VanEd has been a beacon of excellence in real estate education since 1997, nurturing some of the industry’s most successful figures. The institution takes pride in the strong relationships it builds with its students, offering continuous education and a platform for success stories. The VanEd Student Success Stories program is a testament to this commitment, highlighting graduates who have made significant strides in their real estate careers.
Spotlight on Success
The program places a spotlight on several outstanding students:
Kate Kelley is passionate about real estate as an opportunity to lead and serve the community. She emphasizes the importance of engagement and leadership, believing that with great opportunity comes great responsibility. Her story inspires others to actively participate and give back to their communities.
Jennifer Bergman, a newer agent, gained recognition for her successful YouTube channel about real estate study materials. Her channel, started while preparing for her licensing exams, has significantly contributed to her early career rewards. Her story is a testament to the power of leveraging digital platforms for professional growth. You can explore more about her journey on her Facebook page.
Brenda Case has evolved her goals over her 25-year career, striving for financial stability and aiming to pass her business onto the next generation of energetic professionals. Her story reflects the dynamic nature of success and the importance of long-term vision.
Marty Vyn Boennighausen, an experienced broker in Westcliffe since 2001, is renowned for her deep knowledge of the local market and her professional approach. Her journey includes managing a significant property investment, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to delivering results for clients.
Inspiring Future Professionals
The Student Success Stories program not only celebrates individual achievements but also aims to inspire future real estate professionals. It enhances the professional community’s online presence by featuring students in VanEd’s monthly newsletter and dedicating full-page articles to their success and achievements.
Join the Spotlight
VanEd encourages graduates and others to get involved by sharing their stories through the Student Spotlight program. If you or someone you know is a VanEd student with a story to share, consider filling out the interest form to be featured in the next edition.
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Newman Properties, a Massachusetts-based investment firm, has expanded its footprint into Connecticut with the $3.65 million acquisition of a 6,350‑square‑foot retail building in Enfield. Anchored by national restaurant chain Red Robin, the property offers the type of stable tenancy investors seek when entering new markets. The deal underscores growing confidence in anchored retail assets and provides a valuable real-world example for real estate professionals studying market analysis, investment strategy, and portfolio expansion.
JPMorgan now expects national home prices to flatten in 2026, but the Sunbelt is telling a very different story. Florida home values are down 5.1%, Texas is down 2.4%, and analysts warn that years of rapid building are finally catching up to the region. As demand stabilizes and inventory swells, real estate professionals — especially in Florida — face a market full of challenges, opportunities, and critical timing decisions.
Artificial intelligence is finally stepping into the mortgage underwriting spotlight, with 57% of mortgage professionals predicting it will drive the most transformative industry shift in 2026. Thanks to major advancements in language models and workflow automation, AI is now capable of navigating the messy, document-heavy realities that have long slowed underwriting. From faster preapprovals to improved credit analysis and real‑time income verification, AI is streamlining processes while allowing underwriters to focus on true risk management. As regulatory winds shift and grassroots pressure builds within lending teams, the industry is entering a pivotal era where AI‑powered underwriting becomes not just an advantage — but an expectation.
Portland’s top 20 office towers have lost an unprecedented 70% of their value since 2019—plunging from $3 billion to under $1 billion—triggering tax revenue shortfalls, budget crises, and a surge in appeals as the city grapples with its biggest commercial real estate reset in modern history.
South Florida’s luxury real estate market just raised the bar again — this time with a $1 million virtual reality system that lets buyers walk through Dolce & Gabbana’s upcoming Miami tower long before construction wraps. Real estate master’s students were given an immersive look inside the project, discovering how VR is transforming high‑end development, influencing buyer psychology, and shaping the future skills today’s professionals need.
Long Island’s commercial real estate scene is kicking off 2026 with a surge of activity—industrial leases in Medford, neighborhood retail trades in Bohemia, Pizza Hut’s new DELCO expansion in Centereach, mixed‑use acquisitions in Melville, and major investor interest in bank‑leased and franchise-backed properties. From warehouses to restaurant rebrands, these deals highlight a region evolving fast and offering fresh opportunities for agents, investors, and professionals looking to stay ahead in the market.
