Ready to become a real estate agent? Great! Your first step is to figure out what type of real estate school will best fit your needs and personality: an online real estate school or a traditional classroom. The right choice for you will depend on a handful of key factors.
Is online real estate school right for you?
Here are five questions to help you decide if taking your real estate courses online is for you.
1. Do you like to move at your own speed?
- Are you a quick learner who likes to work at your own pace?
- Would you enjoy more time to comprehend difficult material?
Online real estate classes validate what you’re already familiar with and allow you to spend more time learning what you don’t know. With online courses, you choose which assignments need more of your attention, and design your study schedule around them.
If you work well at your own pace, then online real estate school could be the best option for you. Remember, you’ll need to be motivated, organized and consistent in order to stay on track with your real estate education if you take this path — but being able to set your own schedule could make it easier to juggle other priorities in your life.
2. Do you feel comfortable asking questions?
- Do you get embarrassed asking a question in front of a lot of people?
- Do you prefer asking questions outside of class?
Rather than having to raise your hand and speak up, with online real estate classes you can ask questions electronically. Online students often get in touch with their instructors through course websites, email, phone calls, or video chat. Be sure you feel comfortable using the electronic communication tools. If you don’t, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Asking questions in an online atmosphere could be less intimidating than asking questions in real life but when you’re taking classes online you’ll need to make a concerted effort to stay on top of communications.
3. Does studying from anywhere sound appealing?
- Do you have family or other responsibilities to attend to?
- Would you like to access your coursework when you need it—anytime, anywhere?
Getting your real estate license online allows you to take as many or as few credits as you can handle. Once enrolled, you can view online courses, download course materials, take practice exams, and read through the course material whenever and wherever you want. That means you can still focus on your family and current job. With online real estate licensing, you’re in control. You decide how online real estate school fits into your daily routine.
Not sure if your time management skills are sharp enough for this option? There are a number of apps that can help you get more organized, in addition to advice from current real estate professionals.
4. Can you hold yourself accountable?
- Are you self-disciplined?
- Can you remain focused while reading material online?
A traditional classroom setting offers a designated schedule that you share with many students, in the same room as you. You are told where to be and when to be there. In an online environment, you need to keep a closer eye on your progress and deadlines. With online learning, you need to hold yourself accountable to succeed. But, don’t think you’re all alone. With pre-licensing courses at Colibri Real Estate, we’ll give you handy tools and reminder emails to help you through your courses.
5. Are you ready to start networking?
- Are you comfortable approaching others?
- Can you carry on a conversation easily?
A successful real estate career goes beyond what you learn in the classroom. Enthusiasm, keen listening skills, and being comfortable networking are important skills to have. If you choose an online real estate school, make sure you are finding time to meet others in the real estate and supporting industries. Train your social skills now so that you are ready to hit the ground running once you have your real estate license.
There are a few easy ways to start building a network of real estate agents now. First, you’ll want to reach out to others who are in the same position as you — just starting their online real estate school coursework. You can lean on these people for support while you’re getting licensed and after as you begin your real estate careers. Also, you’ll want to get in touch with veteran real estate agents in your area. They’ll help you avoid mistakes new agents make and get established in your niche.
