Making the choice to launch a career in real estate is an excellent decision due to the number of career options that the field offers. Whether you are attempting to become certified in a specific niche of real estate or are just attempting to learn about the field, you will likely need to pass a number of real estate classes at some point on your journey. Learning everything there is to know about these courses along with how to prepare for them so that you can kickstart your real estate career.
What are Real Estate Classes?
For those just getting started with real estate, it may be news that classes are actually involved during the certification process. Generally speaking, there are four primary systems which offer real estate coursework: community colleges, state universities, foreign institutions, and third-party schools. Each of these sources offer specific coursework that covers everything in real estate ranging from what the field is to the more nuanced topics such as real estate accounting.
Are Real Estate Classes Required for a License?
Many people interested in pursuing a career in real estate are also interested in pursuing a real estate license. This interest leads many people to the question of whether or not real estate classes are required for a license. In the vast majority of states, the answer is yes, with California being no exception. Specifically, to be approved for a license, a person will need to have passed the following:
- 45 hours of Real Estate Principles
- 45 hours of Real Estate Practice
- 45 hours of any of the following courses:
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Economics
- Real Estate Office Administration
- Property Management
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- General Accounting
- Business Law and Escrows
- Mortgage Loan Brokering and Lending
- Common Interest Developments
- Computer Applications in Real Estate
In addition to passing the two required courses and the one elective course, a person is also required to take a final exam for their real estate license that combines all of the knowledge they would have picked up throughout this work.
Starting a Real Estate Course: What to Understand
Understanding the different types of real estate courses that are required for different careers in the field is one thing but being prepared for those courses is another. As you go into those courses, there are a number of tips that should be followed to help bolster your chances for success:
1. Understand that real estate coursework will take dedication
Far too many people head into their real estate coursework thinking it is going to be a breeze and that they don’t need to study to succeed. However, real estate is an extremely complex topic with a large number of nuances that make concepts difficult to understand. Always dedicate as much of your time as possible to your coursework in order to see success.
2. Recognize that real estate coursework will require after-hours studying
In addition to requiring dedication, real estate coursework will certainly require a certain level of after-hours studying. To pass your courses you can’t simply walk into your class, study what the teacher says, and leave. You will need to practice what you learned on your own time.
3. Be prepared for your real estate coursework by establishing foundational knowledge
To really be successful in your real estate coursework, you need to already have foundational knowledge in the field built. While some of the classes you take will expand on this foundation, having some knowledge already will take you further than if you are hearing a number of terms for the first time.
4. Embrace tutoring if you need it
Recognizing when you need the help of those who have a solid grasp of the field is an important part of learning. If you are struggling in your real estate coursework, it’s best to seek the help of a tutor or extra advice from your teacher who can further explain complex topics.
How to Prepare for Your Real Estate Courses
When taking convenient and flexible real estate classes, preparation is everything. All those considering a career in real estate should use the following tips to hit the ground running on their first day of classes:
- Bring a laptop so you can take notes more efficiently
- Write down follow-ups for after each class, specifically when there were concepts you had trouble understanding
- Make friends with the other people in your class so that you can form study groups
- Research topics related to the class before the first day ever begins
Applying for Your Real Estate License: Steps to Follow
For those who have passed all of their coursework and who are now seeking a real estate license, there are a few steps required:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Show successful completion of each of the required courses
- Sign up for a final exam date and pay the application fee
- Take your final exam
- Receive your real estate license
The time from start to finish in regard to applying for a real estate license can vary depending on the state you are in, but the majority of people can acquire a real estate license in as little as half a year to a year with the right dedication.
The Bottom Line
A common misconception that people tend to have to go into real estate is that the coursework is simple and easy. However, passing all the real estate courses you will be required to take is no walk in the park and will require a concerted effort on your behalf. Take the time to properly study the courses you are taking and dive deeper into all of the material beyond what is simply taught in class. This will help to ensure that you build a foundation of knowledge that can carry you into the beginning years of your real estate career.