anis Benstock

Settle Down Philadelphia

Celebrating Leaders

Written by: Dave Danielson

Changing Circumstances for the Better

If you could see what you do every day through the eyes of your clients, you would really understand your full value.

That’s because the things you take for granted that you do — the steps that seem second nature to you — have a real magic and an undeniable value for those you serve.

Delivering the Difference

Janis Benstock delivers that same differ ence. As Founder of the Janis Benstock Real Estate Academy and as the Broker of Settle Down Philadelphia.

Janis has a passion for changing the circumstances of others around her for the better. Janis created the academy a little over a year ago, after starting her teaching career in 2017.

“Before that, I was in the business since earning my license in November 1996, and I’ve seen the industry change through time,” she says.

“So many people are interested in real estate from a consumerism standpoint … seeing images of it on HGTV and social media,” Janis says. “Real estate has become quite sexy.

I have so many people who are interested in real estate or in becoming a licensed salesperson, even investors who want to get licensed just to do their own deals. It has been a game changer.”

Individual Impact

Janis takes a very personal and comprehensive approach with students at the academy.

“I’ve been through the hard part where I didn’t know how to build my business. I’ve been in that place where I didn’t even know what I didn’t know, and that’s a rough spot to be in. That’s why I teach the way I do,” Janis says.

“It’s all-encompassing. It’s comprehensive. We don’t just learn from the textbook during our sessions. Our mantra is be led by something greater than money and the money will follow … with education, mindset work and business building, a real estate license can be a game changer in people’s lives.”

Finding Fulfillment

One of the most fulfilling parts of her work is seeing the impact of her efforts firsthand.

“I love seeing a student grow and become very successful,” she says with a warm smile. “It means so much when I see education changing the lives of my students as well as the clients they serve.”

As Janis talks with her students, she emphasizes the power they possess when they hold a real estate license.

“With that real estate license in their pocket, they can do so much more than sell houses. Real estate is about people. When agents are led by relationships with people, they will not only succeed financially in business, they will also succeed in life because they are serving other humans.” Janis says.

“We start with the foundation that we are here to do it in the right and ethical way. The disparity in wealth in the U.S. between homeowners and renters is staggering. One of the ways to help combat generational poverty is through homeownership. And one of the reasons that people don’t own real estate is a lack of information. It’s my students’ privilege, duty, and obligation to use their newly gained knowledge to educate and uplift other people.

My hope is that everyone who sits in my classroom can go out, make money, and share their knowledge to help improve other people’s lives.”

Real Advantages

The academy conducts pre-licensure and Broker in-person classes at its Northern Liberties location as well as a full menu of CE, mindset and business development courses.

“As agents and Brokers, we all have to take Continuing Education, so I make it fun and educational and even call in guest instructors,” Janis points out. “We are a one-stop shop for everything real estate.”

As Janis says, “We really believe that Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, and RCOs are the backbone of our communities.”

As Janis considers her continued growth and future in the business, she is quick to shine the spotlight on her success.

“I think about my staff and how integral they are,” she says. “I couldn’t do it without them. I cherish them every day. It takes a village to do this kind of work. And I love my agents so much. They are family. They are all in the right place. Their success is my success.”

Wonderful Life

Even though she works a lot, family is her driving force.

Her sons, Jack and Asher are working toward getting licensed and bought their first investment property as teenagers.

In her free time, Janis has a love of reading. She also likes to explore new cities and even attend open houses in other markets. She usually takes the summers off to spend time at her house down the shore.

When it comes to giving back, Janis contributes 2 percent of each commission at her Brokerage, Settle Down Philadelphia — donating funds to the RCO.

When you talk with Janis, it’s easy to see why people gravitate toward her. They know that they can count on Janis to meet their needs … and to change their circumstances for the better.

She loves focusing her energy on agents who are building something special for the future.

“Sometimes people have this misconception that real estate agents are glamorous or rock stars,” she smiles. “The truth is we are all just people. Those who are thinking about getting into this business should not be intimidated by the glossy headshots and billboards. We’re all just people helping people.”

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