5 Steps to Selecting a Pre-Licensing School
When I began researching real estate schools for my pre-licensing classes, I was looking for an outstanding school that prepared me for both the state exam and a career in the real estate industry. I am happy to report that I found one that not only met but also exceeded my expectations. For me, the perfect match was Career Growth Real Estate Academy.
How did I locate such a gem? Below are the five steps that I followed.
1. Understand licensing requirements in your state. Pre-licensing requirements vary by state, but all include an educational component. All regulatory agency Web sites can be found on the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials Web site by clicking on the “Regulatory Agencies” link. Visit your state’s Web site for detailed information.
2. Find approved schools in your local area. State Real Estate Commissions approve education providers, and most include a list of approved providers on their Web site. Real estate educators may include community colleges, colleges and universities, or private real estate schools.
3. Online vs. traditional classroom? Some approved providers offer distance learning courses. Of course, this is a personal decision. However, I believe an instructor-led classroom
discussion is invaluable. Questions are answered, difficult concepts are clarified, and “real world” experiences are shared. Additionally, attending traditional classes offers students the opportunity to develop relationships with others who are also new to the industry.
4. Ask for recommendations. Talk with your broker and other real estate practitioners. Often, brokerage firms have a business relationship with a specific educational provider. Ask for a second or third recommendation in addition to the preferred provider.
5. Research and ask lots of questions! Consider visiting the Real Estate Educators Association Web site to view a list of affiliated schools, which may help to narrow your list of potential real estate providers. Then, visit each school Web site.
Ask yourself:
- Is the Web site professional?
- Does it contain more than static content?
- Is the content current and relevant?
- Can questions be directed to the school via e-mail?
Call each educational provider. Ask about the experience of their instructors, and if they offer both pre-licensing and post-licensing classes for continuing education requirements and qualifying courses for a broker’s license. Ask about the school’s mission statement and also what percentage of students pass the exam on their first try.
Your pre-licensing education establishes the foundation for your real estate career — so choose carefully!
Julie Cain Cwynar recently passed her real estate licensing exam in February and is starting a career in real estate in Pennsylvania. Previously, she had spent nine years working as a management consultant within the health care and public sector industries.
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Comments
Julie,
Excellent observations. I wish other potentional licensees had the insight that you do!
I personally prefer instructor led courses for the same reasons you suggest.
Another thing that should be mentioned, especially for on line pre-license and continuing education courses line classes.
Students should check to see if the school has an office in their state and really has an understanding of the laws in the student's state.
Real estate law is state specific and a school should have a complete knowledge of state law for the courses it offers.
Great post.
Posted by: Mike Fair | March 6, 2008 06:12 PM