About Our School

Welcome to the Tennessee Real Estate Academy, where we’re on a mission to help you become an enlightened, compassionate, and valued member of the real estate community. We’re all about preparing you for the best opportunities in the exciting world of real estate. From our humble beginnings as a small family company in a single market, we’ve grown into a thriving powerhouse of real estate education.

Our Owner & Director of Instruction is Eric Kistner. With a degree in economics and political science from King University, Eric is the managing broker of Bridge Pointe Real Estate and Auction. He brings a unique perspective to the local real estate market as a licensed broker, contractor, and auctioneer. Eric’s credentials speak for themselves. He served as the 2017 president of the Northeast Tennessee Real Estate Association of Realtors®, and in 2018, he was honored with the prestigious Netar Realtor® of the Year Award. He’s a graduate of the National Association of Realtors® Leadership Academy and is committed to lifelong learning.

Eric holds several real estate designations, including CRS, GRI, EPRO, NCC, and RCC. He’s also a certified real estate coach by Leigh Brown, a certified Distance Education instructor, and a certified Tennessee education instructor. Beyond his professional achievements, Eric actively contributes to his community. He serves as the chairman of the Holston Valley Medical Center and is a founding member of the HVMC Patient Advisory Task Force. He’s also a valued board member for the Move to Kingsport and Kingsport Façade Grant Committees.

When Eric isn’t busy sharing his enthusiasm for all things real estate, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Dr. Heather Kistner, and their son, Cash. They love to travel and unwind with their lovable canine companions, Jaxson and Boomer.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What's the maximum number of students per class?

We’re happy to offer a variety of options to fit your needs! Our in-person classes have a maximum capacity of 25 students due to parking constraints. However, if you can’t make it to an in-person class or it’s already full, don’t worry – our live webinar classes are available to accommodate you no matter where you are! With our flexible options, you can always find a way to learn and grow with us.

What is the schedule for your in-person and live webinar classes?

We offer our in-person and live webinar classes on weekdays from Monday to Friday, running from 8:30am to 1:30pm for three weeks. This schedule ensures that you get the most out of your learning experience while still having plenty of time to take care of other important things in your life. To see our upcoming start dates and enroll in a course, simply click on the link in the top navigation bar.

Do I have to complete quizzes / tests to pass the course?

Yes, you do! Our in-person classes require a final test at the end of the course, but don’t worry – we’ve designed our classes to ensure you’re fully prepared to ace it! And for our on-demand classes, the final exam is built right into the course’s online module. Regardless of which class format you choose, our quizzes and tests are an important part of the learning experience and help ensure you have a solid understanding of the material.

Do I get a certificate or transcript when I finish the course?

Yes, you’ll receive two certificates upon completion of our courses, and it’s important that you hold onto them for when you apply for your license. If you’re taking an in-person class, you’ll receive your certificates on the last day of class. And for our online learners, we’ll send the certificates right to your inbox once you’ve finished the course.

Are there other courses or books you recommend to help me pass the test besides what I'll get from you?

As a matter of fact, no. We’re confident that our program provides all the materials and resources you’ll need to pass your test with flying colors. In fact, we highly recommend utilizing the PSI Candidate Bulletin, which is a free and invaluable tool that outlines exactly where your questions will come from. By using this resource in conjunction with our program materials, you’ll be well on your way to acing your test and achieving your goals!

What if I have to miss a class?

No worries! We’ve got you covered. Our live classes are all recorded and we’ll send you the Zoom recording if you have to miss a class. Just be sure to watch it and take the corresponding quiz to stay on track with your learning. While we highly recommend attending all classes in person or live online, we understand that life can sometimes get in the way, and we’re committed to making sure you don’t fall behind.

Do you offer tutoring?

Yes, we’re happy to offer one-on-one tutoring to help you achieve your learning goals. Our dedicated assistant, Jennifer, offers four hours of tutoring for $100, and you’ll also get free access to our online school, which is exactly what she’ll be tutoring you on. In addition, we have plenty of other resources available to help you study, including practice exams, videos, textbooks, and more. Whether you need a little extra help or a lot, we’re here to support you every step of the way!

Is your school licensed by the state of Tennessee?

Of course! We’re fully licensed and accredited by the state of Tennessee, with license number 1638. You can verify our status on the Tennessee Department of Real Estate website by clicking here. We’re committed to providing our students with the highest quality education and meeting all state requirements.

What kind of continuing education do I need to renew my license?

In our state, you need 16 hours of continuing education every two years to renew your license. However, that’s just the minimum requirement. If you want to excel in this industry and earn more commission, you should invest in yourself by taking additional classes and getting designations. By joining the local real estate board, you can also access over 200 hours of free or reduced-cost classes every year, although these classes are primarily focused on maintaining your license rather than building your business.

What makes your school different?

We’re glad you asked! There are a few things that set us apart from the rest. Firstly, our instructor (Eric Kistner) has real-world experience, with over $150 million worth of real estate sold, along with licenses in contracting and auctioneering. He’ll be with you every step of the way, offering guidance and support to help you succeed. Additionally, our free online course is an invaluable resource, with access to class recordings and other materials to help you study and learn. And finally, don’t just take our word for it – our 100+ five-star Google reviews speak for themselves. Come see what all the buzz is about and experience the difference for yourself!

Who is the instructor?

Our instructor is Eric Kistner. With a degree in economics and political science from King University, Eric brings a unique perspective to the classroom as the managing broker of Bridge Pointe Real Estate and Auction. As a licensed broker, contractor, and auctioneer, he has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with his students. In addition to those credentials, Eric is also committed to lifelong learning, holding multiple real estate designations and certifications, including those from the National Association of Realtors® and John Maxwell public speaking coaching. You’ll find out just how much FUN learning can be, from your very first class with Eric!