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!
Chat‑driven AI tools now let real estate professionals edit listing photos instantly—removing clutter, brightening rooms, updating décor, and even virtually staging a space using simple text prompts. This speed and flexibility help agents create stronger first impressions, accelerate turnover, and present properties more honestly and attractively. With interactive tools becoming common on property sites and transparent editing standards emerging, AI photo enhancement is quickly becoming an essential part of modern real estate marketing.
The commercial real estate landscape is heading into 2026 with powerful momentum and a fresh set of challenges. PwC’s latest Emerging Trends report places Jersey City and North Jersey among the top U.S. markets to watch, driven by redevelopment energy, tech‑driven infrastructure needs, and the surge of mixed‑use communities. But developers also face rising construction costs, high interest rates, and municipal fatigue that’s stalling projects statewide. From booming demand for data centers to the transformation of retail corridors and the rise of community‑based health care facilities, the year ahead is set to redefine how—and where—growth happens.
The Federal Reserve has lowered rates to their lowest level since 2022, marking the third cut in four months and setting the stage for gradual downward pressure on mortgage rates in 2026. While mortgage rates don’t drop automatically when the Fed cuts, easing inflation and a softening 10‑year Treasury yield suggest improved affordability, renewed refinancing opportunities and a more active market ahead for real estate and mortgage professionals.
New research reveals that a growing share of Gen Z no longer believes homeownership is within reach, leading to major behavioral changes. With first-time buyer age nearing 40 and affordability hitting new lows, young adults are saving less, working less, and taking on riskier investments. Studies from Northwestern and the University of Chicago show that when the dream of owning a home feels impossible, motivation declines—and financial priorities shift dramatically.
The FTC has issued warning letters to 13 rental software companies over concerns that their systems may hide mandatory fees and prevent landlords from displaying accurate rental prices. While not formal allegations, the move signals rising federal scrutiny following major enforcement actions against Greystar, RealPage, and Invitation Homes. For real estate professionals, this development highlights the growing importance of transparent pricing, ethical advertising, and staying ahead of regulatory shifts in today’s tech‑driven rental market.
A New York man employed only as a driver for a hedge fund founder allegedly reinvented himself as a seasoned investment professional, convincing three investors to trust him with their money. According to the SEC’s complaint, he created a deceptive LLC, used firm marketing materials to appear legitimate, and conducted risky, unauthorized trades that wiped out accounts. The scheme left the victims with more than $1 million in combined losses, prompting the SEC to pursue fraud charges and a permanent industry ban.
