Dreaming of a thriving real estate career? A six-figure salary and flexible schedule don’t have to be just a dream; it’s a tangible future waiting for you! The first, and most crucial, step in the real estate license process is knowing how to choose a real estate school that will set you up for success.
Finding the best online real estate schools or in-person programs can feel overwhelming, but it’s the key to unlocking your potential. Imagine confidently passing your licensing exam and launching a career where your income potential is truly limitless.
This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you to choose one of the best accredited real estate schools that perfectly aligns with your preferred learning style, budget, and career goals.
Key Takeaways
- Accreditation Is Non-Negotiable: Ensure any school you consider is accredited by your state’s real estate commission and reputable organizations like ARELLO to guarantee your education meets state licensing requirements.
- Evaluate Learning Formats: Choose a format —whether online, in-person, or hybrid —that fits your schedule and learning preferences for the best chance of success.
- Success Metrics Matter: Look beyond tuition costs and examine package details and student testimonials to gauge the quality of education. Check to see if pass rates are available on your state’s licensing website.
- Support Extends Beyond The Classroom: Prioritize schools that offer comprehensive career support, including exam prep, professional development resources, and networking opportunities.
Why Choosing The Right Real Estate School Matters
Selecting the right real estate school is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make in your career. Your choice directly impacts your licensing exam preparation and your readiness to thrive as a real estate professional. A high-quality program provides more than just the required pre-licensing hours; it equips you with practical knowledge, exam-taking strategies, and other career resources that will help you succeed.
Choosing an unaccredited or low-quality school can result in wasted time and money, as well as a delayed start to your career.
Pro Tip: Investing in a reputable program is an investment in your future success.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Real Estate School
With so many options available, it’s essential to evaluate schools based on a few key factors. Carefully considering each of these elements will help you find a program that not only prepares you for your state-specific real estate exam but also supports your long-term career aspirations.
Accreditation and legitimacy
Accreditation is the most important factor to verify. It ensures that the school’s curriculum meets the rigorous standards set by your state’s real estate commission and national bodies, such as the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO). An accredited real estate school is your guarantee that the pre-licensing hours you complete will be accepted when you apply for your license.
Pro Tip: Always check a school’s credentials on your state commission’s official website before enrolling.
Cost and financing options
Tuition costs can vary widely, so it’s important to understand what is included in the price. Some schools bundle exam preparation materials, textbooks, live instructor support, and career resources into their packages, while others charge for these items separately.
Look for transparent pricing and ask about any available payment plans or financial aid options to find a program that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
While affordability is important, choosing a school solely based on the lowest price can be a mistake, as it may lead to compromises in the quality of education, resources, or support services provided.
Pro Tip: Some real estate schools offer financing options.
Learning formats
Wondering about Select an online real estate school that offers learning formats tailored to fit your lifestyle.
Wondering about online vs in-person real estate classes? The most empowering options are self-paced online courses, which offer you the ultimate flexibility to study at any time, from anywhere, and tailor your learning to your unique schedule. Alternatively, dynamic live-streamed classes offer real-time engagement and direct interaction with instructors, bringing the classroom experience to you, wherever you are.
These flexible options make it easy to integrate your real estate education into your life, allowing you to pursue your career goals without any hassle.
Career support
Top real estate schools understand that your education is just the beginning. Look for programs that offer robust career services, such as:
- Comprehensive exam preparation with practice tests and study guides.
- Professional development certifications and training to help you build your business.
- Career services in real estate, including networking opportunities with brokerages and industry professionals.
- Post-licensing and continuing education to fulfill licensing requirements.
How to Compare Real Estate Schools
Once you have a shortlist of accredited real estate schools, it’s time to compare them head-to-head. A methodical approach will help you see past the marketing and identify the program that truly offers the best value and preparation.
Step 1: Research each school’s reputation.
Look for student reviews and testimonials on independent sites to get an unbiased view of their experience. Pay close attention to feedback on instructor quality, course material relevance, and customer support. It’s also a great idea to ask licensed real estate agents in your area which school they attended and would recommend.
Step 2: Dig into the program details.
Make sure the school is approved by your state for pre-licensing. This will ensure the course covers all state-required topics.
Recognize that a school’s pass rate on its licensing exam is a powerful indicator of its program quality. Some state licensing agencies publish these crucial pass rates; take the time to check and compare how each real estate school performs to empower your decision-making.
Step 3: Evaluate package features.
A feature-by-feature comparison will reveal which school provides the most comprehensive support system. Does the package include robust exam prep? Is there access to instructors for questions? Does this school also offer continuing education and professional development opportunities that will help you thrive in a competitive market? Answering these questions will help you find the best program to help you pass the exam and launch your career.
Start Your Real Estate Journey With Colibri Real Estate
Choosing the right real estate school is the first step toward a thriving career. Get the education you deserve from a school you can trust. Discover why so many real estate professionals choose Colibri Real Estate as their learning partner:
Effortless Learning, Just for You: Our award-winning student platform is designed to make learning easy and fun. Find content, start courses, track progress, set goals, and more – all in one intuitive place.
Conquer Exam Day with Confidence: Our online exam prep, powered by CompuCram, gets you ready. We cover every topic for your state exam and share insider tips to guarantee your success.
Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Your Success is Our Promise: We stand behind our industry-leading exam prep. If you don’t pass, you’ll receive a full refund on your purchase (excluding FL, NJ, TN, and MI). Learn the details of Colibri’s Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee.
Learn from Local Real Estate Experts: Our experienced instructors share valuable insights and advice about your state’s market. You’ll gain the tools to pass your exam and thrive in your career.
Learn When and Where You Want: Our self-paced online courses are available in most states, with livestream options also available in select states, allowing you to choose the learning style that fits your schedule and goals.
Learn On-the-Go with Audio: Our audio courses allow you to listen to your materials while the text is highlighted.
For over a quarter of a century, Colibri Real Estate has empowered aspiring agents with adaptable, state-approved pre-licensing courses meticulously crafted to support your success. Enroll today and take a confident leap toward your real estate career.
