social security number
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent education (such as a GED)

If you already meet these requirements, congrats! You can start the process of getting your license.

Step 1: Complete the required pre-licensing education

After satisfying all the requirements for getting your real estate license, you must complete the 63-hour Florida real estate sales associate course. This course will cover the ins and outs of practicing real estate in Florida and help you prepare for the exam. Gold Coast Schools offers a wide range of courses to suit your language and learning preferences, including in-person, livestream, and at-your-own-pace online courses in English and Spanish.

Step 2: Pass a background check

Next, you must submit your fingerprints for a background check. You can even submit your fingerprints at one of Gold Coast Schools’ locations! Please note that an appointment is required.

Step 3: Submit your application

Thirdly, you must submit your real estate license application and any mandatory fees to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Step 4. Pass the Florida real estate exam

Finally, you must pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam. If you want extra help to boost your confidence on test day, Gold Coast Schools’ instructor-led Exam Cram course is an excellent test prep program. Plus, it’s included in most of the Gold Coast Schools’ pre-licensing packages!

Once you’ve completed these four steps, you’ll be on your way to launching a successful new career in Tampa real estate.

Navigating the First Year

Your first year as a licensed real estate agent is often considered the most challenging. But with hard work and proper training, you can get through it with flying colors. Just follow these tips.

Choosing the right Tampa brokerage

Choosing the right brokerage is critical to your success as a newly licensed real estate agent. When selecting a brokerage, you need to consider factors such as the level of training provided to new agents, company culture, and commission split, to name a few. Fortunately, Gold Coast Schools hosts monthly career fairs so students can meet with local brokerages to determine which brokerage best fits their professional goals.

Building a strong knowledge base

One of the more challenging aspects of starting a new career is that you don’t know what you don’t know, so building a solid knowledge base is essential. In fact, you should view your professional development as part of your job and block time on your calendar for it. An excellent place to start is to subscribe to industry publications and newsletters, attend webinars and networking events, and partner with a mentor, such as your real estate broker.

You can also take advantage of advanced training opportunities that will help you specialize in a particular area of real estate, such as luxury homes. Additionally, you will need to keep your license active by completing post-licensing courses within the first year and by meeting continuing education requirements every two years. These courses are great for expanding your knowledge base and staying up to date on new laws and regulations.

Setting realistic expectations

Setting realistic expectations for your first year as a real estate agent is essential. Success won’t happen overnight. The key is not to get discouraged if you have a slower start than you envisioned. Those who are persistent and don’t give up when times are tough are the ones who go far in real estate.

Overcoming common challenges

One of the biggest challenges you will face as a newly licensed agent is understanding the ins and outs of real estate. While your pre-licensing education will lay the groundwork for working in real estate, the more detailed aspects of real estate are best learned on the job. Fortunately, you will have a broker available to answer any questions or address any issues that may arise.

Another challenge new agents face is the need for an extensive network to generate leads. While your friends and family would probably love to be your first clients, they may not be in the market for a new home at the time you receive your license. You will need to implement strategies to generate leads. To begin with, having a professional social media presence and website are two effective (and inexpensive) ways for prospects to discover and learn more about you. Additionally, your brokerage may have other tips and tools to help you find leads and build your brand.

Celebrating milestones and small wins

As stated earlier, your first year as a real estate agent is often the hardest, making it even more vital to celebrate small wins and milestones. Celebrate reaching 100 people in your network and securing your first client. Celebrating these “small” wins will help motivate you to continue forward to the next milestone.

Learn More About Tampa Real Estate

Want to learn more about kick-starting your career in Tampa real estate? Gold Coast School’s Tampa real estate course outlines the ins and outs of Tampa’s real estate market and the steps you need to take to become a top Tampa real estate agent. Get started today!

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on a September 2025 survey of Gold Coast Schools alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Gold Coast Schools strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance. 

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12 Essential Tips You Need to Be a Successful Real Estate Agent in 2025 https://goldcoastschools.com/news/12-tips-to-be-a-successful-real-estate-agent-in-2025/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 17:20:29 +0000 https://goldcoastschools.com/?p=42360 Are you ready to elevate your real estate career in Florida? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reach the next milestone in your professional growth, here are tips […]

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Are you ready to elevate your real estate career in Florida? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reach the next milestone in your professional growth, here are tips you need to be a successful real estate agent in the Sunshine State. With increasing market competition, understanding how to differentiate yourself and establish lasting client relationships can make all the difference to your success.

This blog dives into 12 actionable tips for becoming a successful real estate agent in Florida. Let’s get started! .

Key Takeaways:

  • Find a Mentor: Learn tips of successful real estate agents who can guide you through challenges, share proven strategies, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
  • Stay Informed with Market Knowledge: Regularly update yourself on local and national trends to position yourself as a trusted expert in the Florida real estate market.
  • Build a Strong Network: Expanding and nurturing your professional and community connections is key to generating referrals and long-term business growth.
  • Master Your Communication Skills: Clear, professional communication—and attentive listening—helps you better serve clients and build lasting relationships.
  • Establish Trust with Clients: Prioritize transparency and reliability to earn your clients’ confidence and turn satisfied customers into repeat business.
  • Use Smart Marketing Strategies: A solid marketing plan—including digital ads, content, and social media—boosts your visibility and attracts new leads.
  • Build Your Personal Brand: Define what makes you unique and align all your marketing and messaging to reflect that consistent, memorable identity.
  • Sharpen Your Negotiation Skills: Effective negotiation helps you close deals smoothly while protecting your client’s interests and strengthening your reputation.
  • Host Standout Open Houses: Create engaging, welcoming open houses that showcase properties while also serving as networking and lead-generation opportunities.
  • Manage Your Time Effectively: Use tools and systems to structure your day, prioritize tasks, and maintain a healthy balance between work and life.
  • Stay Flexible and Adaptable: Embrace change by staying open to new technologies, client needs, and evolving market conditions.
  • Commit to Ongoing Education: Continuous learning through courses, certifications, and industry resources keeps you competitive and sharp in a dynamic industry.

Tip 1: Find the Right Mentor

The Florida real estate market is dynamic and constantly shifting. Finding an experienced mentor who can provide invaluable guidance can accelerate your learning curve. Many brokerages in Florida offer mentoring programs; however, you can also network at industry events or within your community to connect with established agents.

Don’t just learn from what your mentor says—observe their practices closely. How do they close deals, handle objections, or manage their time? A strong mentor can set you up for success by teaching you professional skills, proven strategies, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Tip 2: Stay Ahead with Market Knowledge

Real estate success relies heavily on understanding the market inside and out. Stay informed about national trends, Florida-specific changes, and hyper-local updates in your area. Subscribe to reputable blogs, attend industry events, and leverage professional tools that provide insights on pricing, inventory, and buyer behaviors. Being seen as a knowledgeable expert instills confidence in your clients and sets you apart from the competition.

Tip 3: Build and Strengthen Your Network

The saying “Your network is your net worth” rings especially true in real estate. A strong network of clients, industry professionals, and community members can fuel your business growth.

Attend community events, join professional associations, and actively engage with local organizations. Don’t forget about online networking either—platforms like LinkedIn or local Facebook groups can connect you with potential clients and collaborators. Nurture these relationships consistently, as they often lead to referrals and repeat business.

Let’s get real. You won’t last long in this business without getting leads. Learn how to do this by listening to Zero to Pipeline: Build a Lead Strategy that Works Year Round. 

Tip 4: Master Communication

Great communicators are often great real estate agents. Whether you’re negotiating a deal, explaining a complex process, or keeping clients updated, delivering information clearly and professionally is vital.

But communication isn’t just about talking—it’s also about listening. Understanding your clients’ needs, concerns, and goals will help you build relationships and tailor your services to meet their unique expectations.

Tip 5: Establish Trust with Your Clients

Trust is the foundation of real estate. To build it, focus on transparency and authenticity. Keep your promises, be upfront about challenges, and always prioritize your client’s interests.

Little things, such as responding promptly to inquiries or recalling personal details from conversations, demonstrate your dedication and professionalism. Happy clients will not only leave positive reviews but will also recommend you to family and friends.

Tip 6: Develop Savvy Marketing Strategies

Marketing is the engine behind any successful real estate career. Focus on building a strong online presence, including a professional website and active social media profiles. Post engaging content about your listings, market insights, and local events—anything that demonstrates your expertise and enhances your visibility.

Additionally, consider investing in paid advertising, such as Google Ads or promoted posts on Instagram, to reach a wider audience. To save time, consider leveraging email marketing tools or hiring freelancers to help with content creation.

Ensure that you include marketing-related topics in your list of questions to ask a potential brokerage. Some brokerages assist agents with website design and upkeep.

Tip 7: Build a Standout Personal Brand

Your personal brand is what sets you apart from other agents. It should reflect your personality, values, and expertise.

Start by identifying your target audience and what makes you unique. Are you the go-to agent for luxury homes in Naples, or are you known for helping first-time homebuyers in Tampa? Align your branding—everything from your social media style to your business cards—to this unique identity to make a lasting impression.

Tip 8: Hone Your Negotiation Skills

Negotiation is at the heart of real estate transactions. To succeed, you need to strike the right balance between advocacy and compromise.

Prepare for negotiations by understanding your client’s priorities and researching the other party’s position. Focus on creating win-win situations that leave both buyers and sellers satisfied. A successful negotiation doesn’t just close the deal—it builds your reputation as a skilled and trustworthy agent.

Tip 9: Host Memorable Open Houses

Open houses aren’t just about showcasing a property; they’re an opportunity to connect with potential clients and expand your network.

Make your open houses stand out by creating a welcoming atmosphere. Offer refreshments, provide a takeaway packet with property details, and have answers ready for common questions. Follow up with attendees after the event to reinforce your relationship.

Learn how Florida agent Sasha Valdes leveraged open houses to create a $30M+ business in just a few years. Download our webinar: The Open House Playbook for Building a Six-Figure Business.

Tip 10: Prioritize Time Management

Real estate is a profession that can easily consume every waking moment. To avoid burnout and achieve balance, focus on effective time management strategies.

Utilize digital tools such as Google Calendar, CRM software, or task management apps to effectively organize your schedule. Block out time for essential activities, such as lead generation, follow-ups, and marketing, and reserve time for personal rest and growth.

Tip 11: Stay Adaptable

The real estate market is always evolving, and successful agents evolve with it. Whether it’s adopting new technology, adapting to a challenging market, or to client preferences, staying flexible is essential.

Keep an open mind to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Growth often comes from facing challenges head-on.

Tip 12: Commit to Lifelong Learning

The most successful agents never stop learning. Stay ahead by exploring books, blogs, and podcasts from industry-leading experts. Additionally, stay ahead by pursuing continuing education, certifications, and training programs. Gold Coast Schools offers real estate license courses that combine practical skills with local expertise, making it easier to renew your license while staying sharp in Florida’s competitive market.

Florida’s real estate market is filled with opportunities, but it also comes with challenges that test your skills and determination. By implementing these 12 tips, you’ll be equipped to stand out, drive results, and build a fulfilling, long-lasting career.

And remember, growth takes time. Stay committed, track your progress, and celebrate milestones along the way. With the right mindset and a willingness to adapt, your success as a real estate agent in Florida is within reach.


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Gold Coast Schools Named as Top Workplace in 2024 https://goldcoastschools.com/news/gold-coast-schools-named-top-workplace/ Sun, 29 Sep 2024 11:00:03 +0000 https://goldcoastschools.com/?p=45137 We are excited to announce that Gold Coast Schools was recently named one of Orlando’s Top Workplaces for 2024.  The Orlando Sentinel Media Group curated the list of top workplaces […]

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We are excited to announce that Gold Coast Schools was recently named one of Orlando’s Top Workplaces for 2024.  The Orlando Sentinel Media Group curated the list of top workplaces based on employee surveys conducted in 2023.

The confidential survey (conducted by research partner Energage) asked current employees to measure their employer on 24 factors, including the following:

  • Company leadership
  • Meaningfulness and appreciation
  • Career opportunities
  • Working environment
  • Managerial skills
  • Pay and benefits

Survey results were only valid if at least 35 percent of employees in a given company responded.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Gold Coast began operations in 1970 as a real estate school with a single location and has since grown into one of the country’s largest providers of education in the fields of real estate, appraisal, mortgage, insurance, CAM, and construction education. Gold Coast Schools has campuses across Florida and serves distance learners through online and livestream formats. Gold Coast joined the Colibri Group, a network of brands offering career education in multiple industries, in 2020.

“We are thrilled to be named a Top Workplace by The Orlando Sentinel Media Group,” said Michael Hackett, Director of Strategy and Operations at Gold Coast Schools. “This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our employees, who are the cornerstone of our success. We are immensely proud of our team and their dedication to excellence.”

 

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How to Thrive as a Real Estate Agent Post-Settlement: Promote Your Expertise https://goldcoastschools.com/news/promote-your-expertise/ Fri, 16 Aug 2024 12:49:07 +0000 https://goldcoastschools.com/?p=44316 Since the NAR lawsuit and settlement, the media has focused more on the real estate industry. Unfortunately, the additional press has muddied the waters, and people are more confused than […]

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Since the NAR lawsuit and settlement, the media has focused more on the real estate industry. Unfortunately, the additional press has muddied the waters, and people are more confused than ever about real estate agent compensation, buyer’s agreements, and the need for professional representation. This is a critical time in our profession. You must prove your worth by promoting your expertise.

Here are some ways to promote the profession – and your brand.

Key Takeaways

  • Real estate agents should demonstrate their expertise by creating valuable content like blogs and videos, focusing on current industry topics, such as the NAR lawsuit, and local real estate trends.
  • Hosting local events, partnering with businesses, and engaging in online communities can help agents build their brand, establish credibility, and foster referrals.
  • Asking for referrals and encouraging satisfied clients to leave positive reviews are essential strategies for building trust and attracting new clients.
  • Using a combination of traditional marketing methods (like print ads and billboards) and digital strategies ensures broader reach and brand visibility in targeted areas.

8 Ways to Promote Your Expertise as a Real Estate Agent

You know the value you offer to both your buyer and seller clients. Here are some ideas on how to demonstrate your worth as an agent.

1. Show your expertise with an effective blog campaign.

Create valuable content optimized for SEO that covers topics that are top-of-mind to buyers and sellers in your area.

Address the elephant in the room—the recent NAR lawsuit—and give a succinct, unbiased account of its background and the settlement’s results. Educate your clients on how compensation works.

Learn how to discuss the recent NAR lawsuit with your clients by downloading this discussion between industry experts.

Cover other interesting topics in your blog – especially those unique to your local community. Don’t forget to pair your blogs with marketing visuals that boost your reputation while showcasing your expertise.

A blog allows you to demonstrate industry expertise, establish credibility with local clients, and help you stay top of mind (and top of a Google search) for clients getting ready to buy or sell.

2. Showcase your personality and expertise with quality videos.

It‘s no secret that video can be a powerful tool for real estate agents. Videos with targeted hashtags humanize your business and help you connect emotionally with potential clients. Videos are also a great way to show off your personality, but make sure they also showcase your expertise and competence.

In addition to sharing videos on your social media accounts, you can purchase ads on Instagram or TikTok to precisely target your ideal audience.

3. Host local events to showcase your expertise.

Use your connections and partner with local businesses to host an event in your targeted neighborhood. Building your brand with event attendees and local business owners can help drive more referrals. Give out high-quality swag that doesn’t get thrown away immediately.

4. Ask for referrals.

It’s so simple, but one sure-fire way to prove your expertise is to ask your previous clients to recommend your services to their friends and family. After all, 41% of sellers choose their real estate agent through a referral. If you’re not asking for referrals, you should be.

Consider giving a thank-you gift for any referrals you receive.

5. Ask for reviews and testimonials.

Positive online reviews are gold for real estate agents. Reviews from satisfied clients are excellent for bolstering your credibility and building trust. If a sale goes well, send an email or text with a link to your Google My Business account or another review website. Utilize those testimonials on your website and social media account.

6. Use old-school marketing tactics.

Traditional media, like print ads and billboards, are very effective when targeting specific geographic locations. Even effective use of snail mail can enable you to showcase your expertise in the local market. Use this strategy in conjunction with digital marketing to increase brand awareness.

7. Engage online.

Maintaining an active, engaging presence online is another way to establish yourself as a trusted advisor and local expert. Participate in local online groups by answering relevant questions related to your expertise. Take care in maintaining a professional presence – don’t argue online!

8. Offer your expertise to other content creators.

Offer to write a guest blog, be interviewed on a local podcast, or comment on someone’s article to reach a wider audience and establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry. Reach out to local radio or TV stations and consider using Connectively to grow your brand.

Of course, the best way to present yourself as a real estate expert is to have a deep understanding of state-specific real estate laws and regulations and your local real estate market. Turn to Gold Coast Schools for real estate continuing education courses in Florida to help your professional development. Our courses address current topics so our students can feel confident in their knowledge and understanding of the real estate industry.

Watch our video, “Do you have what it takes to grow in today’s market?” to learn how to navigate the changes resulting from the NAR settlement.

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How to Thrive as a Real Estate Agent Post-Settlement: Be a Confident Representative for Your Clients https://goldcoastschools.com/news/be-a-confident-representative/ Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:16:05 +0000 https://goldcoastschools.com/?p=44261 Amidst the recent buzz surrounding the real estate industry, it’s easy to get distracted from your career goals. Headlines about lawsuits, settlements, and policy changes might have caught your attention. […]

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Amidst the recent buzz surrounding the real estate industry, it’s easy to get distracted from your career goals. Headlines about lawsuits, settlements, and policy changes might have caught your attention. But if you’re serious about a career in real estate, it’s important to tune out the noise and concentrate on becoming licensed and being a confident representative for your clients.

The reality is that buyers and sellers need knowledgeable agents to protect their best interests. They need someone like you to guide them through one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives. Here are some ways that real estate agents and REALTORS® effectively represent their clients.

How to Represent Your Clients with Confidence

Start by familiarizing yourself with the facts regarding the NAR lawsuit and the resulting settlement. We’ve provided a selection of concise articles on the topic, which you can find on Gold Coast School’s NAR Settlement Resource page. The settlement led to a few policy changes, but those changes don’t impede an agent’s ability to succeed.

Once you grasp these changes, shift your focus to obtaining your license and mastering the skills needed to serve your future clients. Here’s why your role is crucial in the industry.

Learn how to discuss the recent NAR lawsuit with your clients by downloading this discussion between industry experts.

Real estate agents guide clients through a complex buying or selling process.

As a licensed real estate agent, you’ll have a deep understanding of the contracts, forms, and financial documents involved in each transaction and will be able to explain them clearly to your clients. Since most people only buy or sell a home a few times in their lives, and often with many years between transactions, your expertise will help ensure they navigate current laws and regulations smoothly, avoiding costly mistakes and delays.

Demonstrate your value by educating your clients on every critical step of the transaction.

Real estate agents provide objective advice and information to their clients.

Buying or selling a home can be an emotionally charged experience. Exceptional real estate agents understand their clients’ goals and guide them with a steady, impartial hand.

Your role is to be a concerned yet unbiased third party who helps your clients focus on the key issues, even when emotions run high.

Real estate agents confidently represent their clients during negotiations.

Mastering negotiation is an essential skill for real estate agents. As a professional, you will view the transaction from your client’s perspective and help them negotiate a contract that meets their needs while safeguarding their interests. Every transaction involves multiple negotiable factors, from the sale price to closing costs and possession dates.

Pursuing additional training in negotiation will further enhance your ability to serve your clients effectively.

As a real estate agent, it’s your responsibility to ensure the transaction is fair and ethical.

While your primary duty is to your clients, you also have a responsibility to protect your community by “protecting the individual right of real estate ownership and widening the opportunity to enjoy it,” as stated in the National Association of REALTORS® pledge.

Worried about the recent policy changes in the real estate industry? Don’t be. Instead, focus on becoming a knowledgeable, skilled, and confident advocate for your clients.

Ongoing training and education are crucial to representing your clients’ best interests. Gold Coast Schools has decades of experience in offering pre-licensing courses, continuing education, and top-tier training for real estate agents in Florida. We are committed to providing valuable content for those seeking industry guidance. Visit our NAR Settlement Resource page for insights from experienced agents on how to succeed post-settlement.

Watch our video, “Do you have what it takes to grow in today’s market?” to learn how to navigate the changes resulting from the NAR settlement.

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Gold Coast Schools Acquires IFREC Schools of Real Estate https://goldcoastschools.com/news/gold-coast-schools-acquires-ifrec-schools-of-real-estate/ Wed, 03 Jun 2020 18:12:43 +0000 https://goldcoastschools.com/?p=24823 Merger joins two of Florida’s leading family-owned educational providers Gold Coast Schools, which has multiple Florida campuses and distance learning programs serving students throughout the state, acquires the IFREC Schools […]

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Merger joins two of Florida’s leading family-owned educational providers

Gold Coast Schools, which has multiple Florida campuses and distance learning programs serving students throughout the state, acquires the IFREC Schools brand and all operations of the school.

“The acquisition of IFREC gives Gold Coast the opportunity to expand our central Florida presence with operations in Orlando, Kissimmee and Stuart,” said John Greer, Ed.D., Director of Gold Coast Schools. “This is a great opportunity for the IFREC team to join a larger organization. Combining with IFREC Schools allows us to pool resources and provide the best educational offerings in Florida to an expanded audience.”

The merger allows Gold Coast to increase its online and continuing education components while students of IFREC will have access to a broader range of courses at Gold Coast Schools including Spanish real estate courses, insurance, contractors, mortgage and appraisal.

The Institute of Florida Careers (IFREC), founded in 1983 by Dick and Judy Fryer, has become the Central Florida leader in real estate and mortgage education.

“After 37 years of owning and operating this business, we realized we have some other dreams,” said Dick Fryer, who will remain on as a consultant and who currently serves as a Governor-appointee on the Florida Real Estate Commission, where he also is a past chair. “John and Jim Greer have a bold, powerful vision for growth. I couldn’t imagine better owners to take care of the brand that my wife and I spent more than 37 years building.”

The Greer and Fryer families have known each other for 30 years and share a mutual respect for each other and a passion for excellence and customer service. Both businesses have focused on providing a superior student experience and are dedicated to helping people start new careers, providing the continuing education needed to maintain their licenses, and the professional training to help them succeed in their careers.

“As we expand our offerings into different geographic areas and new lines of business, this acquisition allows us to continue to work together and pool our resources to provide high quality courses and a superior student experience,” Greer adds. “This merger is another step in a continual plan for expansion by Gold Coast Schools. We continue to grow and expand to serve students throughout Florida and beyond.”

Together the schools will serve nearly 100,000 students annually and have combined to serve more than two million students.

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FEMA Publishes Guidance for Handling Flood Losses https://goldcoastschools.com/news/fema-publishes-guidance-handling-flood-losses/ Mon, 18 Sep 2017 12:37:35 +0000 https://goldcoastschools.com/?p=12083 On Tuesday, September 12, 2017, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Hurricane Harvey and Irma claim handing process for buildings insured under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP), specifically […]

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On Tuesday, September 12, 2017, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Hurricane Harvey and Irma claim handing process for buildings insured under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP), specifically recognizing that catastrophic flooding from those storms demands “fast and accurate payments to all National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders. The published guidance is an effort to facilitate prompt post-inspection advance payments to policyholders. The Fact Sheet attached outlines the steps associated with the claims process.  (Flood Fact Sheet)

FEMA may authorize advance payments to policyholders before inspection by an adjuster in certain circumstances, emphasizing that advance payments are not available for additional living expenses such as temporary housing after the storm.

Policyholders have an obligation to minimize mold damages as much as possible, however coverage needs to be verified before engaging a mitigation contractor to perform water extraction. Kaye, Bender, Rembaum strongly advises against signing any open-ended or undefined contracts and all contracts should be reviewed by Association counsel before the Board signs off. For water extraction or emergency services in units, associations should ensure there are separate contracts for each unit with a clearly defined scope of work along with associated costs to submit to the owner’s carrier. Community association managers (CAMs) and/or board members must make an effort to contact owners before arranging to perform water extraction or removal of contents.

If possible require the owner to separately contract for these services. If that is not possible, make sure your contract contains limiting language indicating that the association is only signing as an agent for the owner under its emergency powers (§718.1265 and §720.316, Florida Statutes). Please note, however, emergency powers set forth in Florida Statutes are only available for the limited period of time reasonably necessary to protects the health, safety and welfare of those affected and to mitigate further damages or effectuate emergency repairs.

By now you should have already reported the claim if you have suffered a flood loss – it is important to file the claim with the carrier, not simply the agent, although in many cases the agent may submit the notice of claim on your behalf. The NFIP policies generally require policyholders to mitigate (or reduce potential) damages by separating damaged from undamaged property and retaining compromised materials after removal from the home for adjuster inspection. Photographs and video records are extremely helpful in establishing the scope of loss.

Additionally, FEMA reminds those impacted that:

FEMA does not authorize individual contractors to solicit on its behalf. Beware of any individual contractors contacting you directly on behalf of FEMA to sign you up for debris removal or remediation services.

If you have any concerns about individuals representing themselves as FEMA or would like to report fraud, please contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov.

Federal and state workers never ask for, or accept money, and always carry identification badges

There is NO FEE required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the state.

This entry was posted in Legal Morsels on September 15, 2017 by kbrlegal.  Kaye Bender Rembaum

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Gold Coast Schools – SunSentinel Top Workplaces https://goldcoastschools.com/news/gold-coast-schools-sun-sentinel-top-workplaces/ Tue, 18 Apr 2017 13:09:55 +0000 https://goldcoastschools.com/?p=10506 Gold Coast Schools placed #1 in the SunSentinel’s Top Workplaces for 2018!  This is the 4th year in a row that Gold Coast has placed in the top 10 workplaces […]

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Gold Coast Schools placed #1 in the SunSentinel’s Top Workplaces for 2018!  This is the 4th year in a row that Gold Coast has placed in the top 10 workplaces for small business, and is something that our more than 124 employees are a proud to be a part of.

Since 1970, Gold Coast Schools has severed as Florida’s leading provider of online and classroom education for real estate, insurance, construction and several other professional licensing industries.  The success and continued growth of Gold Coast is largely attributed to the dedication of our staff.  Without their hard work both inside and outside of the classroom, Gold Coast would not be able to proudly serve more than a million students with the pre-license, continuing education, and industry training courses that they need.  “As a company, we are 100% people focused.  It great to see that our long history of serving satisfied students is paired with a staff full of people who enjoy working here each and every day.” John Greer, Owner.  Gold Coast looks forward to continued success into the future.

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Gold Coast Schools Real Estate Career Fairs https://goldcoastschools.com/news/gold-coast-schools-real-estate-career-fairs/ https://goldcoastschools.com/news/gold-coast-schools-real-estate-career-fairs/#respond Tue, 01 Nov 2016 08:44:54 +0000 https://goldcoastschools.com/?p=6774 Gold Coast Schools has served as Florida’s leading provider of classroom and online real estate education since 1970.  Most classes are offered in both English and Spanish, enabling students to […]

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Gold Coast Schools has served as Florida’s leading provider of classroom and online real estate education since 1970.  Most classes are offered in both English and Spanish, enabling students to choose the format that is most comfortable for them.  In 2014, Gold Coast started hosting career fairs to help students find real estate companies to work for upon obtaining their license, as well as to assist companies with finding new and talented agents.

Career fairs are free for both the students and the companies in attendance.  In fact, you don’t even have to be a Gold Coast student to participate.  If you are looking to meet with representatives from South Florida’s top real estate companies, make it a point to attend an upcoming event.  A complete schedule of upcoming career fairs can be found here: Career Fair Schedule.   

The format of the career fair is simple, which largely contributes to the success of these events.  The entire career fair is held in a friendly and casual environment with no pressure to commit to a company on site.  It is designed so that real estate licensees, and future licensees, can talk to and compare more than 25 companies all under one roof in order to get a better idea as to which company is best for them.  Gold Coast likes to tell students that they are free to ask any questions that they may have, but that if they are new and not sure what to ask, to simply let the companies know.  The companies are happy to explain the industry and help new agents get started.

To learn more about Gold Coast School’s career fairs, visit our Career Fair Page, or contact a helpful Career Counselors at 1-800-732-9140.  If you are a company looking to learn more about how to participate in an upcoming career fair, please email recruiting@goldcoastschools.com .

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