Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Southern.
Hi Dawn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got started in real estate back in 2007, and like most new agents, I learned pretty quickly that this business takes a lot of hard work, persistence, and a willingness to keep growing. Over the years, I moved from selling new construction into different leadership roles—first as a compliance broker, then a managing broker, and eventually a qualifying broker. Through all of that, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t just selling houses, but helping other agents find their footing and succeed.
That’s what led me to open the West Georgia Real Estate Academy in 2022. I wanted to create a place where people could not only get their license, but also really learn what it takes to build a solid, professional career. We offer pre-license classes for new agents and continuing education for those already in the business. My goal has always been to make the classes practical, engaging, and focused on real-life situations agents will face—because it’s not just about passing a test, it’s about being prepared once you’re out there working with clients.
Looking back, every step of my journey,whether it was the tough lessons or the big wins,pushed me toward this. Today, I’m proud that the Academy has become a supportive space where agents can learn, grow, and feel confident in their careers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I decided to start the West Georgia Real Estate Academy in 2022, I honestly had no idea how many moving parts there would be. Getting approved through the Georgia Real Estate Commission, writing courses from scratch, and making sure everything lined up with the rules, and if agents were even going to show up for the classes, it was a lot. On top of that, I was still running a brokerage and mentoring agents, so there were plenty of late nights spent writing lesson plans and creating materials.
The hardest part for me wasn’t the paperwork, though, it was the pressure I put on myself. I didn’t want the Academy to just be a place to check off licensing requirements. I wanted it to feel different, somewhere students could really learn, feel supported, and walk away confident about their careers. That took extra time and energy, and there were moments when I wondered if it was too much to juggle.
But every struggle ended up shaping the Academy into what it is today. I can look back now and see that the long hours and tough lessons were worth it, because we’ve created a space that truly prepares people for real life in real estate. And for me, that’s the most rewarding part.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The West Georgia Real Estate Academy is a state-approved school I opened in 2022, right here in Buchanan. We offer pre-license and post-license education for those entering the industry, as well as continuing education courses for licensed agents who want to grow their knowledge and stay compliant. One thing that sets us apart is that all of our continuing education classes are completely free, because we believe education is the most important investment a real estate professional can make.
Our approach is simple: make learning real, relevant, and engaging. I bring over 15 years of experience into the classroom, so the lessons go beyond textbooks. Students learn how to apply their knowledge in real-world situations, whether it’s writing contracts, staying compliant, or handling complex client interactions.
At the Academy, we live by the belief that education is not just about learning, it’s about transforming potential into performance. That’s why our mission is clear: West Georgia Real Estate Academy aims to empower real estate professionals with essential knowledge and skills through quality continuing education courses, fostering industry excellence and success.
What I am most proud of is the supportive environment we have built. Students are not just checking a box for hours; they are gaining confidence, professional skills, and a community that encourages their success. Whether you are brand new to real estate or a seasoned agent looking to sharpen your skills, the West Georgia Real Estate Academy is here to help you thrive.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Real estate is always changing, and I think the next 5–10 years will bring some big shifts. Technology will keep playing a huge role, especially with AI, virtual showings, and smarter CRMs. But even with all the tech, relationships and professionalism will still matter most. Clients want someone they can trust, not just an app that gives them information.
Education is going to become even more important. The rules and regulations are constantly evolving, and agents who don’t stay sharp will struggle to keep up. That’s one reason we put so much focus on continuing education at West Georgia Real Estate Academy. It’s not just about meeting the requirements, it’s about being prepared to serve clients well in a changing market.
I also see consumers expecting higher standards from real estate professionals. They want agents who are knowledgeable, ethical, and skilled negotiators. That’s why our mission of transforming potential into performance is so important. If we can raise the bar in education, we can raise the bar for the whole industry.
Pricing:
- Salesperson Pre-License $475.00
- Broker Pre-License $299
- Post-License $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westgarealestateacademy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wgarealestateacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088502203213
