KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Many new high school graduates already know where they're headed, whether it's to college or a full-time job. But now, the Tennessee Real Estate Commission wants to offer another option.
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission is offering the Tennessee High School Senior Real Estate Licensing program for 2024 graduating high school seniors. It provides the base education required for the pre-licensing exams Tennessee real estate agents must take. They'll be able to complete the program at their own pace, within six months from their enrollment date.
Justus Hayes, a 2023 Central High School graduate, said he's always been interested in real estate.
"I've always wanted to be in real estate," said Hayes. "I don't know what that key was to just go, start wanting to do real estate. I was in middle school when I switched my career and wanted to do the change to real estate."
He said a career in real estate was the perfect path for him. Hayes said his goal is to eventually own his own real estate firm.
"I know personally, to me, I am a busybody," said Hayes. "I like being able to go out, please people, make people happy. And honestly, I'm a talker. So, I think being able to just go out and make someone's day, even if it's not selling them at home, being able to talk and communicate with people, and just be able to network open so many doors."
He says he wishes this program had been around when he graduated because his courses cost around $500.
"It got me resources and different things," said Hayes. "But honestly, I will say, like, if I could be able to do the program, it'll be great."
Kate Uzubell said she taught him at Central High School. She said her own son, Jackson Uzubell, is interested in real estate and she was excited to see this program offered.
"I was excited about the opportunity for my son," said Uzubell. "I think it would be great and it kind of gives him a head start on starting a career."
She said she hopes the program will be available to him in the near future.
"He is going to be a senior this coming year, so I would definitely like it to continue, to see if he is actually interested in it instead of investing a whole bunch of his own money to see if it is something he wants to do," said Uzubell.
Hayes said he recommends high school seniors take advantage of the program, even if it isn't something they've thought about doing.
"If it's free, and if it's offered, and if it's able to get you good resources, why not? I'd say that you should just get it. Open up your opportunity for more careers, even if it's just one or two. I've thought about it. I mean, why not? Go ahead and get it and just be prepared, if the time comes available," said Hayes.
Uzubell also recommends the program for other students.
The program will be closed to new applicants on June 7 due to high interest. It will be reopened to new applicants at a later date. Applications can be submitted here.
Anyone with questions should contact Denise Baker, the TREC executive director, at trec.hsprogram@tn.gov.