Starting a real estate career is an exciting journey that begins with selecting the right education provider. With so many options available, finding a school that aligns with your learning style, budget, and career goals can feel overwhelming. Two major players in the real estate education space, Colibri Real Estate and Kaplan Real Estate Education, offer comprehensive programs designed to help aspiring agents get licensed. This guide will help you understand what each school offers so you can make an informed decision about your educational investment.
Key Takeaways
- Extensive Experience: Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express) brings over 25 years of online real estate education expertise, having helped more than 520,000 students launch and advance their real estate careers.
- Flexible Learning Options: Colibri offers self-paced courses with audio narration and a modern learning platform that adapts to various learning styles and busy schedules.
- Competitive Value: Colibri’s frequent promotional discounts (often 40% off) make their comprehensive packages extremely affordable.
- Career-Focused Resources: Colibri provides extensive post-licensing support through Survive & Thrive and specialized training opportunities to help new agents succeed beyond the exam.
- Strong Pass Guarantee: Colibri’s “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee offers a full tuition refund if you don’t pass your exam on the first try (available in most states).
Company Background and Experience
When choosing a real estate school, understanding the provider’s history and industry experience provides insight into their educational approach and reliability.
Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express) has been a pioneer in online real estate education for over 25 years. As one of the first providers to offer online real estate courses, Colibri has built a reputation for quality education that adapts to changing industry needs.
According to the website, Colibri has helped more than 520,000 students start and advance their real estate careers. The company has acquired specialized education providers, such as the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, and local market specialists, such as Hondros Education Group in Ohio and Gold Coast Schools in Florida.
Kaplan Real Estate Education is part of Kaplan, Inc., a global education company. The company describes itself as “a leader in real estate education for more than 65 years.”
Course Availability and Options
Both providers offer extensive coverage across the United States, but there are some differences in their state availability and course offerings.
State coverage
Colibri Real Estate provides pre-licensing education in 41 states (38 directly plus 3 through partners) and exam preparation in all 51 jurisdictions (all states plus DC). Continuing education programs are available in all states through Colibri Real Estate’s sister school, McKissock Learning. Pre-licensing courses are not available in Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and West Virginia.
Kaplan’s offers pre-licensing courses in 44 states, exam preparation in 46 states, and continuing education in 45 states. Kaplan does not currently offer pre-licensing courses for Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, or West Virginia.
Course types and formats
Both schools offer educational pathways from pre-licensing and continuing education.
Colibri Real Estate provides:
- Pre-licensing courses
- Exam preparation
- Post-licensing education
- Continuing education
- Continuing education membership
- Broker licensing courses
- Professional development
Colibri’s learning formats include self-paced online courses with audio narration options and livestream classes in select states for those who prefer more interactive learning.
Kaplan offers similar course types. According to their website, Kaplan’s course delivery formats include “Live Online, Online Video, Home Study, Hybrid, and Live Classroom options,” though availability varies by state.
Learning Experience and Platform Features
The learning experience significantly impacts your educational journey, from how content is delivered to the tools available to support your studies.
Instructional methods
Colibri Real Estate’s learning approach focuses on flexibility and student success. The self-paced online courses feature text-based content with optional audio narration, allowing students to learn through reading or listening based on their preference. Short embedded videos summarize key concepts in challenging areas like math and contract law. Livestream courses are available in some states.
The platform includes interactive study tools such as flashcards and simulated exams. A “Readiness Tracker” indicates when students are prepared for their exam. Weekly “Exam-Crammer” webinars (2 hours each) add live interaction for students who benefit from instructor guidance.
Kaplan takes a video-first approach with lectures recorded in a broadcast studio. Each module concludes with knowledge checks. Their live-online classes mirror traditional classroom experiences over Zoom, with chat-moderated quizzes to maintain attendance and engagement.
Platform usability
Colibri Real Estate’s award-winning student dashboard provides clear navigation and progress tracking through a Readiness Indicator™, which visually shows how prepared you are for your licensing exam. Students can personalize their learning experience with in-platform note-taking tools that automatically save their thoughts alongside relevant content, and a highlighting feature that preserves important passages for later review.
The platform’s design works across devices, allowing transitions between desktop and mobile study sessions without losing your place. While Colibri doesn’t offer a dedicated mobile app, its mobile-optimized website provides full functionality on smartphones and tablets. Their CompuCram exam prep system is mobile-friendly, making it convenient to practice flashcards or take quick quizzes during short breaks throughout your day.
Colibri Real Estate offers technical assistance via SMS, chat, and email.
Kaplan’s learning management system features video lectures, interactive knowledge checks, and progress tracking. For mobile learners, Kaplan offers a dedicated flashcard app, but full-course content requires access to their web platform. Students can move between OnDemand videos, textbook materials, and live sessions within the same course.
Pricing and Value
Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing a real estate school. Both providers offer tiered packages with varying features and price points.
Cost comparison
For a direct comparison, let’s look at California pre-licensing packages as an example:
Colibri Real Estate offers several package options:
- The Basics: $119.40 (with 40% discount from $199)
- Exam Preparation: $167.40 (with 40% discount from $279)
- Exam Preparation Plus: $209.40 (with 40% discount from $349)
- Ultimate Learning: $275.40 (with 40% discount from $459)
Colibri frequently offers substantial discounts, with 40% coupon codes being routine.
Kaplan’s California online pre-licensing options include:
- California Licensing with Exam Prep Package: $399
- Career Launcher Online Package: $749
Guarantees and refund policies
Colibri offers a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee in most states (excluding Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and Tennessee). This provides a 100% tuition refund if you complete the course, maintain an 80% average, and attempt the exam within one year but don’t pass.
Kaplan offers the Kaplan Commitment, a support program designed to help students who do not pass their state licensing exam on the first attempt. Rather than providing a refund, Kaplan extends continued study access for up to 18 months (duration may vary by state). Eligible students receive one-on-one instructor support, a personalized study plan, and ongoing access to Kaplan’s exam prep tools to help them successfully pass the exam.
Student Support and Career Resources
Success in real estate extends beyond passing the licensing exam. The support and resources available to help launch your career can make a significant difference in your long-term success.
Instructor and technical support
Colibri Real Estate highlights that its “real estate classes are taught by active and seasoned real estate instructors that have experience and insights on the market in your state.” Colibri offers technical support via SMS/chat, ensuring students can get help whenever they need it.
Kaplan’s website states that “most of Kaplan’s instructors are practicing real estate agents.” They provide access to their Community Forum for questions and support.
Career development resources
Colibri offers Survive & Thrive to help new agents avoid early setbacks and start landing clients faster. Professional development offerings include specialized training through the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, the Real Estate AI Specialist certification, and other career advancement resources.
Colibri Real Estate also offers a CE Membership program, which offers unlimited access to state-approved continuing education courses, career-advancing certifications, and exclusive tools designed to help you stay competitive in the industry.
Kaplan offers a “Real Estate Accelerator,” an online video course with group training sessions.
Making Your Decision
Colibri Real Estate offers excellent value with competitive pricing, frequent discounts, and a comprehensive self-paced learning experience. Audio narration options and interactive study tools make the material engaging, while the Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee provides peace of mind for eligible students.
Start Your Real Estate Journey Today
Choosing the right real estate school is a crucial first step toward a successful career in the industry. Colibri Real Estate stands out for its flexible learning options, competitive pricing, and modern learning platform, making it an excellent choice for self-motivated learners who are price-conscious and seek strong career support.
Whether you’re just starting your real estate journey or looking to advance your existing career, Colibri Real Estate provides the education, tools, and support you need to succeed in today’s competitive market. Take the first step toward your new career today by exploring Colibri’s state-specific course offerings and finding the package that best fits your needs and goals.
