Don’t Wait! Why Smart Agents Take CE Early

Every year, thousands of North Carolina real estate brokers scramble to meet the June 10 continuing education deadline. At Providence Real Estate Education, we see the same pattern year after year: packed classes in May and early June, limited availability, and unnecessary stress.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Here’s why proactive agents—and top producers—take their CE courses early in the license year:

1. More Choices, Less Stress

Waiting until spring means fewer class options and limited availability. By taking CE early (July through December), you get:

·       More schedule flexibility

·       Preferred class formats (in-person or virtual)

·       Less competition for seats

You’ll be free from the last-minute scramble that often results in taking a class that doesn’t fit your business goals or schedule.

2. Stay Ahead of the Curve

Each year’s General Update (GENUP) or Broker-in-Charge Update (BICUP) course includes timely regulatory changes, law updates, and best practices. Learning this information early helps you:

·       Avoid compliance issues

·       Apply new rules proactively

·       Better serve your clients

Why wait to find out what’s changed in real estate law or commission rules when you could already be applying it

3. Use CE Strategically

CE doesn’t have to be a box to check—it can be a tool for growth. Elective courses allow you to:

·       Deepen your expertise in hot topics (like ethics, risk management, or negotiation)

·       Explore new niches

·       Earn certifications or credentials

Taking CE early gives you the space to choose courses that align with your career goals, not just what’s still available in May.

4. Avoid Licensing Risks

Missing the June 10 CE deadline means your license becomes inactive on July 1. This can lead to:

·       Missed closings

·       Client confusion

·       Lost income
Even worse, it could cost you referral opportunities or damage your professional reputation. By completing CE early, you eliminate the risk.

5. Lead by Example

If you’re a team leader, BIC, or mentor, your agents are watching. Prioritizing CE early in the year sets the tone for your team’s professionalism and commitment to staying informed.

Let’s Make CE Work for You

At Providence Real Estate Education, we offer engaging, practical CE courses taught by experienced instructors who understand the local market. Whether you’re knocking out your required hours or diving deeper into a specialty, we’ve got a class for you—and we encourage you to take it early.

Visit www.providencerealestateeducation.com to view our schedule and register for your next class today. Your future self (and your clients) will thank you.

Smart agents plan ahead. Don’t wait—educate early.

Say It Right: Best Practices for Professional Communication in Real Estate

Communication Can Make—or Break—Your Business

In real estate, communication isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower. Whether you’re working with clients, collaborating with other agents, or responding to a sticky situation, how you communicate shapes your reputation, your relationships, and ultimately, your success.

At Providence Real Estate Education, we believe that sharpening your communication is one of the most valuable things you can do as a professional. That’s why it’s woven into so many of our CE courses.

Because clear, respectful, and timely communication isn’t just good manners—it’s good business.

Best Practices for Professional Communication

Want to stand out in a crowded market? Start with these foundational habits:

Be Clear and Direct

Don’t leave people guessing. Use straightforward language, avoid jargon when it’s not necessary, and always confirm important details in writing—especially when it comes to contracts, timelines, or expectations.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, repeat or rephrase what someone has told you to confirm understanding.

Communicate Promptly

In real estate, time is often of the essence. Whether it’s returning a call, responding to a text, or following up on paperwork, responsiveness builds trust. Silence can be misinterpreted as disinterest—or worse, incompetence.

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have an answer yet, a quick “Got it—I’m looking into this and will follow up soon” goes a long way.

Match the Medium to the Message

Not everything should be a text. Some things need a phone call. Others need to be in writing. Choose the right format for the situation—especially when dealing with sensitive topics, legal matters, or potential conflict.

Pro Tip: Email for documentation, phone for nuance, in person for complex or emotional conversations.

Maintain Professional Tone

Even in a casual industry like real estate, professionalism matters. That means using courteous language, avoiding sarcasm or slang in writing, and keeping emotions in check—even when tensions run high.

Pro Tip: Read your message out loud before hitting send. If it sounds snippy or rushed, revise.

Listen More Than You Speak

The best communicators are also the best listeners. Ask clarifying questions. Reflect back what you hear. Show empathy. This builds rapport and helps avoid misunderstandings.

Pro Tip: When a client says, “I want something move-in ready,” ask them to define what that means for them. It’s not the same for everyone.

How We Reinforce These Skills in Class

At Providence, communication isn’t just a slide on a PowerPoint—it’s something we practice together.

In many of our CE courses, you’ll:

• Role-play communication challenges with peers

• Analyze real-life case studies on conflict and miscommunication

• Learn techniques for delivering tough messages with professionalism

• Share what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in your own practice

You won’t just hear about best practices—you’ll get to try them out in a safe, supportive environment.

Because when you communicate well, you build stronger client relationships, smoother transactions, and a more sustainable business.

Ready to Level Up Your Communication Game?

Don’t leave this critical skill to chance.

Join a class that helps you grow your confidence, your clarity, and your communication style.
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What to Expect in Classes?

A New Kind of CE Experience

At Providence Real Estate Education, we’re doing things differently.

Our classes are centered around you—the student—and designed to go far beyond the typical continuing education experience. But here’s the thing: for this model to work, you have to be invested. We’re not just handing you information. We’re inviting you into an engaging, interactive learning process that’s designed to stick.

You’ll explore real-life case studies, share best practices from your own business, and gain practical tools to help you reduce risk in your day-to-day work. While we meet all the compliance standards set by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, our goal is to make continuing education truly valuable—something you can apply immediately in your career.

Hands-On Learning, Not Just Lectures

Our classes are built around active learning.

Expect to:

• Participate in small group activities

• Engage in full-class discussions

• Role-play real scenarios

• Work through case studies based on current, real-world issues

This approach keeps things fresh and relevant—and helps you retain what you learn.

We use experiential education as a core part of our method because we believe that the best learning happens when you’re involved, not just watching from the sidelines. That’s what adult education is all about.

You’re in Control of Your Experience

Yes, our instructors are experienced experts—but you and your peers are just as important to the learning process.

We believe that learning from each other is one of the most powerful tools in any classroom. You’ll be encouraged to share your insights, ask questions, and challenge ideas. While instructors guide the conversation and make sure we cover all required content, it’s your voice and your engagement that make the class come alive.

At Providence, you won’t just sit through another CE class—you’ll get involved, stay engaged, and walk away with knowledge you’ll actually use.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Don’t just take CE—make it meaningful.

✅ Choose a course that puts you at the center of the experience
✅ Connect with other agents
✅ Learn from real-world scenarios
✅ Walk away with actionable insights

Spots are limited—sign up today to reserve your seat in an upcoming class!
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Why Providence Real Estate Education?

A Lifelong Educator

Education has always been at the center of my life. From my earliest school days to earning a Master of Education degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, learning has shaped who I am.

After graduate school, I spent several years working in Higher Education, focusing on New Student Orientation and Leadership Development. I loved helping students grow, connect, and find meaning in their educational journeys.

From Campus to Closing Tables

In 2015, I transitioned out of Higher Ed and into real estate. But even as I dove into this new world, my passion for teaching never left me.

As I completed my required Continuing Education (CE) through various providers, something stood out—most courses felt transactional. They lacked connection, personality, and real-world relevance. There were few stories, little relationship-building, and almost no sense of community.

I knew it could be better.

Bringing Education Back to CE

That realization inspired me to earn my Educator License through the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and launch Providence Real Estate Education.

Our mission is to transform CE from a box to check into a meaningful, engaging experience that real estate professionals actually look forward to.

We believe that real estate education should:

• Spark discussion

• Share real-world stories

• Build connections between agents and instructors

• Be fun, informative, and hands-on

We use adult learning principles to create experiences that stick—helping you grow your business and reduce risk while connecting with your peers.

Why In-Person Matters

Before COVID, CE was often taught in person—and that made a difference. Agents engaged in rich discussions, participated in experiential learning, and actually retained what they learned.

At Providence, we’re bringing that back. We’re committed to in-person CE courses that prioritize interaction, community, and expert-led instruction. Because when you connect, you learn more—and that’s what real estate education should be about.

Our Promise to You

Providence Real Estate Education is committed to delivering the highest quality CE experience in North Carolina. We meet the standards of the North Carolina Real Estate Commission—and go beyond them to ensure that you leave every course with real insight and value.

We believe real estate agents deserve more from CE. More connection. More meaning. More growth.

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