Hannah Parker
Assistant Managing Editor
Mira Costa senior Everett Smith is putting his name on the map, as he continues his interest in real estate by completing courses at El Camino College.
Smith was prompted to take the courses by his dad’s involvement in the real estate industry. He was initially inspired to enter the industry when he saw the buildings his father was working on at the University of Southern California and SpaceX.
“Growing up, I was always around those in the industry,” Smith said. “I was always seeing buildings being flipped, sold and rented out and these processes interested me. I like how in Real Estate, it is a mix of business, communication and design. It combines a lot of aspects which I’m interested in.”
Smith learned about real estate in the Real Estate Principles course at El Camino in the summer of 2017. He enrolled and began the course from mid June until the end of July. He plans to enroll in the second course this coming summer.
“I learned about the class and immediately wanted to sign up,” Smith said. “I didn’t have to apply and I liked how accessible it was. Taking the class made me feel productive over the summer and also allowed me to learn a lot more about the things that I am interested in.”
The course’s goal was to introduce the students to the aspects of real estate management, including the rights and responsibilities of the parties, personnel, maintenance, contracts and ownership of income-producing property. In the class, Smith was able to learn how to prepare sample management plans and residential rent permits.
“The class seemed a bit overwhelming at times,” Smith said. “We had to put a lot of work into our plans and projects, but overall it was very rewarding. You think you understand real estate, but taking courses such as this remind you about all the small things that are actually very challenging.”
Costa does not offer proper courses for students interested in fields such as real estate, Smith said. In the future, he agrees with the idea that focus courses should be provided in order to better prepare students for the workforce.
In college, Smith plans to major in business. He also plans on taking the courses Real Estate Practice as well as an elective course so that he will be qualified to take his real estate exam afterwards. In the future, he hopes to get his brokering license and eventually start his own private firm.
“Although I eventually want to be a broker, I know I want to major in business in college,” Smith said. “This summer, I plan on taking the second course, but I feel like getting my businesses major is more versatile for getting jobs down the road. I really would like to continue my work in real estate and am excited for what is to come.”
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