Expert: Lisa Webber - 6/25/2008

Question
I wasn't sure where to ask this question so forgive me if it's posted in the wrong area.  I am trying to find some place where I can take real estate classes online.  I live just outside of Houston, Texas.  I want to take the classes, buy the materials, etc. so I can get my license to be a real estate agent here in Texas.  Do you have any ideas where I would start?
Thank you,
Landon

Answer
I'm not familiar with your area, but here in Maryland, you can take the initial licensing class through real estate companies.  I took mine with Champion Realty which I believe is a fairly local company.  Long and Foster here in Maryland also offers the licensing class and I think GMAC Realty does as well.  The real estate companies don't charge very much, my class was around $200 if I remember correctly.  They will also have your book which you will need to purchase but they aren't expensive.  The real estate companies use the classes as recruiting tools and will try to get you to work for them when you get your license.

As far as online classes, I don't know of any, but you could check with your local real estate companies and see if they offer that option.  Here in Maryland, you need 60 "classroom hours" to get licensd and I don't believe we are able to use an online option. Many real estate companies will offer various options as far as class times.  One of the local companies offers a class where you go 8 hours a day so you can complete the course pretty quickly.

After completing your class, they give you a certificate which you take to the testing center and you have to test in person as well.

Once you get licensed there are a few courses offered online through private venues where you can take continuing education credits which you'll need every year, but many of the courses we still need to take in person.  I'm sure that will change as time goes on; just a few years ago there weren't any online options.
I hope this helps - good luck to you!