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hoosing the right online real estate school can be a daunting task, but don't worry, I've got you covered. After scouring countless courses and narrowing it down to just seven top contenders, I'll give you the lowdown on each one.
**The Top 5 Online Real Estate Schools**
1. **Colibri Real Estate**: The crème de la crème of online real estate schools, Colibri has been around since 1998 and has helped over 520,000 students earn their license. Their courses are top-notch, with a 100% money-back guarantee, live-streamed classes, and CompuCram exam prep software.
2. **AceableAgent**: This modern solution to exam prep is like a breath of fresh air, making learning fun with humorous videos, interactive games, and mobile apps. With over 300,000 students served and a 91% pass rate, AceableAgent is a force to be reckoned with.
3. **The CE Shop**: While they're known for continuing education courses, The CE Shop has expanded their product line to offer exam prep, pre-licensing, post-licensing, and more. With over 1,500 courses and a 96% student satisfaction rate, they're a real estate giant.
4. **Kaplan Real Estate**: As a test prep juggernaut, Kaplan offers live online classes, career mentorship, and exam prep on-demand video courses. While pricier than some competitors, their quality and useability make them a solid choice.
5. **PrepAgent**: This exam prep specialist covers all 50 states and offers live webinars, digital flashcards, and state-specific practice questions. With a no-brainer price point of $33 per month for the 3-month plan, PrepAgent is a great supplement to any course.
**Honorable Mentions**
1. **Institute for Luxury Home Marketing**: This course focuses on luxury real estate and offers a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation. While pricey at $545, it's worth considering if you want to specialize in high-end properties.
2. **Gold Coast Schools**: Exclusive to Florida, Gold Coast Schools offers live, in-person classes, weekly tutoring sessions, and unlimited simulated practice exams. If you're an aspiring realtor in the Sunshine State, this is a great option.
**Final Verdict**
Colibri Real Estate takes the top spot as my #1 overall choice for the best online real estate school. Their reliability, proven track record, and stellar exam prep materials make them a force to be reckoned with. However, every course on this list has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's essential to find the perfect fit based on your needs, budget, and learning style.
**FAQs**
* What is the best real estate certification?
+ The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) are among the most respected certifications.
* How hard is it to get your real estate license?
+ It varies by state, but with proper study, most people pass within a few months; mastering legal and contract knowledge can be the biggest challenge.
* What is the hardest state to get a real estate license in?
+ California, Texas, and Colorado are among the toughest due to high education requirements, rigorous exams, and strict licensing standards.
* What is the best college degree for a real estate agent?
+ While a degree isn't required, majors like business, finance, marketing, or real estate provide valuable industry knowledge and skills.
