There are many reasons to obtain your real estate license. Do you want to earn extra income and commissions? Obtaining your license is key to get some extra cash in your pocket. Also, you will access more deals (new listings), expand your contact network, and increase your business knowledge.
Why would you want to get your license in the middle of a global pandemic? Well, for a couple of reasons. With economic instability and market uncertainty, this just might be the right time. The low-interest rates and less inventory result in higher demand, and the number of realtors has decreased in recent years.
You also have the opportunity to take charge because you won’t have to work with an agent. Now is the perfect time to gain valuable skills like navigating the MLS, pulling comps, and looking at records.
Quick Picks: Top Online Real Estate License Schools Approved In California
How To Get A Real Estate License In California
To qualify for a real estate license, you must be 18 years or older and be a California resident. You will also need to complete 135 hours of college-level courses, including real estate practice, real estate principles, and any course from these 12 available.
You must then apply for the salesperson exam and submit fingerprints to pass a criminal background check. After passing your licensing exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will have to obtain sponsorship from a licensed California broker. Lastly, you will have to complete the California Real Estate License application.
By checking out our top 6 real estate schools in Fresno, California, you can get started on the right track.
Is An Online Real Estate School in Fresno, California Better Than a Traditional Classroom?
The answer to this question completely depends on the individual. While online schools are more popular as of late, some people may feel more comfortable in a classroom setting. There are positives and negatives for both settings.
Pros And Cons For Online Real Estate Schools Schools
When you choose the online route to take real estate courses, you automatically build in flexibility with your schedule. You will also be able to complete the course on your own time in any setting. For those who don’t want to sit in a classroom for four-plus hours at a time, you can break down learning into smaller increments.
However, online courses might not be right for you for two reasons—the first being self-discipline. You will have to hold yourself accountable and maintain motivation. The second is the lack of interaction. An online course does not allow for interactions between you, professors, and your peers as it would in a traditional classroom.
Pros And Cons Of A Traditional Classroom
As said above, a traditional classroom allows for regular social interactions with other students and professors, including asking questions and having discussions. Some people desire face-to-face learning. You will want to consider your learning style. Oftentimes, it is preferable to have a set, scheduled meeting time.
With the pros, there are also cons. A traditional classroom does not provide the flexibility an online course does, and the potential cost could be higher.
Reviews of the 6 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Fresno, California
Fresno, California is home to several real estate schools, so choosing one can be an extreme challenge. We have compiled a list of the top six best online real estate schools in Fresno, California to help you.
All of these schools include modern technology capability, positive student feedback and pass rates, low pricing, and long-term experience. Any course you take in these schools will be that of high-quality.
1. Colibri Real Estate
This school comes in as our top pick for the Fresno area. Colibri Real Estate has been around since 1996 and has helped over 200,000 aspiring real estate professionals since then. They are a nationally accredited platform.
Colibri Real Estate is ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) approved. They were one of the first companies to obtain ARELLO’s seal and certification. It is also IDECC (International Distance Education Certification Center) validated as the design and delivery of their distance education courses is approved. This organization’s review process is a self-study of Colibri Real Estate’s organization and student experience.
The courses offered, Exam Prep Master Program, extensive information, and guidance in their Career Hub make Colibri Real Estate stand out from their competitors. They have a range of packages available at a variety of price points. The videos posted should help you figure out which package is right for you.
Colibri Real Estate Video Review
Get The Best Price On Colibri Real Estate Here
2. AceableAgent Real Estate Education
AceableAgent Real Estate Education is approved by the California Department of Real Estate. Their courses are available via PDF. That means you can download the courses and take them anywhere at your own pace.
The on-staff career mentors are available seven days a week. The veteran real estate instructors are there to answer any questions. The three courses you will take are California Real Estate Practice, California Real Estate Principles, and California Legal Aspects of Real Estate.
Each course takes a minimum of 45 hours, and they require an additional two hours for each exam. The final exam is open-book, and if you fail, they provide a money-back guarantee. Once you have the three certifications from these courses, you can then take the California Real Estate Licensing Exam.
AceableAgent Video Review
Get The Best Price On AceableAgent Here
3. 360 Training
The third on our list is none other than 360 Training! As a school that offers many different online courses, it shouldn’t be a surprise that they made it to our list of top schools.
Their programs are all affordable and 100% online. This makes it one of the best schools for busy students to attend.
But it’s not just pre-licensing courses. 360 Training also has exam prep for students who want to review all of the terms, laws, and concepts they have learned during their lessons.
What we love about 360 Training is that it includes a FREE real estate math practice. So if you struggle with math, let alone real estate math, then you’ll love this extra feature, too.
One downside of 360 Training, though, is that its courses are centered around self-teaching. This means students will not receive any sort of class plans to follow. This also means that they won’t be meeting any of their instructors as the course contents are mostly in PDF form.
However, if you prefer a more independent style of studying, then 360 Training’s courses are the one for you! You can take your lesson anytime and anywhere as long as you have a stable internet connection.
You don’t have to worry about following a school schedule or missing a class due to your work because you get to decide when you’re ready to complete it.
Get The Best Price On 360 Training Here
4. Allied Real Estate Schools
Allied Real Estate School has been in business since 1992. They have helped over one million students since in the areas of real estate and appraisal, mortgage lending, and more.
Allied Real Estate School offers two convenient options, either self-paced online or live stream classes in real-time. You can pick whichever suits your learning style. Be sure to get copies of your transcripts or certificate of completion so that you are ready to take your real estate exam.
Get The Best Price On Allied Here
5. The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers pre-licensing, exam prep, post-licensing, and continuing education. With four packages available, you will be able to complete all 135 hours required to take the exam and get your license. Industry experts write all courses, and The CE Shop has won many awards, including the Online Education Program of the Year and the International E-learning Award.
The company’s core values include customer-focused, mutual respect, do what you say, commitment to improvement, have fun, and give back. These values translate into a 91% student pass rate and a 96% student satisfaction rate.
The CE Shop Video Review
Get The Best Price On The CE Shop Here
6. Kaplan
At Kaplan, they recognize that no two students are exactly alike. Therefore they offer three delivery methods when it comes to real estate coursework. These include on-demand, home study, and live online options.
Each delivery method has anywhere from three to four-tiered packages to help you choose the right one for your financial situation. The California Department of Real Estate has approved all of its coursework. In a total of 794 reviews for Kaplan, they are rated four out of five stars.
Kaplan Video Review
Get The Best Price On Kaplan Here
What to Look For in a Good Online Real Estate License School
Though we believe these are the best options available, you may want to do your own research. There are some key factors to look for in a good real estate school in Fresno, California. These include the following:
- Price
- Post-licensing courses/opportunities
- Length of program
- Support
- Availability
- Strong pass rates
You will also want to make sure the California Department of Real Estate approves your school of choice. Check to make sure that California approves the credentials of pre-licensing. This means that it has gone through an accreditation process.
States vary on the names of courses required and qualifying education requirements. But, you will find that the school you choose will offer courses in real estate practice, principles of real estate, legalities, and laws and ethics.
How to Find a Good Classroom-Based Real Estate School in Fresno, California
Online courses are great for any number of reasons. However, some individuals will prefer to take said real estate courses in person, in a classroom. If that is the case, you will want to check which school in Fresno is right for you. How do you go about doing that?
While most real estate coursework is offered at colleges and community colleges, you may also be able to take courses at a larger real estate brokerage company. The best way to find the right classroom for you is to do your research.
JLG Real Estate Training
Address
7948 North Maple Ave., Suite 116
Fresno, California 93720
Phone
559-392-4592
JLG Real Estate Training is not currently offering in-classroom courses, however, this is a local real estate school located in Fresno that offers live video lecture courses. The course costs $425 for the Live
Principles course and includes enrollment into both correspondence courses – Real Estate Practice and Real Estate Finance. It has books, materials, and certificates, which include tax and shipping charges. The cost of the three-course books can be purchased separately for $50 each book.
If you need certificates for any of the three courses, there will also be a $75 additional cost per course.
Classes are typically held on Tuesday and Wednesday nights or Saturdays in some areas for eight weeks. Classes generally last 3 to 4 hours each session.
Check Out The Registration Process For JLG Real Estate Training Here
Believe it or not, at this time, that is the only local real estate school offering live real estate training courses, but the training is all online based with live video lectures. There are currently no other real estate schools in the Fresno area.
You can choose from many online options, so make sure to look into the specific programs that each school offers. Consider the price, opportunities, pass rates, and length of the program when you look to choose the right real estate school in Fresno, California, for you!