How Robbie English started teaching real estate classes is an interesting story.
In real estate and working with clients, mastery of the craft extends beyond mere transactions; it encompasses a profound comprehension of contracts, pricing strategies, and client dynamics. For me, this journey began as a practitioner navigating the intricate tapestry of the real estate landscape. However, it was the pursuit of deeper understanding and the passion for imparting knowledge that propelled me into the realm of teaching.
I was told that I understood the real estate contract on a deeper level than most. I could look at a contract and while simultaneously putting together an offer for my client, I could analyze how to best put a contract together while putting my client in the best overall negotiating position. In the real estate contract, there are outs and performance metrics for a buyer and for a seller. To the skillfully trained eye, these are all points that matter and can create a strong position for your client. Whether you are representing a buyer or representing a seller, knowing the performance variables an options afforded to your client is key to an overall when once the offer is penned. You see, so much happens after the acceptance of an offer that it is imperative that you know all of the outs for your client, for the other clients, what loopholes exist, and every nuance created from the transaction, often in real-time.
I was also told that my comparative market analysis (CMAs) were quite different than other real estate agents. You see I was not taught how to do CMAs by another real estate agent or broker, I was taught by appraisers. I was taught to look at the nuances and variables that were presented with each property and how to break down the subject property piece by piece and section by section whereby warrantying a stronger potential sale price for the property. Then with the National Association of REALTORS released in 2011 the REALTORS Property Resource, it was a natural fit for me to use their software and create an even stronger CMA more like an appraiser would by making the adjustments to price and improvements that I had learned all along. You see, when I was taught how to price a property, I was never taught the wrong way (that you just look at the price per square foot). Too many real estate agents today have be taught inaccurate and impractical ways to price properties which causes them many issues and often times those issues would have been nullified if they would have learned how to do CMAs correctly from the beginning.
Having been courted by various instructors, schools, and even esteemed entities like our Texas REALTOR association, the transition from practitioner to educator was not merely a career shift but a testament to my innate understanding of the nuances within the industry. What set me apart was not just my proficiency in executing real estate transactions, but a profound grasp on the underlying principles that govern them. Although I appreciated the accolades and recognition, I wasn’t quite ready to believe I would be the instructor that agents might want to listen to. But once I took the leap, I recognized that I did have something to share and a different way to do it as well.
At the core of my teaching ethos lies a commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice. It was my ability to unravel the complexities of the real estate contract that garnered attention from peers and institutions alike. Through years of hands-on experience, I honed not only my skills in executing transactions but also in deciphering the intricate language of contracts with a precision that transcended the ordinary.
One pivotal aspect that defined my journey was the adoption of a methodology akin to that of an appraiser when approaching comparative market analysis (CMA) and home pricing. Drawing from this approach, I delved deeper into the intricacies of market dynamics, understanding pricing mechanisms more akin to appraisers. This unique perspective not only enhanced the accuracy of my CMAs but also empowered me to teach my colleagues a methodology that aligned their pricing strategies with the rigorous standards of appraisers. However, what truly distinguished me as an educator was not just my expertise but my ability to articulate complex concepts in a manner that resonated with practitioners. I understood that clarity was paramount, and it was this clarity that enabled me to empower others to navigate the complexities of real estate with confidence.
Through my journey from practitioner to educator, I realized that what I possessed was not just knowledge, but a profound understanding of the practice of real estate and the ability to articulate it in a manner that empowered others. It was this understanding that enabled me to equip my colleagues with the tools they needed to not only serve their clients but to excel in an ever-evolving industry. As soon as I started teaching, I had to write content for my classes. I knew that the content for my classes had to be detailed and in-depth enough for the most senior and educated agent but also be able to appeal to a newer agent. I did not want to play games in class, treat my colleagues like fidgety kids, but rather deal with them in class as if we were in a corporate environment, teaching advanced principles to the most astute professionals. And, what happened was miraculous. I taught like I wanted to be taught to and people started coming to my classes, recommending me, and appreciating my style of having an open conversation with them, treating them like the high-level executives they were or could be.
I never wanted my classes to feel like continuing education jail — a place you had to be but did not want to be. I wanted a place where those who attended my classes would speak up and join into an advanced and passionate discussion about the intricacies of real estate. I have had the pleasure of instructing thousands upon thousands of my fellow colleagues in Texas and across the nation. I treat them with respect, they treat me with respect, they show up and they participate.
To date, I have written over 100 classes that i have taught in classrooms all across the nation, at REALTOR associations, in brokerages, at conventions, and I have always done the same thing, every single time. I have focused on respect, honoring the subject with the upmost care while uncovering what many have never been exposed to, and created a dialogue with many that almost feels like a one-on-one.
In essence, my journey into teaching was not merely a career choice but a calling fueled by a relentless passion for excellence and a commitment to fostering a generation of practitioners equipped with the knowledge and understanding to thrive in the world of real estate. As I continue to embark on this journey, I am reminded that true fulfillment lies not just in transactions but in the transformational impact of imparting knowledge and empowering others to realize their fullest potential in the realm of real estate.
