Top real estate school in California?

[Shawn Watts]

Hello I am looking to obtain a salesperson real estate license in California. I plan to spend about 6-12 months in a relatively inexpensive city (anywhere in California) that is close enough to a good real estate school. 

Once I obtain my license I plan to move to the Bay area where I will begin my career. 

So, can anyone give me some valuable advice on whether top companies prefer specific licensing schools or if it even matters. Also if there is anything else you think I should know feel free. 

Thank you 

[Jo-Ann Lapin]

Look at Duane gomer

[Brandon Benson]

@Shawn Watts

I went to a 'Traveling' school in San Diego about 10 years ago call Anthony's. By 'Traveling' I mean they rented out conference rooms and hotel lobbies all over SD. The classes were a few nights per week for about a month.

They really blasted through the info (lecture style) and had a one day crash refresher course I took a few days before my test. I past the test first try, and credit the hundreds of practice questions the school provided.  All I did was memorize the practice questions for a few weeks.

Recently, I took a Real Estate Finance course at CSUF as a requirement for my major. This class was great! They covered a ton of material and it was structured in a way that most universities do. Lots of info, but spread out and relatable. 

I believe the real learning will begin once you receive your licence and jump in. So much of what you learn for the test will not be relevant once you are licensed and in practice. The most beneficial education I received was teaming up with a seasoned top producer at my office. She had 25 years under her belt and was a wealth of knowledge.

If I were to do it again, I would find the fastest and cheapest way to get licensed (online perhaps) and find a mentor or a team to join. Do your due diligence as many offices will bring you onboard knowing that you will have a few deals right off the bat from your sphere, and give you a lousy commision split.

Hope this helps... just a newbie here so be advised!

[Kirky Galt]

Hi Shawn,

I would recommend taking the classes online. John Henderson's courses at realestatecentre.biz are great!

Where you study for the test doesn't really matter. Brokers are mostly concerned about your potential as a salesperson. You can get hired at almost any brokerage with no experience, if they believe you can close deals.

[Eddy T.]

Rockwell institute is one of the top RE course. Their student pass ratings on state exams is 80%. I'm taking the online course for Washington state. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[Jake Thompson]

Just as others have said, do it online. I'm in the middle of doing mine at onlineed.com. It's $200 and I'm just trying to fly through it as quickly as possible. Once I get my license the real learning will begin, according to the owner of my PM company I will be working at. He tells me the courses are to pass the test, the experience is where you will learn.

[Casey Murray]

Agreed, do it online. I did Allied and completed everything in about 5 months. There's no tricks, study and understand the material to pass the test. Good luck.

[Mark Pedroza]

@Shawn Watts

For a two day weekend crash exam course try ReTrainers. They're located in Anaheim but I had an instructor here in N. CA (Davis) the weekend of Aug. 26-27.

Took the exam on Tuesday 08/29 and passed. Registration for license and Live-Scan fee's are pending..

[Ernesto Hernandez]

Besides the approximately  $200 to obtain online, are there annual dues to maintain your license?

[Mark Pedroza]

@Ernesto Hernandez

Yes, there are fee's for your license from the BRE:

http://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/Fees.html

as well from your local board of realtors depending upon where you hang your license..