California and Washington Real Estate Training

California and Washington Real Estate Training http://realestateschoolwire.com/ This blog will cover topics important to real estate students and agents, including information about real estate license law, the real estate exam, test-taking tips, changing laws and regulations, and real estate market trends. en-us http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/2841097/homepath-vs-homesteps-foreclosure-programs-explained Homepath vs. Homesteps: Foreclosure Programs Explained <div><img title="Buying foreclosed properties" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/0/7/4/ar13291729447003.jpg" height="201" alt="Buying foreclosed properties" width="300"></div> <p class="MsoPlainText"> </p> <p class="MsoPlainText"><span><span>If you have buyers who might be interested in foreclosed properties, you should know about Fannie Mae's Homepath program and Freddie Mac's Homesteps program. Both programs are designed to make buying foreclosed properties more tempting to buyers, who can benefit from some really nice incentives. For more information on the benefits of each program, check out Rhonda Porter's helpful blog entry, <a href="http://www.mortgageporter.com/reportingfromseattle/2012/02/whats-the-difference-between-fannie-mae-homepath-and-freddie-mac-homesteps.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheMortgagePorter+%28The+Mortgage+Porter%29" title="Link to Rhonda Porters blogpost">"What's the difference between Fannie Mae Homepath and Freddie Mac Homesteps?"</a></span></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:09 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/2841097/homepath-vs-homesteps-foreclosure-programs-explained http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3630662/restaurant-review-caspian Restaurant Review: Caspian <p><span><img title="Caspian restaurant" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/8/0/9/ar136128422090892.jpg" height="133" alt="Caspian restaurant" width="236">Today’s lunch spot suggestion for our real estate students is Caspian: a Persian restaurant just a few blocks from Rockwell, tucked away amidst several high-end car dealerships here in Bellevue. Originally located in Seattle, Caspian moved to Bellevue in April 2011. It’s a pleasant, nicely decorated space—a welcome addition to the neighborhood. We’re just sorry it took us so long to try it out!</span></p> <p><span>Caspian’s lunch menu includes soups, salads, beef, chicken, and lamb kabob plates and sandwiches, and a variety of appetizers. We tried the chicken kabob and ground beef kabob plates (served with hummus, salad, and rice) and both were delicious. We’re already thinking about what we’ll order next time: perhaps the oven-baked lamb sandwich, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), or the Cornish game hen? (Also interesting: when we peeked at Caspian’s dinner menu, which includes quite a few tasty-sounding items, like braised lamb shank, chicken-pomegranate molasses stew, and a beef-herb stew—we noticed that the restaurant features belly dancing performances every Saturday night!) </span></p> <p><span>Caspian is located just a few blocks from Rockwell, at 1806 136th Pl. NE Bellevue, WA 98005. (Phone: 425-747-9500; website: <a href="http://www.caspianbellevue.com/" title="caspian website"><span>www.caspianbellevue.com</span></a>)</span></p> <p><span>Remember, if you have any real estate education questions, <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com/" title="Rockwell Institute website"><span>Rockwell Institute</span></a> is here to help!</span></p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Tue, 19 Feb 2013 06:35:54 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3630662/restaurant-review-caspian http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3625218/fha-increases-cost-of-mortgage-insurance FHA Increases Cost of Mortgage Insurance <p><span> <img title="FHA mortgages" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/5/5/3/7/ar136085695273551.jpg" height="200" alt="FHA mortgages" width="300"></span><span>Home prices are on the rise, but apparently they aren’t rising fast enough to make the Federal Housing Administration feel entirely secure about the solvency of its mortgage insurance fund. So the FHA is <strong>raising the annual insurance premiums</strong> it charges for new loans as it did last year about this time. </span></p> <p><span>This year, effective April 1, the annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for most new mortgages will go up by one tenth of one percent (0.10%, the same increase as last year).  Premiums on jumbo mortgages ($625,500 and up) will rise by only half that amount—0.05%. (Generally, however, refinances of FHA loans made before June 2009 are exempt from these increases.)</span></p> <p><span>One other change affecting jumbo buyers: the <strong>minimum downpayment</strong> for these larger loans will rise from 3.5% to 5%. This increase is likely to lead some buyers to choose conventional loans instead of FHA loans, a change the FHA would regard as a positive development. </span></p> <p><span>In addition, effective June 3, for most new borrowers the FHA will <strong>no longer cancel the annual insurance premium</strong> once a borrower’s principal balance reaches 78% of the original principal loan amount. Borrowers now will have to pay the annual premium for the entire life of the loan. This cost could add up. The policy of cancelling the premiums at 78% had been in place since 2001. Perhaps—should the gains in housing prices continue—the FHA will revisit this decision in the future.</span></p> <p><span>Remember, <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a> is here to answer all your real estate training questions.</span></p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:06:02 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3625218/fha-increases-cost-of-mortgage-insurance http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3594412/instructor-of-the-month-mary-ellen-brady Instructor of the Month: Mary Ellen Brady <p><span><span><em><img title="Real estate students" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/3/3/0/8/ar135879945180334.jpg" height="133" alt="Real estate students" width="200">Welcome back to our Instructor of the Month series. This month, we’re talking with Mary Ellen Brady, who teaches Real Estate Principles, Escrow, and Finance at Cerritos College in Norwalk, CA.</em></span></span></p> <p><strong><span><em>Rockwell:</em></span><em> How long have you been teaching?</em> </strong></p> <p><span><strong>Mary Ellen</strong>:</span><span> I’ve been teaching at Cerritos Community College full-time for eight years and part-time for one year.</span></p> <p><strong><span><em>Rockwell:</em></span><em> What do you like best about teaching?</em> </strong></p> <p><strong><span>Mary Ellen:</span></strong><span> I love the fact that I’m able to share my “real life” experiences from real estate with my students.</span></p> <p><strong><em><span>Rockwell:</span> What is the biggest change in the industry or field of education that you've seen? Have real estate students changed over the years?</em></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Mary Ellen:</span></strong><span> I’ve been licensed since 1988, so I’ve seen a lot of changes in the industry and education. This is the second recession I have been through. It is always terrible when you are going through such an experience but it seems we quickly forget the bad times when the good times are here again.</span></p> <p><span>One of the biggest changes in education involved the increased requirements to obtain a real estate salesperson’s license. In 2007, the Department of Real Estate changed from requiring a course in Real Estate Principles to requiring three courses: Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and a third course chosen from the Department of Real Estate approved broker’s course list. </span></p> <p><span>Many students still view real estate as a “get rich quick” career. This hasn’t changed since I’ve been teaching!</span></p> <p><strong><span><em>Rockwell:</em></span><em> What are the biggest challenges facing your students?</em> </strong></p> <p><strong><span>Mary Ellen:</span></strong><span> The biggest challenge facing my students today is enrollment. Due to budget cuts, class offerings have been reduced and students aren’t able to enroll in the coursework needed for a salesperson’s or broker’s license. Those students who wish to obtain a certificate or an AA Degree in Real Estate are also facing the same issues.</span></p> <p><strong><em><span>Rockwell:</span><span> What advice would you give your students?</span></em></strong></p> <p><strong></strong><strong><span>Mary Ellen:</span></strong><span> Two things I stress to my students are: 1) provide good service to your clients and do not focus on the commission; and 2) do not compromise your ethics. Be honest and fair in all your dealings in real estate. </span></p> <p><strong><span><em>Rockwell:</em></span><em> How did you get into real estate in the first place?</em> </strong></p> <p><strong></strong><strong><span>Mary Ellen:</span></strong><span> I had been an on-site residential property manager for three years and then many years later I became a manager for a couple of commercial buildings. During that time, my brother suggested I go into real estate. </span></p> <p><strong><span><em>Rockwell:</em></span><em> What do you love most about this industry?</em> </strong></p> <p><strong></strong><strong><span>Mary Ellen:</span></strong><span> I love being able to help buyers get the home they want. I particularly like working with first-time buyers. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment to assist people in purchasing their first home.</span></p> <p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong><span><em>Rockwell:</em></span><em> Tell us one thing about yourself that most people wouldn’t know.</em> </strong></p> <p><strong></strong><strong><span>Mary Ellen:</span></strong><span> I think most people know who I am. The first day of every class, I tell my students a little about myself and how I started in real estate. I tell them about some of the challenges I’ve had raising four children and working full-time in the industry. I want them to understand that anything is possible. I tell them that I am a regular person just like them, who worked hard to achieve my goals.</span></p> <p><strong></strong><strong><span><em>Rockwell:</em></span><em> What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t teaching? </em> </strong></p> <p><strong></strong><strong><span>Mary Ellen:</span></strong><span> I love running, cycling, and working out. I just started running a little over five years ago. I have run and completed four LA Marathons. I also have run numerous 5Ks and 10Ks. I just completed my first half marathon this year. I have also been regularly cycling for about four years and have participated in a few cycling events. Working out is a way of life for me. </span></p> <p><em><span>Mary Ellen Brady is a graduate of Cerritos College. She received her real estate salesperson’s license in December 1988 and has been a member of the Downey Association of Realtors since then. She has served on more than 20 local and state committees and chaired at least seven of them. She also received Realtor Associate of the Year from the DAOR in 1993, 1996, and 1997. In addition, she served on the Cerritos College Real Estate Advisory Committee November 1992 through 2004, and served as president of the local chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors in 1997.</span></em></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Thu, 24 Jan 2013 06:23:57 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3594412/instructor-of-the-month-mary-ellen-brady http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3594608/happy-martin-luther-king-day- Happy Martin Luther King Day! <p><img title="Martin Luther King, Jr" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/7/4/4/ar135880569944776.jpg" height="227" alt="Martin Luther King, Jr" width="162">If you’re a real estate professional, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr" title="Information about Martin Luther King"><span>the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr</span></a>. has a daily impact on your career. We all know that in his life, Martin Luther King, Jr.was an activist and a leader of the American civil rights movement. He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped lead the 1963 March on Washington. During the March on Washington, King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech,in which he called for a color blind America, where citizens are treated equally regardless of the color of their skin.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>When he was assassinated on April4, 1968, King’s fight to end segregation and racial discrimination ended too soon. Yet from King’s death, one of the nation’s greatest civil rights laws was born: the <a href="http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/aboutfheo/history" title="Fair Housing Act"><span>federal Fair Housing Act</span></a> (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>In the years before King’s assassination, Congress had considered the Fair Housing Act several times. Each time, the Act failed to garner enough support to guarantee passage.After King was assassinated, however, President Lyndon B. Johnson took advantage of the nation’s outpouring of grief and anger to spur Congress into passing the legislation. President Johnson thought the bill’s passage would honor King’s memory as well as his work, and so it was finally enacted on April 11, 1968, just a week after King’s death.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Thanks in part to <a href="http://www.thekingcenter.org/" title="The Martin Luther King Center"><span>King’s legacy</span></a>, the Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, or familial status (families with minor children) in the sale or lease of residential property or vacant land intended to be used for residential purposes. In addition, the act prohibits discrimination in advertising, lending, real estate brokerage, and certain other services in connection with residential transactions. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>We should all take a moment today to think about how we can help foster the spirit of equal access to housing. And if you have any other real estate training questions, <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com/" title="Rockwell Institute website"><span>Rockwell Institute</span></a> is here to help.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:03:55 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3594608/happy-martin-luther-king-day- http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3566242/happy-new-year-let-s-all-make-it-a-good-one- Happy New Year! Let's all make it a good one! <p><img title="New Year's Resolutions" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/6/1/2/ar135671025621622.jpg" height="156" alt="New Year's Resolutions" width="167">It's almost 2013--have you made your New Year's resolutions yet? Maybe you've resolved to make your business more successful or to spend more time with your family. Or maybe you're going to do one small new thing every day, or one big new thing every month. Cook more? Be more healthy?</p> <p>I admire people who make New Year's Resolutions, but I've also wondered why January 1 inspires this goal-setting.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Turns out, making resolutions at the beginning of the year goes back thousands of years to the Babylonians. Their new year began in March, but it was a time to return borrowed plowing equipment, make amends and pay off debts, and resolve to treat others kindly. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The Romans affixed the beginning of the year as the first of January, a month named for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janus" title="Information on Janus"><span>Janus</span></a>, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions who could look back to the past and forward to the future at the same time. The Romans saw this as a time for doing good deeds to gain favor with the gods for the coming year, and it was bad luck not to follow through on those promises.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>When the Romans adopted Christianity in the 4th century, this tradition shifted from doing good deeds for the gods to fasting and prayer, although many of the celebratory traditions continued. Over 1000 years later, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puritan" title="Information on Puritans"><span>Puritans</span></a>, leery of associating anything with a roman god (they even used the term “first month” instead of the more common “January”), focused on the spiritual significance of the day. It was a time for fasting and prayer, but also for introspection and for making resolutions. Puritan children were tasked with making resolutions to improve their moral nature and avoid sinful activities, and adults were expected to set the appropriate example by following through on their own resolutions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Today most of us forgo fasting on New Year’s day, but many resolutions are aimed at self-improvement: to quit smoking, exercise more, swear less. But we also resolve to do the things we’ve been putting off: to clean the garage, try new recipes, and read more books.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Have you made any resolutions yet? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below. And if this is the year you’ve resolved to get your real estate license or become a managing broker, remember that <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com/" title="Rockwell Institute's website"><span>Rockwell</span></a> is here to help you keep those promises!</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Fri, 28 Dec 2012 08:02:02 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3566242/happy-new-year-let-s-all-make-it-a-good-one- http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3560864/this-house-is-not-for-sale-happy-holidays- This house is NOT for sale! Happy holidays! <p><span><img title="edible real estate" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/6/0/7/ar135609998270682.JPG" height="284" alt="edible real estate" width="250">I’ve always loved </span><a href="http://www.gingerbread-house-heaven.com/pictures-of-gingerbread-houses.html" title="Gingerbread houses"><span>gingerbread houses</span></a><span>. There’s something about all that architecture reproduced in miniature scale that reminds me of an edible dollhouse—from the peppermint stepping stones, to the royal icing icicles, to the bubblegum shingles. The child in me remains fascinated by them, and I’ve shared the love of decorating them with my own children each Christmas. </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span>Gingerbread itself has a long history. Crusaders returning to Europe brought ginger and gingerbread back from the Middle East around the 11th century. Ginger was used to preserve bread, and it was crumbs from this ginger bread, mixed with honey or other sweeteners, that gave rise to the cake-like version of gingerbread. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span>In Germany, however, the firmer, cookie-like form of gingerbread became popular. Bakers would use molds to cut the gingerbread dough into different shapes depending on the season. We think of gingerbread cookies as a Christmas tradition, but back then they were used to celebrate all sorts of occasions. Imprinted with birds and eggs for Easter, hearts for weddings, and so on, gingerbread cookies were a favorite treat of the Middle Ages. It was even the custom in some villages for young women to eat a man-shaped gingerbread cookie on New Year’s day so that they might have luck finding a husband in the new year.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span>It wasn’t until the 1500s that gingerbread became associated with Christmas, when Elizabeth I of England presented gingerbread cutouts to favorite members of her court for the holiday. Thereafter, immigrants (particularly German immigrants) brought <a href="http://homecooking.about.com/od/specificdishes/a/gingerbreadhous.htm" title="Gingerbread recipes">gingerbread recipes</a> and customs with them to America.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span>When the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brothers_Grimm" title="Brothers Grimm">Brothers Grimm</a> published Hansel and Gretel, in which two young children stumble upon a witch’s house made entirely of gingerbread and candy, gingerbread houses became much more popular. There’s some disagreement about whether gingerbread houses existed earlier (and the Brothers Grimm merely documented a German baking custom), or whether the story itself gave rise to the gingerbread house tradition. Either way, gingerbread houses remain a popular American Christmas tradition to this day.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span><span>No matter how you celebrate this season, we hope you have a happy and safe holiday. <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a> will be closed December 24 and 25, but will reopen on Wednesday, December 26 to help you with any real estate questions you may have.</span></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Fri, 21 Dec 2012 06:32:09 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3560864/this-house-is-not-for-sale-happy-holidays- http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3552969/know-the-reasons-behind-your-anxiety-then-put-your-anxiety-behind-you- Know the Reasons Behind Your Anxiety, Then Put Your Anxiety Behind You! <p><span><img title="Studying for the real estate exam" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/1/7/5/4/ar135543733945718.jpg" height="270" alt="Studying for the real estate exam" width="180">Anxiety is something that nearly every test-taker experiences. As we’ve said before, it’s natural to feel a little anxious when facing a big exam; that nervous energy can even give you an edge it it's managed properly. But too much anxiety can have dire consequences. Numerous studies have documented the effects of anxiety and the impact these symptoms can have on test performance. </span></p> <p><span>So, how do you avoid falling victim to test anxiety? The answer lies both in preventing anxiety from occurring and in reacting positively when it does occur.</span></p> <p><span>To prevent anxiety, you have to understand its causes. There are many sources of test anxiety. A major source is the feeling of lack of control, whether it’s control over what’s actually on the test or control over the circumstances of the test, such as time limitations and/or distractions. Worries over what you can’t control <a href="http://www.swccd.edu/~asc/lrnglinks/test_anxiety.html" title="The effects of feeling out of control">can cloud your thinking</a>, causing even the most prepared student to fail a test. How do you prevent this from happening? Focus on what you can control, and control it well. </span></p> <p><span>First, go through all the test questions and answer those you know. Don’t worry about answering the others yet; leave them for your second pass. This will increase your comfort level in two important ways. First, you’ll gain a sense of confidence about how much you do know. Second, you’ll no longer have to wonder about the rest of the exam; there’s no more “unknown” to be afraid of. In other words, the simple act of finding out what you’re up against can do a lot to reduce your anxiety. Even though you can’t control what questions are on the test or the amount of time allotted, you can still gain a sense of control simply by knowing what questions will be asked.</span></p> <p><span>Next, be prepared in case anxiety does creep in and mess up your concentration. It’s important to realize that serious test anxiety is a learned behavior, resulting from negative predictions. If you have prepared adequately for the test, you should pass it; fears of failing come from unfounded negativity.  If you find yourself thinking “I’m not doing well here, and I might fail this test,” try replacing that negative thought with positive self-talk. Say, “I prepared for this test, I know these answers, and I have what it takes to pass this test.” You may want to supplement this with some simple stress-relieving exercises. For instance, try a simple <a href="http://www.gallaudet.edu/documents/academic/capss/the%203-breath%20method%20of%20relaxation.pdf" title="3-breath exercise">3-breath exercise</a>.  </span></p> <p><span>Remember, <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a> is here to answer all your questions about the real estate exam.</span></p> <p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:34:43 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3552969/know-the-reasons-behind-your-anxiety-then-put-your-anxiety-behind-you- http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3546432/restaurant-review-bai-tong Restaurant Review: Bai Tong <p><span><img title="Bai Tong Redmond" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/0/3/2/ar135489397223097.jpg" height="158" alt="Bai Tong Redmond" width="250">For today’s restaurant review, we’re spotlighting Bai Tong, a Thai restaurant located about a mile from Rockwell. You may be thinking, “Really? Another Thai place?”—but Bai Tong is definitely worth checking out. It’s the second location of a well-established, very popular restaurant in Tukwila, and we’re happy that the owners chose to expand into our neighborhood.</span></p> <p><span>We’ve tried a number of noodle dishes, include the pad thai (rice noodles with tamarind sauce, bean sprouts, peanuts, egg, meat, and tofu), pad sie-eiw (wide rice noodles with meat, egg, broccoli, and soy sauce), and pad khi mao (wide rice noodles with meat, veggies, egg, and Thai basil), and found them all quite tasty (although the requested heat levels can be inconsistent). We’ve also enjoyed the chicken red curry (with coconut milk, Thai basil, Kaffir lime leaves, and veggies), spicy eggplant (with basil, garlic, black bean sauce, and bell peppers), and the fried tofu swimming rama (with peanut sauce and sautéed spinach). One of our favorite dishes is the tom yum moo sub nam kon: a hot and sour soup flavored with lemongrass, Thai ginger, cilantro, and coconut milk, and filled with straw mushroom caps and bits of ground pork. Rich but delicious, and perfect for the cold and rainy weather here in Bellevue this week.</span></p> <p><span>Bai Tong’s prices are reasonable and the portions are generous (although we’d eat here even if this wasn’t the case!). We’ve been taking our orders to go, but the restaurant is spacious and nicely decorated—a step up from most of the casual lunch spots in the area. </span></p> <p><span>Bai Tong is located at </span><span class="street-address"><span>14804 NE 24th St. </span></span><span>Redmond, WA 98052. (Phone: </span><span class="tel"><span>425-747-8424</span></span><strong><span>; website<span>: </span></span></strong><span><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baitongrestaurant.com&src_bizid=qOF1Cu8LRGQCTe5pfJp-OQ&cachebuster=1338993724&s=cc8ea044709aea195a97e8bc417692c6b76b28cdcf7e1be85d641b90017d12fb"><span>ww.baitongrestaurant.com</span></a>)</span></p> <p><span>Remember, if you have any real estate education questions, <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com/" title="Rockwell Institute website"><span>Rockwell Institute</span></a> is here to help!</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Fri, 07 Dec 2012 07:32:57 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3546432/restaurant-review-bai-tong http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3536789/book-review-the-honest-real-estate-agent Book Review: The Honest Real Estate Agent <p><span><img title="The Honest Real Estate Agent" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/6/2/2/ar135421839622603.jpg" height="261" alt="The Honest Real Estate Agent" width="170">What does it mean to be an honest real estate agent? Mario Jannatpour’s book, <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Honest-Real-Estate-Agent/dp/146111554X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353079200&sr=8-1&keywords=honest+real+estate+agent" title="The Honest Real Estate Agent">The Honest Real Estate Agent: A Training Guide for a Successful First Year and Beyond as a Real Estate Agent</a></em>, seeks to answer that question. This easy-to-read book is aimed at brand new agents or those considering a new real estate career. There are quite a few nuggets of wisdom for experienced agents as well, however, and it’s certainly worth a read even if you’ve been in the business for a few years. It’s also a good place to start if you are an experienced older agent who wants to modernize your approach to marketing with social media.</span></p> <p><em><span>The Honest Real Estate Agent </span></em><span>bases its premise on this idea: it’s better to be honest and cultivate relationships than to do what it takes to get a single sale, because referrals and repeat business will pay for itself many times over in the years to come. Jannatpour bases this not only on his own experience, but on the answers to questions he asked buyers and sellers: </span></p> <ul> <li><span>What do you value in a real estate agent?</span></li> <li><span>What is important to you when choosing an agent?</span></li> <li><span>What do you expect from your real estate agent when buying or selling your home?</span></li> </ul> <p><span>The answers to all of these questions are included in the book, and nearly all of them contain the word “honesty.” This isn’t just letting the buyer know that someone died in the home recently. It’s also being honest with the seller if they are pricing their home too high, or if they need to clean out the garage. </span></p> <p><span>“Honesty” is a springboard for topics that include time management, finding your niche, helping buyers, characteristics and traits of being a successful real estate agent, and finding mentors. My only quibble with the book is that, in some of the situations Jannatpour discusses, there’s no mention of the <a href="http://realestate.about.com/od/realestatebasics/p/fiduciary_duty.htm" title="Fiduciary duties">fiduciary duty of disclosure</a> required by state real estate agency laws; in other words, honesty isn’t just a good idea, it’s often a statutory requirement. That’s an important point new agents need to know. However, that aside, Jannatpour goes beyond the situations where honesty is required by law and includes times it’s just a great business practice.</span></p> <p><span>All in all, I found <em>The Honest Real Estate Agent</em> to be a great read. Jannatpour is a good at being motivational, yet also realistic and practical. New agents will benefit from this book, and experienced agents may find some new ideas to re-energize their business. </span></p> <p><span>Remember, <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a> is here to answer you real estate education questions.</span></p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:52:31 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3536789/book-review-the-honest-real-estate-agent http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3509335/test-taking-tip-looking-for-a-mental-edge-try-yoga- Test-taking Tip: Looking for a Mental Edge? Try Yoga! <p><span><img title="Yoga for real estate students" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/3/0/9/ar135240071990362.jpg" height="261" alt="Yoga for real estate students" width="180">Need a little extra help while you prep for your real estate exam? Most of us have heard that yoga is great for reducing stress and increasing flexibility. But did you know that yoga also has mental benefits as well? Studies have consistently shown that practicing yoga improves mental clarity, memory, and concentration. The reason is twofold: first and most obviously, yoga reduces the physical effects of stress, <a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/love-your-body/9-strategies-sharpen-memory-173200140.html" title="Impact of stress on nerve endings">known to be a major aggressor</a> to the nerve endings that are responsible for information flow.</span></p> <p><span>Second, the meditation aspect of yoga helps to train and discipline the mind, enabling more focused thinking. Brain scans<a href="www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1147167,00.html" title="Meditation improves memory and attention span"> show that regular meditation</a> causes physical improvements in the parts of the cerebral cortex responsible for memory and attention span. And you don’t have to be an expert at meditation, either. Simply concentrating on a yoga pose, or series of poses, can be enough to trigger the kind of mental focus that increases mental clarity throughout the day.</span></p> <p><span>Finally, for those who have never tried yoga before, there is an added benefit to giving it a try now. According to R. Douglas Fields, a senior investigator at the National Institutes of Health, being exposed to a new experience helps the mind retain what happens immediately after that new experience. As Fields explains, our minds can usually distinguish between what’s important enough to remember and what’s okay to forget immediately. But when faced with a new experience, the mind doesn’t know what to expect, so it assumes everything is important and pays close attention. Once activated, that mental engagement continues after the new experience, helping us to increase our long-term recall of what we learn afterward. So, if you've never tried yoga before, now is a great time to gain some extra mental traction from that new venture!</span></p> <p><span>Whether you’re new to yoga or an old hand at it, no doubt you’re pressed for time as you prep for your real estate exam. If an hour seems like too much time to spend away from your studies, give this <a href="http://yoga-for-weight-loss.thehealthyweight.org/2012/06/26/yoga-for-weight-loss-yoga-when-studying-for-exams/" title="Yoga routine for studying for the real estate exam">short, eight-minute yoga break a try</a>. It’s designed specifically for students cramming for an exam.</span></p> <p><span>Remember, <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com/" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a> is here to answer your real estate exam questions!</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:07:18 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3509335/test-taking-tip-looking-for-a-mental-edge-try-yoga- http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3505017/attention-anyone-seeking-a-california-broker-s-license- Attention anyone seeking a California broker’s license! <p><span><img title="Deadline for new broker's license requirements" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/6/6/8/ar135213962786674.jpg" height="187" alt="Deadline for new broker's license requirements" width="280">Are you thinking about getting your California real estate broker's license? Are you planning to use a four-year degree as a substitute for the requirement that you have two years of full-time, licensed salesperson experience? If so, and you didn’t minor or major in real estate, you’d better act quickly. Beginning January 1, only four-year degrees with a minor or major in real estate can be substituted for the work experience requirement.</span></p> <p><span> The new broker education requirement doesn’t apply if you have your complete broker exam or broker exam/license combination application postmarked to the DRE on or before December 31, 2012. (Alternatively, it may be hand-delivered to any DRE office by the same deadline.)</span></p> <p><span>To get the experience requirement waived, your degree must be from an accredited college or university. You'll have to provide an official transcript as proof of your degree.</span></p> <p><span>For more information about the new requirement, see these <a href="http://www.dre.ca.gov/files/pdf/faqs/FAQ_AB1718.pdf" title="DRE website regarding new license requirement">frequently asked questions with answers from the DRE.</a></span></p> <p><span>Remember, <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com/" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a> is here to answer all your real estate training questions.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Tue, 06 Nov 2012 06:42:17 -0800 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3505017/attention-anyone-seeking-a-california-broker-s-license- http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3497910/if-you-think-your-great-grandma-went-trick-or-treating-think-again- If you think your great-grandma went trick or treating, think again! <p><img title="Future real estate students" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/1/8/1/2/ar135169366621815.jpg" height="157" alt="Future real estate students" width="200">Remember when you couldn't wait for Halloween? You got to dress up as a princess, ninja, or scary monster and go out begging for candy! For many of us, trick or treating was a childhood staple, but (and this surprised us) trick or treating wasn't really common until the 1950s. Of course, the origins of Halloween itself go back much further than that.</p> <p>The tradition of going door to door to ask for treats began in Great Britain and Ireland in the Middle Ages, where the poor would go <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul_cake" title="Trick or Treat history"><span>"souling"</span></a> on Hallowmas (November 1) to beg for food in return for saying prayers for the dead on All Soul's Day (November 2). In fact, the name "Halloween" comes from "Hallow's E'en (evening)," the night before Hallowmas.</p> <p>The masks and costumes part comes from ancient Celtic traditions of dressing up as the dead to make them happy. This led to "guising" in the 1800s, where people put on disguises, made lanterns out of hollowed-out carved turnips, and went door to door for candy, fruit, and sometimes money.</p> <p>When the English, Irish, and Scottish settlers came to America around the turn of the century, they brought these customs with them. They found pumpkins much easier to come by (and carve) than turnips, and that's how Jack-o-lanterns became part of modern-day Halloween.</p> <p>At first, trick or treating was limited to small immigrant communities. It wasn't until the 1950s that Halloween began to catch on everywhere (no doubt encouraged by candy manufacturers). So when you're answering the door tonight, or taking your children out trick or treating, remember the traditions passed down from generation to generation that gave us this fun and spooky holiday!</p> <p>Remember, <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com/" title="Rockwell Institute website"><span>Rockwell Institute</span></a> is always here to answer your questions about real estate training! (Plus, we have candy!)</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Wed, 31 Oct 2012 07:30:32 -0700 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3497910/if-you-think-your-great-grandma-went-trick-or-treating-think-again- http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3427720/happy-labor-day- Happy Labor Day! <p class="MsoNormal"><span><img title="Labor day picnic" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/5/2/0/ar134636301802526.jpg" height="198" alt="Labor day picnic" width="300">Here at Rockwell, we're all excited about the Labor Day weekend! For us, Labor Day means two things: 1) the end of summer [well, maybe we're not excited about this part], and 2) a day off from work. But we realized that we take Labor Day for granted--we weren't even sure why we get a 3-day weekend every year as September rolls around. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>In case you're wondering, too, here's the scoop: Labor Day began as a way to honor our nation's workers. Labor unions began holding celebrations in the late 1800s as a way to show their strength and encourage better working conditions (who wants to work 12-hour shifts in a factory?). </span><span>The first Labor Day parade took place on September 5, 1892, in New York City. Union workers took an unpaid day off, and marched from City Hall, past Union Square, to Elm Park. According to one account, “after much speech-making, they ate their lunches, drank beer, listened to German singing societies and Irish fiddlers, danced to union bands, and viewed fireworks displays in the evening.” In 1894, Congress passed the law that made Labor Day a national holiday (to be celebrated on the first Monday in September). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Ironically, today most of us celebrate Labor Day by not working: it’s a day of rest and relaxation, parades, beaches, BBQs, or picnics. Of course, some professionals (including real estate agents) don’t always get to take a break. Many real estate agents will spend at least part of the holiday weekend holding open houses and showing homes. Others may gear up for fall by thinking about taking those pesky real estate CE classes. (Don’t forget that <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com/default.asp" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell</a> </span>is here for your real estate education needs!)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>Whatever your plans are for this weekend, we wish you all a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span>(Please note that <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/contactus.asp" title="Contact Rockwell">Rockwell</a> will be closed on Monday, September 3. We will re-open on Tuesday, September 4 at 8:00am.)</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:45:56 -0700 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3427720/happy-labor-day- http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3408676/restaurant-review-persepolis- Restaurant Review: Persepolis <p><span><span><img title="Persepolis sandwich" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/2/2/6/ar134495821862288.jpg" height="176" alt="Persepolis sandwich" width="300">Today we’re reviewing a spot that is especially convenient for our Bellevue real estate students: <strong>Persepolis Specialties and Café</strong>, located right here in our office complex. Persepolis consists of a small specialty grocery store featuring Persian and Mediterranean items, and a café serving a rather eclectic mix of Persian, Thai, and American dishes. We tried the gyro sandwich (seasoned grilled meat, onion, lettuce, and tomatoes, wrapped in flatbread with cucumber-yogurt sauce) and the Persian kubideh sandwich (marinated ground beef kabobs with onions, lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes on a foot-long French roll). Both were tasty—and huge! </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Other intriguing-sounding menu items included a Persian veggie burger, a beef and herb stew, and an eggplant stew. If you’re looking for something different, Persepolis’s Thai dishes include salad rolls, several salads and sandwiches, and a variety of curries. Rounding out the menu are several types of quiche, salads, soups, and croissant and panini sandwiches. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Persepolis opens at 8:00am on weekdays—early enough to grab a coffee (Vivace roast—our favorite!) and pastry during the morning break.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Persepolis is located at </span><span><span>13122 NE 20</span><sup><span>th</span></sup><span> St., Suite 300, Bellevue, WA 98005. (Phone: 425-462-8987; Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Persepolis-Specialties/100505086677051#!/PersepolisSpecialtiesCafe"><span>https://www.facebook.com/pages/Persepolis-Specialties/100505086677051#!/PersepolisSpecialtiesCafe</span></a> )</span><strong></strong></span></span></p> <p><span>Remember, if you have any real estate education questions, <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com/" title="Rockwell Institute website"><span><span>Rockwell Institute</span></span></a><span><span> is here to help!</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><br><br><br></p> <div> <span>Follow <a href="http://rockwellinstitute.com" title="Rockwell Institute website">Rockwell Institute</a>!</span> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/RockwellInstitute" title="Rockwell on Facebook"><img title="Facebook" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_fb.gif" height="20" alt="Facebook" width="20"></a><img title="Twitter" src="http://www.rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite/images/MarketingPublicImgs/header_tw.gif" height="18" alt="Twitter" width="18"> </div> <div> <img title="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" src="http://rockwellinstitute.com/WebSite%5Cimages/MarketingPublicImgs/anniversary_ribbon.gif" height="100" alt="Rockwell Institute--in business since 1974" width="100"> </div> </div> Rockwell Institute, Real Estate Education (Prelicense and Continuing Education) Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:48:19 -0700 http://realestateschoolwire.com/post/3408676/restaurant-review-persepolis-