Is it possible to obtain a real estate license online?

To become a realtor, you must complete pre-licensing hours and  acquire your real estate license, all of which can be performed through an online school. Depending on your state, you'll need to take a pre-license education course—you'll need to complete a set amount of hours from state-approved schools. In California, for example,  real estate agentsand brokers must complete a pre-licensing course that is at least 135 hours long and certified by the Department of  Real Estate. 

Real estate schools must be accredited in order to meet pre-licensing requirements (your state should have a list of schools that are approved). Keep in mind that online institutions frequently have state restrictions. That means you'll need to conduct some research to learn what's available in your state and become comfortable with any prerequisites before enrolling. Before signing up, it's also a good idea to check your state's licensure requirements.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend Real Estate School?

Prices for online real estate schools vary depending on whether you sign up for the pre-licensure class or add on an exam prep course. Online programs can cost anything from $69 to $900 depending on where you live and whether you choose exam prep. This is in comparison to the cost of attending a live, in-person class—not including exam prep—which is typically several hundred dollars.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Real Estate License?

Each state has distinct standards, however, the time required to complete pre-licensing work can range from 24 hours to 180 hours. Remember that while you will complete the course at your own pace, the required pre-licensing hours will remain the same. You may work longer than the requisite number of hours to gain a better understanding of the material.

Depending on your state's regulations, being a real estate agent might take anywhere from four to six months. The schedule is also affected by how long it takes to pass the real estate exam and how many courses are required to achieve your state's licensing criteria.

For example, persons seeking licensure in Florida must first complete 63 hours of state-approved pre-license education seminars before taking the exam.

In comparison, the state of California requires you to finish 135 hours. 

What Is Online Real Estate Exam Preparation?

A real estate license online test prep course is a review course for the real estate license test. To obtain a real estate license, every state requires some form of pre-licensing schooling. Online real estate courses may also provide online test prep services, which are distinct from pre-licensing hours training.

Test preparation is often optional and charged in addition to the pre-licensing course. Some real estate colleges provide more individualized test preparation by having you go through the course with an instructor. Because they focus on reviewing the content to pass the test, test prep courses are typically significantly shorter than pre-licensing courses.

What Does Real Estate School Teach You?

Although course names and state requirements vary, real estate classes cover topics such as real estate principles, real estate practice, law and ethics, and legalities such as the sorts of contracts required in a transaction.

Students will, for example, study the Fair Housing Act, which forbids discrimination in sales based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and nationality.

Classes will also address the practical skills required to perform a successful closing, such as the realtor's contract responsibilities, drafting listings, seeing properties, and writing an offer.