Online real estate classes

[John Burtle]

Can anyone give me information/suggestions on taking the online program to obtain my real estate license online in Illinois? What's it like? How much math is involved? What math is on it? I'm terrible with math. Can you tell me anything about the state exam? I'm super nervous paying $400-500.00 to take the classes online and then it not work out. I've taken a lot of classes online, but none related to real estate

[Patrice Boenzi]

Hi @John Burtle! I am an investor and Realtor. I took an online class from Real Estate Institute. The class was well laid out, easy to follow, and students had access to teachers via phone - or if you were close enough you could go in and take classes. The class prepared me very well for the state exam. So basically you do 3-5 chapters takes individual tests on each chapter and then must pass the "unit" test (done online) to advance to the next set of chapters. At the end of the class there is a final that must be proctored or taken on-site at the school. The material is broken up into National and Sate material so it is clear and easy to identify. There are 3 practice exams with question on both National material and State specific material.

The mandatory 15 hour course was done via webinar and was interactive. That was very good and if you pay attention you will have no problem. They really review what you already learned in the book, but make it more practical and interactive.

There are several chapters on math - I am not a mathie - and I did fine, but I studied hard and long. I memorized the formulas and there is a review in the book too.

The state exam was not too bad. I think you get 3-3/12 hours to complete it, but it did not take me that long.  I felt very prepared for the test. The school I went through does offer a test prep day for like 99 bucks, but I didn't go that route.

Once I passed me course final and sat for the state exam ASAP. My course was 600.00.

Once you pass the exam that is when all the fees hit you. I thought the class was expensive, but it really the fees after you pass the class. lol

Hope that helps.

Good Luck!

[Tyion Bridgeman]

I used real estate express last year. It was the cheapest I could find though I can't remember the price. It's entirely online at your own pace. You have readings and small quizzes where the grades don't matter for each unit. Once you think you learned everything in the unit you take the test on it. Like 60 units. It prepared me pretty well for the state which I passed on the first try.

[John Burtle]

Thanks everyone! After you get your license what are the other fees?

[John Warren]

expect about $1500-2000 your first year. The fees add up but there are also signs, lockboxses and additional insurance on you car.

[Chris Soignier]

I used Real Estate Express, and it was a great value.  I paid under $200 through a Groupon.    Don't worry about passing, I'm sure there are countless agents in your state who are less intelligent than you are!    Getting your license has a pretty quick payback if you actually work at it.

Feel free to ping me if you have any questions in particular.

[John Burtle]

I never did pursue getting my license 6 years ago. I had some other goals I needed to accomplish that I had already started on, so I focused on those. 4 months ago, I told myself it was time I get my real estate license....I ended up taking online classes and passed my state/national exam last week.

I came back to this thread to re-read the advice I was given.

 I'm looking forward to getting more involved in real estate. My wife and I are about to buy another house and we will have our first rental property. 

Thanks again everyone!