When all of the economic indicators list North Carolina's unemployment at ten percent, it can be hard to feel encouraged about the current job market.  But sometimes the most encouraging changes come from what could be considered the most discouraging prospects.  Many people are finding a new, happier career path in self-employment.

Benjamin Passwaters is one such person.  He believes that a time such as this should be viewed as a golden opportunity to make changes. He recently decided to make a change and become a Realtor®.  A decision that he only wished he'd made sooner.

"Real estate was the perfect career choice for me," said Benjamin.  "It is a career that allows me to strengthen my business through an emphasis on personal relationships and customer service."

Since joining Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston as a newly licensed Realtor® in July of 2009, Benjamin has already closed 5 transactions.  He credits this immediate success to CBHPW's training program, which helped him reach his goals through a combination of skill development, skill practice, coaching, mentoring, and support.  He makes sure to take full advantage of the tools available and of every opportunity to learn and grow from his manager and from fellow associates.  His goal is to further become a real estate expert and a Trusted Advisor to the buyers and sellers he assists every day.  And he knows he couldn't have gotten into the business at a better time than now.

"I view the change of the housing market as an opportunity," Benjamin explains.  "I continuously remind myself that I need to prepare for when the real estate market comes back at full force and ensure that I emerge stronger than ever."

A recent WRAL.com article showcases the prevalence of local Triangle job-seekers finding the blessings of a self-employed lifestyle.  If you're curious whether a career in real estate might be a great new opportunity for you, take our free online RealStar personality assessment to find out how successful you could be.

E Pluribus Unum

 Most people are familiar with the phrase "E Pluribus Unum."  Even if you can't remember exactly what it means, you know the gist of it.  Its exact translation is "Out of many, one."  And it is a phrase that appropriately applies to choosing your Realtor®. 

There are more than 8,000 Realtors® in the Triangle Multiple Listing Service...how do you choose ONE to be your Realtor®?  So how should you choose the person who will assist you every step of the way in buying or selling your home?  How should you decide who can best serve your real estate needs? 

You should choose your Realtor® based on the fact that they share your same values.  You deserve to know that they can offer you the very best for your real estate needs.  You look for that real estate associate who has distinguished themselves in the marketplace, separated themselves from the pack and elevated their performance above all others.  You look for them to provide you with a level of knowledge, experience and service that is unmatched by other Realtors®.  They should be able to share their knowledge about the real estate industry and the local market...for instance, which are the best school systems or which is the best local hospital .  Because a real estate transaction is so multi-faceted, your real estate associate should be able to provide complete, exceptional real estate services - able to recommend everything from a reputable mortgage lender to a trusted title insurance company to a reliable insurance provider.  All to ensure a smooth real estate transaction, saving you time, money and energy.

These reasons and more are why you should partner with a Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston Realtor®.  CBHPW's real estate associates are more than just Realtors® - they are Trusted Advisors who are ready, willing and able to share their knowledge, experience and service to help give you the very best home buying or selling transaction possible.

So what do you think?  What do you consider the most important element in choosing a real estate associate?

If you are a Realtor®, you know the dread of having to sign up for your continuing education classes every year.  You feel like you just got done sitting through another CE class and here you are doing it all over again.  Ever dream of being on vacation while you’re sitting in a CE class?  You catch yourself looking out the window, seeing the bare winter trees outside and wishing you could see the sun and ocean instead?  You imagine that you hear a steel drum band playing your favorite Bob Marley tune, when you realize it’s really just the ring of the cell phone of the person sitting behind you. Well dream no more!  Now you can get your CE credits and squeeze in a Caribbean vacation all at the same time! 

For the first time, the HPW Real Estate School is offering a Continuing Education Cruise February 18-21, 2010.  And the best part is that this cruise features the musical stylings of The Embers !  February 19^th will feature the CE Mandatory Update Course taught and February 20^th will feature the CE Elective course.  You will be able to knock out 2 continuing education credits while sailing the open seas and enjoying the music of one of the most popular Beach Music bands in the country! 

This 3-night Bahamas cruise aboard the Carnival Sensation will depart from Port Canaveral, Florida and will feature a stop in Nassau, Bahamas and another entire day at sea!  You can explore the theme parks or Kennedy Space Center near Port Canaveral, then snorkel, sight see or shop your way around Nassau.  And don’t forget about the joys of an entire day at sea aboard the Sensation…you can lay in the sun on this floating resort, gamble in the ship’s casino, or brave the giant waterslide at the pool.  Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to bring your kids along for some fun while you’re crossing that dreaded “Take CE Class” off your to-do list! Can you imagine a better way to escape the dreary winter weather?  Register now before it’s too late!   To sign up for this one-of-a-kind CE class opportunity, please visit www.hpwreschool.com and remember that you’ll need to sign up for the cruise separately at www.cruisecommander.com.   

(Note: Cruise space and rates subject to availability.)

Jenni Bruckman
For additional information, please email careers@hpw.com

Experts say that the state of North Carolina may see higher unemployment numbers by 2010.  Although, this isn’t typically considered good news, it can be the signal of a new opportunity.  Maybe you’ve though about what it might be like to explore a new direction.  Maybe it’s time for you to make a real change…establish your own goals, control your own income and most importantly be in command of your own schedule.  Realtors®, perhaps more than any other professional, are entrepreneurs at heart.  The best Realtors® also have interests that extend beyond just the transaction of buying or selling a home, into the enjoyment that comes from helping families and individuals and being a part of the growth of their communities.  Many people are wondering if this is the right time to explore a career in real estate - you may be one of them.  

Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston is the perfect place to begin your career.  We are happy to give you all the information you need about a rewarding and lucrative career in real estate.  As the #1 Real Estate Company in the Triangle, we have a large family of associates and we offer a Scholarship Program to our Real Estate School to help you get your real estate license.  Don’t be afraid of starting out in this new career on your own - our training is the best in the business and we will help you to be on the road to success in no time at all.  Many of our new associates have a successful transaction under their belt before they even finish their training!  We have 12 offices Triangle-wide, each led by a knowledgeable and experienced manager who would be happy to guide you through the steps of getting your license and beginning your new career.  Just visit our Careers link on this page to learn more.

Jenni Bruckman

For more information, please feel free to email careers@hpw.com