Real Estate License -online or offline?

Question

Hi everyone, as one of my first steps I'm going to get my real estate license for New York. I've found what seem to be good options for both online and in school classes. As a mom to an 8 month old baby girl, the online classes seem appealing. I'm just nervous about whether the companies that offer them are legit. My fear is that I pay the $395 fee plus $45/50 for the text book and the websites are a scam. Does anyone have any recommendations for online schools? What have been your experiences with online lessons? Good idea or not better to attend classes? Thanks so much in advance!

George Hermann · Answer

Hi Serena, both the online courses and the classroom approach are capable of allowing you to pass the NYS exam. Hearing the interaction between the instructor and other students and having the laws, etc explained can be very helpful. I would recommend the classroom if you can make that happen, but don't be afraid of the online training if it's the only way for you to get it done.

Steve B. · Answer

@Serena Salvato I am currently taking a classroom course for my real estate license. I work full time, run a real estate business, and have 2 little ones at home, so time is limited for me and understand your situation. I was going to do it online but after signing up to do it in the classroom I'm glad I did. I know people that opted for online and 5-6 months later they are still doing it.

The material is very boring and dry and I doubt I would have ever got it done. Its nothing about sales, it all about what you need to know in regards to the law. The classroom forces me to be there and get it done. Also its great to network with other brand new agents. I am willing to bet I will do business with some of them some day just from having that connection. When we are done I am going to start a private facebook group for all of us to stay connected and bounce ideas off of each other. It's also great to interact with everyone as each person comes from a different background and some have dabbled in various forms of investing. The teachers will also let you know what topics you really need to know for the test. Some of the teachers I have had have shared valuable information about being in real estate that you would not get online.

Whatever you decide to do download the scribd app for your phone. I paid $8.99 for a 3 month subscription, and I discovered a very good NY Real Estate Salesperson study guide. I was looking for something completely different but I'm glad I found this too!

Michael Lane · Answer

@Serena Salvato I actually took my course online as it was easier to for me. just to be clear there are two exams usually.. the first is for the course exam which is like a final/cumulative exam. then the second one is for the NYDoS.. the actual salesperson exam for licensure.

make sure you choose based on your learning habits between in class and online.

John K. · Answer

I am taking my course now in New York. Try looking in Groupon like another member mentioned already. I was able to get an awesome deal which was practically free, but that is not likely to happen again. Either way I am taking my class from NYREI which I believe is located in manhattan, but the online has been awesome so far. I have about one more week till I am finished. You get what you put into it.

If you don't understand something search or even ask BP. They also offer additional resources which may be available depending on package or pay more. Wish you the best!

Eric Bilderback · Answer

I found the least expensive one I could find.  Then I googled coupons for the company and got an extra 15% off.  I have no regrets passed the test on the first time no problem.  The classes are so regulated by the state I would guess they are all the same.

Good luck,

Serena Salvato · Answer

Thanks everyone for your advice and input, it's really useful. @Michael Lane I never thought to get a discount for the classes. I was just going to go ahead and buy the course for $395, now I can see that you can get a discount, which will definitely be welcomed! I can see the reedc.com course that's available, but it says that exams but hold a minimum of 50 people. Do you remember there being any issues when it came to booking the exam?

@Ricardo Harrison, @Brian Dayal, @Jake Thomas you make great points about being in the classroom for the lessons. I'll check out some schedules and see if I can fit it around my baby. Thanks for your help!

Ricardo Harrison · Answer

Hi Serena,

I highly recommend taking the course in person as you'll complete it faster, and, as others have mentioned, you will retain more as you will receive real life examples and in many cases will get guidance as to what to expect on the school and state exams. I've taken the course online and in person and online and online is so much longer to complete (you have to sit in front of the computer for the full 75hrs) I would be happy to provide additional information/guidance if you'd like.

All the best!

-Rick

Brian Dayal · Answer

Hi Serena,

I am newly licensed agent in upstate new York and I too can tell you I learn in classroom better then online. The interaction and the connections you make in person can help you pick the right brokerage for you. All the instructors will try to sell their email company indirectly. I would also check with the www.nystatemls.com.

Good luck and have fun!!!

Real Estate License -online or offline?

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