Online vs classroom real estate licensing classes?

[Phyllis E.]

Hello. I am seriously considering getting my real estate license (this would be in Maryland, btw) and am wondering if online courses typically do as good and thorough a job (or maybe even better?) than the typical classroom instruction courses. I live in a rural area and would have to drive a ways to get to any of the regularly offered classroom courses, but it could be doable if necessary. Any recommendations as to who offers great instruction?

Also, is it better to take a course offered directly from a real estate company, than a "generic" course? Do most of the bigger real estate companies, that offer such courses, want to only hire new agents that have taken THEIR specific real estate course?

Also, if you have any recommendations as to which real estate companies offer great on-the-job training or mentoring, after you get your license, that would be appreciated too!

BTW- I think that I would like to do this as a full-time career, not just for personal investing use.

Thanks in advance!

[Christy Christman]

I believe it is most beneficial for you to choose a classroom course rather than online. However, I chose an online course because it was the most practical for me at the time. I had a  full schedule and the nearest classroom offering the salesperson course was a half-hour drive from where I lived. I do not regret my decision. I passed my final exam with flying colors and passed the state exam the first time I took it. Since getting my license two months ago, I have been working as a Buyer Specialist and Administrative Assistant on a seasoned Realtor's team. The number of people I have met through real estate - both consumers and professionals - is crazy looking back through the past couple months. I do not feel that choosing an online course caused my career any damage. My first day as a Realtor, I met around ten agents and brokers plus another twenty consumers looking to buy/sell within three months. It's all about how dedicated you are, the culture of the company you choose to work with, and whether you choose to start out as an agent on a team or as an individual agent. If there is anything I can help you with as far as getting started, please don't hesitate to send me a message. I wish you the best in this new adventure.