Finding the Best Real Estate School in Massachusetts
Use These Tips to Find the Right Real Estate School for You
Use These Tips to Find the Right Real Estate School for You
Jacqueline Kyo Thomas
You’ve been thinking about it for some time now, and you’re finally ready to take the steps needed to become a real estate agent in Massachusetts. We’re glad you’re here. Becoming a real estate agent is one of the best career moves you can make. If you’re willing to do the work, there’s no limit to how much you can make. Plus, there’s the emotional component of realizing that you’re helping others make their own dreams of homeownership come true.
But before you meet a single client, what must you do to become licensed as a real estate agent in Massachusetts? As we outline in this post, you must take a 40-hour real estate course, either online or in person. The Massachusetts real estate commission requires that all real estate agent hopefuls take this course at a state-accredited real estate school.
The good news is that there are plenty of real estate schools in Massachusetts. The bad news is that not all of them are created equal. It’s important to find a school that meets your unique needs, including your schedule requirements.
In this guide, we share tips on how to find the right real estate school for you. Let’s get started.
The first step to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Massachusetts is to find a top-notch estate school in your area. There are several ways to do this.
First, you can start your search online by using a search engine. Head to Google or Bing and use a keyword phrase like “top real estate schools in Massachusetts.”
If you use Google to search, you'll see a "snack pack" at the top of the page that includes three of the top-rated real estate schools in the state, according to Google users' reviews. Use this option to start building a short list of schools you'd like to consider.
You can also look at other review sites, such as Yelp and Facebook. These third-party sites also include unbiased reviews from actual students. Use these reviews to give you a good perspective on whether this school may work for you.
You can also check the Massachusetts Real Estate Board website. On the official website, you’ll find a list of state-approved real estate schools in your area.
A no-tech way of finding a real estate school is to ask for recommendations. If you know a friend, co-worker, or family member who’s a real estate agent, remember that they’ve already walked down the path you’re about to take, and that includes taking coursework. They may be able to give you a recommendation for a good real estate school in your area.
Last, but certainly not least, consider attending real estate events in your area. These events can include seminars or networking social hours. You can begin building your professional network at these events and ask active agents and brokers for their recommendations on a good real estate school to attend.
After you’ve created a list of the top three to five real estate schools in your area, do your due diligence and check for accreditation. Before you can sit for the Massachusetts real estate exam, you will have to prove that you received 40 hours at an accredited school.
Check this site, which is maintained by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, to find a school that meets the state’s real estate educational standards. When choosing a school from this site, you can be sure that your coursework will be accepted when it’s time to apply to take the real estate salesperson licensure exam. If you can’t find the information that you’re looking for via the link, you can reach out directly to the Massachusetts Real Estate Board.
We briefly touched on this step earlier. When whittling down your list of schools, be sure to check reviews. This is especially true if you got a recommendation from a friend, family member, or colleague. Most school websites include a list of student reviews and testimonials. But you can also find these reviews on a third-party site, like Google Reviews.
Although an accredited school is required to cover the same basic coursework, there will be variations in how a school presents the materials and course. For example, you’re required to take 40 hours of coursework, but that doesn’t mean that you have to show up in person to do those 40 hours. Some schools offer online classes in addition to in-person. Some online courses may be offered live or on-demand, based on your schedule.
(Note that in Massachusetts you can't do the entire course on demand. You are required by State regulations to take half of the course with a live instructor present, either online or in person. So make sure that the school's live times work for your schedule!)
Also, look for a school that has knowledgeable instructors who have experience in the real estate industry.
Choose a school that can fit into your schedule and lifestyle.
Chances are high that real estate is your second or maybe even third career. In fact, you may not be able to quit your “day job” to dive full-time into real estate. If you’re planning to work elsewhere while taking your real estate classes, you need a school that offers a flexible learning schedule.
If everything else is equal, choose a school based on the “extras” you get from that school. For example, the school may offer study materials or office hours for instructors. It’s often better to go with a school that provides extra support to its students.
Consider what is a priority for you. Choose between in-person classes or classes you can access on the go. Many students appreciate the flexibility of learning on their own schedule, which makes the online option the better choice. However, other students enjoy the camaraderie of working in person with other students.
There’s no right or wrong answer there. It’s purely based on your unique personality and current lifestyle.
Ask if the real estate school offers additional support to their alumni students after passing the state licensure exam. For example, the school may help with job placement or provide coaching or professional development classes to help you navigate your first year as an agent.
When it's time to renew your real estate licensure, you need a school that offers continuing education classes, too. By this time, you'll likely be busy at work. Choose a school that allows you to comply with all of the Massachusetts Real Estate Commission Board's regulations for continuing education classes.
Learn about our continuing education classes here.
The course isn't the only thing you need. You also need to pass the test! So you should look into how the school supports your passing the exam, and if they have any money back offers if you don't.
Here at Freedom Trail Realty School we actually guarantee that you’ll pass your real estate salesperson licensure exam on your first try if you use our study materials. We back this with a money-back guarantee. If you study as described but don’t pass, we’ll refund the cost of your course.
Learn more about our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee here.
By following the above tips, you’ll find a school that is just right for your needs. But if you’re looking for a real estate school, look no further than Freedom Trail Realty School. Not only are our classes fun, engaging, and convenient, but we also guarantee that you’ll pass your real estate exam or we’ll refund your class fee.