Real Estate & Finance Advisory Committee
Ina Midkiff
Department Chair of Marketing, Fashion Marketing, Real Estate & Finance
512-223-2072, [email protected]
Ina Midkiff is the Department Chair of Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and Real Estate. She has taught at Austin Community College for over 20 years. She earned a BBA and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Tarleton State University. Over the years she has served as Division Chair of Business Studies Division, Department Chair of Management, Associate Dean at Cypress Creek Campus, Assistant Department Chair of Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and Real Estate and served as an officer of Austin Community College’s Faculty Association.
Kelea Youngblood – Committee Chair
Affiliation – Austin Board of REALTORS®
512-905-2742, [email protected]
Kelea is the Chief Marketing Officer at the Austin Board of REALTORS® and former Chair of the Texas Real Estate Commission Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC). The Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) reviews curriculum standards, course content requirements, and instructor certification requirements for qualifying and continuing education courses, and makes recommendations to the Commission regarding these topics to ensure license holder education meets the highest educational standards
Kelea cares deeply about her community and programs that help young adults realize their dreams and build thriving careers. In partnership with Austin ISD and Austin Community College, she co-created a first-of-its-kind pilot program for Akins ISD in 2019 that allows high school students to graduate with an Associates’ Degree and their real estate license. Kelea serves on the Board of Directors for Creative Action, on the Austin Chamber’s District-to-College Achievement Plan Executive Committee, as a mentor for the Austin Women’s Alliance, and as Chair of the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Committee. Previously, Kelea has served on the Austin Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards Nomination Committee, and the National Association of REALTORS®’ Professional Development and REALTOR® Certified Executive (RCE) Committees. Kelea graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Mass Media Communications and International Affairs, holds RCE and C2EX designations, and is a proud graduate of the Texas Real Estate Leadership Program and Leadership Austin.
Matt Teifke – Committee Vice Chair
Affiliation – TRE Realty
512-914-4806, [email protected]
Matt is a real estate entrepreneur in Austin, Texas. He and his business partner, Alex Coffman, run Teifke Real Estate (TRE). In addition, he is co-owner of TRE Property Solutions and Longhorn Construction & Development. As a huge believer in the power of connecting and adding value, Matt seeks to shine light on what is possible and grows with others. Matt earned his real estate license 13 years ago at 18 years old and he is still just as passionate now about the Real Estate industry as ever. He grew up in Round Rock, Texas aka Opportunity City, currently has two baby boys and married to Lexi.
– Founder of TRE Homes, TRE Teifke Real Estate, Longhorn Construction & Development and TRE Property Solutions
– Founder TRE Real Estate Services employing over 175 agents and staff
– Master in Real Estate, Valuation, Analysis, Investment from Texas A&M University
– Holds brokerage license with the State of Texas.
Lori Goto – Committee Secretary
Affiliation – Side, Inc.
512-461-1577, [email protected]
Lori Anne Goto is the Broker/Owned of Encore Real Estate. Since 2006, top producer Lori Goto has been a trusted partner to hundreds of buyers and sellers in the growing Austin metro area. As she facilitates her clients’ exciting real estate ventures, Lori’s kindness, patience, and perseverance support each distinct relationship, creating a solid foundation for success in Austin’s competitive market.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lori embodies the balanced, collaborative energy of the aloha spirit. Through her calm and direct demeanor, she creates a relaxed and fluid atmosphere that immediately puts people at ease. Her vast industry knowledge is matched by her emotional instincts and flawless communication style, which she customizes to each client’s preference. Lori knows that a home is the largest investment most of her clients will make, and her objective is to help them make decisions that maximize their investments — now and in the future.
Lori’s expertise has consistently earned her many awards, including Platinum Top 50 REALTOR® and Texas Monthly Five-Star Professional. Lori pioneers efficient solutions that overcome any obstacle, putting her extensive talents and resources into action on her clients’ behalf. Though she works to balance what’s important to all parties involved in a transaction, she never backs away from using her fierce negotiation skills to ensure her clients achieve their ultimate goals.
Along with a list of extensive accolades and accomplishments, among them, being featured on HGTV’s “My First Place,” Lori has been a proud Texas resident since 1989. She loves living in Austin with her husband, David, and is thrilled to continue to support her clients with Encore Real Estate.
Miguel Benavides, Jr. – Committee Member
Affiliation – Stewart Title
512-422-6118, [email protected]
Miguel Benavides is the Vice President of Sales at Stewart Title of Austin, where he has been a dedicated professional in the title industry for over eight years. His expertise and commitment have significantly contributed to the growth and success of the company.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Miguel is an active volunteer and leader in the real estate community. He has served as the past president of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Austin chapter, demonstrating his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the real estate industry. In 2023, he took on the role of committee chair on Default for AREAA National, further showcasing his dedication to the organization and its mission.
Miguel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from St. Edward’s University, providing him with a strong foundation in effective communication and leadership skills. His educational background, combined with his extensive experience, makes him a respected and influential figure in the real estate sector.
With a passion for helping others and a track record of success, Miguel Benavides continues to make a positive impact both professionally and within the community
Michael Bernstein – Committee Member
Affiliation – LendFriend Mortgage
512-461-7522, [email protected]
Michael Bernstein is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of LendFriend Mortgage. He is committed to LendFriend providing top notch, white-glove service for its clients, agent partners, and transactional third parties. Mike has extensive experience in facilitating headache-free, on-time loan closings. An educator and helper on all things “home loans”, Mike taps into his marketing and customer service background to easily communicate some of the most difficult loan concepts to first time homebuyers and advocate the benefits of working with LendFriend.
“Never hesitate to pick up the phone and dial my number, that’s my mantra. I have an open-phone policy for friends, colleagues, clients and partners and it helps me achieve my goal of leading a stress-free, dare I say “fun” mortgage experience. Together we can go far, and I strongly believe that having a team mentality is the best way to succeed!”
Jenna Duke – Committee Member
Affiliation – Endeavor Real Estate Group
512-796-0074, [email protected]
Jenna Duke is the General Manager at Endeavor Real Estate, where she has demonstrated her expertise and dedication over the past five years. With a robust background in property management, Jenna is responsible for overseeing a portfolio totaling approximately 815,000 square feet. This includes industrial properties and Class A offices, with a notable focus on Riata Corporate Park—a substantial eight-building, suburban office complex in Northwest Austin that encompasses around 690,000 square feet. Jenna’s long-standing commitment to Riata Corporate Park, where she has been a pivotal part of the property management team for over a decade, underscores her profound understanding and management of the facility.
Jenna’s academic and professional credentials are impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Real Estate from The University of Texas at Austin. Further enhancing her qualifications, she is a Certified Property Manager accredited by the Institute of Real Estate Management and a Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent through the Texas Real Estate Commission.
Her professional involvement extends beyond her primary role. Jenna has actively contributed to the Institute of Real Estate Management by serving in various committee chair positions, demonstrating her commitment to the advancement of the real estate management profession.
Jenna Duke’s extensive experience, academic background, and active professional engagement make her a highly respected and influential figure in the real estate industry. Her leadership at Endeavor Real Estate continues to drive the company’s success and enhance its reputation in the market.
Christie Hall – Committee Member
Affiliation – Homes with Hall Realty
512-417-7131, [email protected]
Christie Hall, M.Ed. is the Owner and Broker of Homes with Hall Realty. Christie Hall is from Chicago, Illinois and has resided in the Greater Austin area for 15 plus years. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from Chapman University and a Master’s degree in Early Education. She built her career in early childhood education where she emphasized training and advocacy at a high level. She shifted these qualities to elevate and build her own brokerage, Homes With Hall Realty during the pandemic. During her career she has served countless families and closed multi-million dollars in real estate.
She has founded her business upon 3 pillars; Education, Advocacy, and Emotional Intelligence. These are the foundations for a superior experience whether you are a client or agent of Homes With Hall Realty. She strives to serve her community at a high level and integrate herself in the community so that everyone knows who they can trust and count on.
She is married to Byron Hall and has two amazing daughters and four precious grandchildren. They are members of Agape Christian Ministries Church where she and Byron serve on the Marriage Enrichment Team. She loves all things comedy, travel, and empowering others.
Margot Harmatuk – Committee Member
Affiliation – University Federal Credit Union (UFCU)
512-467-8080 x22780, [email protected]
Julie Nelson – Committee Member
Affiliation – eXp Realty
512-848-5881 , [email protected]
Julie Nelson is an 18-year veteran of the real estate industry including 5 years as the Director of Career Development with the Keller Williams Southwest Market Center, running the largest new agent broker training program in the country. Julie’s accomplishments include Platinum Top 50 Trainer of the Year, Inman News Contributor, KWU Approved Instructor, national speaker and trainer, and being recognized as one of the top new agent coaches within the Keller William Realty franchise system. Julie is a licensed Realtor® with eXp Realty and her latest book is Success Faster.
The Real Estate & Finance Advisory Committee is composed of recognized leaders in the field in ACC’s service area. Members convene regularly to offer their combined expertise to influence the curriculum structure and instructional methods of the program.
The purpose of the Real Estate department is to provide premier courses and degree plans that give students the practical, theoretical, and technical knowledge needed to be successful in the field of real estate. Our curriculum provides students with first-rate professional and workforce programs that result in employment in the public and private sectors. It is based on identified competencies, has a capstone experience, and strives to be socially responsible as well as addressing employer needs. These courses will also allow students to qualify to take the Texas Real Estate License exam. We are committed to:
- Providing students in the real estate degree plans the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their abilities that will enable them to seek employment in a real estate position.
- Providing students in the transfer degree plan the knowledge and skills necessary for transfer and success at a baccalaureate degree granting institution.
- Providing students in the workforce areas the knowledge and skills necessary for job enhancement.
- Providing employers in our community a trained, technically competent, and diverse workforce.
- Providing all students advising from a qualified, dedicated, and accessible faculty.
Our overall departmental mission is threefold: 1) to prepare students for entry-level employment in the rapidly expanding real estate market, 2) to enable students to improve their job skills to promote career advancement and development, and 3) prepare students to achieve a passing grade on the Texas Real Estate Licensing Exam.
The department hires highly qualified professionals within our field of study and provides them the support they need. The department has relevant, up-to-date course materials and keeps text books current. Course content complies with TREC regulations and local industry standards and includes recommendations from the Advisory Committee.
* Google Translations are provided only for your convenience. *
Please contact the department if you have any questions.