If you're thinking about getting your real estate license, one of the first decisions you'll have to make is whether to take your pre-licensing classes online or in person. But what is the best option for you? There are a few factors to consider when making your choice. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each to see what works best for you.
Can You Take Real Estate Courses Online?
The first step to becoming a real estate agent is taking pre-license courses from a state-approved school and passing the real estate exam. Before, you had to attend a series of in-person classes, but more and more people are choosing online courses, provided the state's real estate commission approves them. In fact, by 2027, an estimated 57 million people will be using online learning systems.
If you are struggling to decide which education environment is right for you, start by thinking about what factors you value most. Is it the program's cost or the ability to study on your own time?
Online vs. Classroom Real Estate Courses
The primary goal of pre-licensing education is to pass the state licensing exam. The choice of course, whether online or in-person, depends entirely on your learning style. This visual guide compares online and in-person real estate classes, highlighting the pros and cons to help determine the best learning environment for individual needs.
Flexibility
Online real estate courses are designed to be flexible and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, unlike classroom courses, which are offered at a specific location and on a fixed schedule, which may not be suitable for all students.
BEST OPTION: ONLINE
Low Cost
Online real estate courses are generally cheaper than face-to-face classroom courses, saving students on transportation, time, and supplies. Classroom courses are more expensive due to overhead costs and in-person teacher requirements. Additionally, online courses provide a pool of instructors to choose from, reducing the overall cost.
BEST OPTION: ONLINE
Convenience
Online courses offer convenience for students, saving 40-60% time compared to traditional classrooms and providing essential knowledge. Teachers fill specific time periods, ensuring individual learning. A recent study shows that 80% of respondents prefer online learning for real estate courses.
BEST OPTION: ONLINE
Interactive Study
Lecture-style learning is common in in-person classes, although it is less effective for long-term retention. Online courses offer ongoing interaction and testing that motivate and reinforce learning.
BEST OPTION: ONLINE
Instructor Support
Instructor support is frequently an advantage of classroom courses. If you have questions or need help studying, face-to-face interaction with an instructor can be helpful and help you master the coursework. Some online schools provide minimal instructor support while others, like VanEd, provide instructor support by phone, chat, and an online Q&A.
BEST OPTION: CLASSROOM
Social Interaction
Social interaction can be an essential part of learning. If you are someone who needs social engagement with other students, classroom courses are certainly the best choice for you. Some online courses contain forums and other unique ways for students to interact, but these rarely compare to the classroom experience.
BEST OPTION: CLASSROOM
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Online Courses - Online courses are easily accessible for students as students can move through the coursework whenever it fits their schedule. Online real estate courses are generally less expensive and provide students with a quick and easy way to get licensed or fulfill their continuing education requirements.
- Classroom Courses - Classroom courses are great for students who enjoy a traditional learning setting and prefer feedback and live interaction from other students and a real estate instructor. Students who take classroom courses should be aware of their class's schedule, location, and any other materials that might be needed throughout the course.
Cons
- Online Courses - While online courses are usually the preferred choice for real estate students, this style of learning can have some disadvantages. Online courses do not offer face-to-face interaction with an instructor and almost always lack student-to-student interaction.
- Classroom Courses - Overall, classroom courses are less flexible than online courses and are more expensive. These courses tend to take longer for students, and students might find the lack of convenience a problem as they progress toward getting their real estate license.
Get Started with Your Online Training
While there may be an ongoing debate over their advantages, the choice between in-person or online learning is entirely up to you. If you’re ready to begin your real estate course, don’t wait to take the first step. Sign up today!
Written and Published by: VanEd
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