Illinoi Real Estate License ! Any online school recommendations ?

[Alex Tokmazeyskiy]

Thinking of starting a Real Estate career part time at first. Any recommendations for online school ? Where do I begin ? Is it worth it? I own a 2 flat house in Chicago that has over 120k in equity and was thinking maybe to start with flipping possibly. 

Thank you

[Amber Forkey]

Hi Alex,

I just finished the 75 hour NYS salesperson pre licensing course through The CE Shop and passed the proctored final exam that will allow me to sit for the state test on the first try. The way they structure the material is very easy to follow and understand. In addition, their online support is fantastic. I never waited more than a minute or two for a question to be answered.

Cost wise, I paid for the premium package but that includes the 22.5 CE package for the first renewal of my license. That's the only difference between the premium package and the value package. Everything is online, there are no books but all resources are provided in PDF versions so you can download and print them off if you'd like.

You had asked "is it worth it?". To me, anything that will further my education on real estate and broaden my perspective is worth my time. You'll get various types of responses ranging from absolutely to heck no (depending on who you talk to). At the end of the day, it's a short course and it certainty won't hurt you to have it. I'd say knock it out, pass the tests and get licensed. In my opinion it helps to build trust, especially seeing as how you want to get into the flipping business. It's all about disclosure once you're licensed.

To give you an idea on the timeline, I started the course on March 4th and finished it on March 31st. Took the practice final after reviewing the materials on April 2nd and sat for the proctored final exam this morning and passed. Now I'm just waiting to take my state test in May (that's the earliest a test site is available).

The only regret I have is that I didn't just do it a few years ago when I first starting thinking about it. So my advice, rip the band aid off and get started :)

I hope this helps and if you have any other questions or just want to pick my brain feel free to message me. 

[John Warren]

@Alex Tokmazeyskiy getting your license can be helpful, but the education won't help you much on the investing side. The licensure is all about compliance and doesn't really teach you how to sell real estate. It definitely doesn't teach you to invest! If you want to get into the sales business or if you have interest in property management or leasing then it makes sense to get the license. Just know that you are starting a business and it is not a job. You don't get paid unless you close!

[Brie Schmidt]

@Alex Tokmazeyskiy - John brought up some good points.  The schooling teaches you very little about being an agent.  Check out the real estate institute in Niles

[Jazmin Carranza]

Real Estate Express 

[Miguel Castillo]

What's the purpose of getting your license?  Either way, I recommend yourhouseacademy.com  That's where I took my class 3 years ago. 

[Kelly Lach]

I completed my courses through Inland Real Estate which is out of Downers Grove and they have an all online course available. The teacher was great, class was very insightful and they are there for you through the entire process! Definitely recommend! 

[Timothy Pauldon]

I got my license through Real Estate Express. Great self-paced program.

[Alex Tokmazeyskiy]

Thank you everyone for your responses !!! I went with CE Shop, tried it out for 1 day and liked the way it is structured and got a good deal on it after they called me )))