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!
Seattle now holds the second‑highest office vacancy rate in the nation at 26.6%, with some downtown areas soaring past 35% and Pioneer Square reaching 50%. Mayor‑elect Katie Wilson steps into office with bold proposals—including a vacancy tax and office‑to‑housing conversions—amid tech pullbacks, shifting work habits, and investor uncertainty. Despite alarming numbers, signs of resilience remain, offering opportunities for savvy real estate professionals watching this market transform in real time.
Florida lawmakers are once again targeting the fast‑growing litigation‑financing industry with House Bill 1157, a proposal that would restrict how outside investors participate in lawsuits. The bill would limit funder influence, cap their share of settlements, and require new disclosures—especially for foreign‑backed financing. As similar measures emerge nationwide, the outcome could significantly impact professionals across law, insurance, finance, and real estate who depend on predictable risk and regulatory environments.
Starting April 1, Philadelphia homeowners and renters with federal flood insurance will see a 15% reduction in their premiums thanks to the city joining FEMA’s Community Rating System. The discount reflects Philadelphia’s growing investment in flood‑risk mitigation and is expected to save residents and businesses more than $424,000 annually. Beyond easing household expenses, the change also reshapes how real estate and insurance professionals evaluate flood‑zone properties, opening the door to improved affordability and stronger buyer confidence.
Newrez is doubling down on artificial intelligence with a strategic investment in Homevision, an advanced AI underwriting platform designed to automate collateral, income, assets, credit, and full loan decisioning. After seeing Homevision’s MIRA system boost collateral underwriting efficiency, Newrez plans to expand the technology in 2026—signaling a breakthrough year for real-time automated underwriting across the mortgage industry.
A new United Van Lines migration report reveals that Americans are trading big-city ambition for affordability, shorter commutes, and better quality of life—reshaping where and how commercial real estate will grow. Southern and smaller markets continue to attract new residents, but pandemic‑era assumptions of endless demand are fading as rent growth cools and new inventory floods the market. For investors and real estate professionals, the opportunity now lies in affordable housing, modest office parks, value‑focused retail, and support‑industrial spaces like self‑storage.
The 2026 housing market is finally shifting into balance, with economists forecasting rising home sales, improved affordability, and a more diverse buyer pool. Inventory is up, mortgage rates are easing, and demographic changes—from returning first-time buyers to dominant baby boomers—are reshaping demand. New construction is stabilizing, price growth is moderating, and millions of buyers could re-enter the market as rates fall toward 6 percent. For real estate professionals, this rebalanced environment offers fresh opportunities for growth, strategy, and education.
