New Real Estate School Opens For Business In The Hamptons

With the closing of Southampton College, no classroom opportunities have been available since 2009 east of Riverhead for those who want to take the New York State licensing, broker, or continuing education courses for license renewal.

Starting in July, that will no longer be the case thanks to Tim Brenneman, Executive Director, of Cook Maran Services, an already established insurance brokerage firm with local offices in Southampton and East Hampton. Tim’s wife, Debbie, is an Associate Broker with Corcoran in Bridgehampton.

What made you decide to start a real estate school in the Hamptons?
TB: My wife, Debbie, is a realtor, and it dawned on me one morning that she was driving to Hauppauge for continuing education. When I asked her why, it became clear that there was an opportunity to provide real estate education more locally. We have offices with meeting facilities in both East Hampton and Southampton so we can help the real estate community by making our offices available. Plus, our insurance sales people work with realtors and their clients all the time, and anything we can do to help the community and tie ourselves to even more realtors is just good business.

When and where will the classes be offered?
TB: We plan to run five different sessions in 2013 – three continuing education sessions, a real estate salesperson licensing course, and a real estate broker course. We will hold the sessions in either our Easthampton office at 461 Pantigo Road or our Southampton office at 300 Hamptons Road. Most of the initial sessions will be in Easthampton which has the capacity to hold more people.

How do you intend to promote the school?
TB: We will get the word out in a variety of different mediums. Look for us in the real estate sections of the Easthampton Star, Southampton Press, and local radio. Also, our insurance sales people will be visiting the East End real estate offices to distribute materials.

Where can those who are interested get a list of class offerings and register?
TB: We have created a simple web site at www.cookmaranservices.com where schedules, fee structures and a simple registration card can be found. Also email inquiries can be sent to [email protected]

In the interests of full disclosure, I am pleased that Tim has asked me to be the school’s lead instructor. I would be remiss if I didn’t say how pleased I am to work with him on this new venture, and I certainly wish us the very best of luck going forward.