As one of the hottest real estate markets in the world, New York is a competitive and lucrative environment for real estate professionals. Based on April 2023 figures, New York has over 82,000 licensed real estate salespersons and 50,000 licensed brokers.
As such, standing out among the crowd may be challenging. A good place to start is investing in top-quality education. By learning more throughout your real estate career, you build credibility and trust among clients.
In this guide, we break down five of the best online real estate schools in New York for you to consider. We also provide tips on choosing the right school and how to apply for your New York real estate license.
AceableAgent
AceableAgent is a relatively new player in real estate education, but it quickly established itself as a reliable, top-quality provider in various US states, including New York.
It is noted for its innovative approach to online learning. AceableAgent has a digital platform designed for self-paced, on-the-go learning. Students can access the platform via a laptop or mobile app.
AceacbleAgent also highlights its engaging coursework materials and bonus features intended to make learning fun and easy.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Online Real Estate Course: AceableAgent’s New York pre-licensing course covers the 77-hour required curriculum plus exam preparation.
- Self-Paced Learning: The coursework includes self-paced and interactive resources like videos, flashcards, games, and more. The school’s digital platform is accessible via laptop or mobile phone, ideal for on-the-go learning.
- Livestream Classes: For the premium package, AceableAgent students can enjoy more interactive classes like live webinars and Q&As.
- Affordable Tuition: AceableAgent offers affordable course packages without scrimping on quality. It also frequently extends discounts, further lowering tuition fees.
- Ace or Don’t Pay Guarantee: The school offers a complete refund for students who fail the exam after three attempts.
- Refund Policy: Students who decide not to finish the course have 30 days from purchase to get a full refund.
Potential Cons
With AceableAgent, students are required to finish the course in 6 months, a shorter period compared to other schools. Otherwise, they will need to pay an additional fee for a 6-month extension.
While this is more than enough time to finish a 77-hour course, it is worth taking note of for students who prefer to take their time.
Pass Rate
AceableAgent is reported to have a 94% pass rate for the New York real estate licensing exam.
Pricing
AceableAgent has three packages for the Online New York Real Estate Pre-License Course. Prices range from $239 for the basic package to $469 for the premium package.
The school extends frequent package discounts, allowing students to enroll for much cheaper.
Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate is a nationally recognized name in real estate education, with its comprehensive curriculum and extensive industry expertise.
Its online real estate courses in New York cover pre-licensing, exam preparation, and continuing education. Apart from the required curriculum, the school also offers career support materials like job aids, video resources, and action plans.
With over two decades of experience, Colibri Real Estate has built a reputation as a premium partner through a real estate agent’s career.
Key Features
- Exam Prep: One of the most standout features of Colibri is its exam preparation features. It offers extensive resources like simulated exams, flashcards, audio guides, and a readiness assessment before the examination.
- Livestream Classes and Student Support: Students can look forward to instructor support through live webinars and Q&As.
- Real Estate Continuing Education: Colibri is one of the best schools for real estate education throughout an agent’s career. Apart from pre-licensing, it also offers continuing education programs like salesperson courses and real estate broker training.
- Affordable Price: While it is not the cheapest option, its price is competitive, considering the school’s comprehensive curriculum and experience. There are several package options, which often come with a discount.
- Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Students who do not pass the exam on their first try can avail of a full refund.
- Great Refund Policies: Colibri is known to have some of the best refund policies. For one, students can get a full refund within the first week, or one month for those who have yet to start the course.
Moreover, the school offers a course swap from the livestream package to the online-only package within the first 24 hours.
- Free Demo: Another unique feature is the chance for students to get a free demo of the course dashboard before paying. This allows you to assess your compatibility with the program without committing first.
Potential Cons
Like Aceable Agent, Colibri gives students a six-month period to complete the course. If uncompleted, you can opt for 7-day, 30-day, or 60-day extensions for a fee.
While six months may be enough to finish a 77-hour course, this time limit may be a possible downside for students who prefer to take their time.
Pass Rate
Colibri Real Estate is reported to have an 85% pass rate for the New York real estate licensing exam.
Pricing
For New York real estate pre-licensing, Colibri Real Estate has four packages – from basic essentials to exam preparation to an all-inclusive package.
Package prices range from $355 to $613, although they are often on sale. Make sure to check the school website for an opportunity to pay lower tuition fees.
Keep Me Certified Real Estate School
Keep Me Certified Real Estate School is known for its real estate continuing education courses in various states, New York being one of them.
With a focus on flexible scheduling and experienced instructors, it offers on-demand video courses that allow students to learn at their own pace.
The school also highlights the convenience of no webcam requirements or live interactions. This may be an appealing feature for students who prefer private and pressure-free classes.
While the school does not offer pre-licensing courses, it is a good option for real estate agents looking to renew their real estate licenses and develop their careers.
Key Features
- Continuing Education Expertise: The continuing education program includes a 22.5-hour all-inclusive course, as well as individual classes on specific topics.
- 100% On-Demand Video Courses: All courses offered by the school are taught via video classes, which students can access anytime.
- Convenient, Self-Paced Learning: Given its online format, students have the luxury of learning at their own pace. This is ideal for those with busy schedules.
- Experienced Instructors: Keep Me Certified takes pride in its team of experienced instructors who teach the classes via online videos.
Potential Cons
Keep Me Certified does not offer pre-licensing courses, which may be a con for professionals looking for a one-stop shop for their real estate education.
Pricing
Keep Me Certified Real Estate School offers a 22.5-hour course package for brokers and agents who need to renew their New York real estate license.
The course package costs $45, although there is an option to purchase individual classes for as low as $15.
New York Real Estate Institute
The New York Real Estate Institute (NYREI) has a long-standing history and reputation as one of the best New York real estate education providers.
It was established in 1987 and has since become a reputable institution known for its high standards and quality education.
The NYREI is one of the two local companies on this list, standing out in its expertise and knowledge of New York real estate.
The NYREI applies a comprehensive approach to real estate education. It caters to professionals at various stages of their career, from pre-licensing and exam prep to continuing education. It also offers self-paced and live classes, appealing to all kinds of students.
Another impressive feature is the school’s unique job placement program. Apart from basic education, students can look forward to the school’s guidance and support in securing jobs.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Course Offerings: The New York Real Estate Institute covers all aspects of real estate professional development, from pre-licensing to continuing education.
- Live In-Person Classes: Unlike most real estate schools, the NYREI offers the option for live in-person classes apart from their online self-paced classes or livestream classes. This gives students the opportunity for more engaging and interactive learning.
- Lifetime Job Placement Assistance: According to the NYREI, it is the only school to offer lifetime job placement assistance. Beyond ensuring its students’ licensing and ongoing education, it extends its support by helping them land successful jobs in top brokerage firms.
- Diverse Real Estate Career Paths: Real estate professionals can also accelerate their careers with specific certification courses like property management, title closing, home inspection, and mortgage loans.
- Proven Track Record: The NYEI is considered one of the best New York real estate institutes backed by a stellar track record. It boasts over 100,000 students who have graduated to find employment in the real estate industry.
- Value-for-Money Course Packages: The NYREI’s course packages balance cost and quality. More premium packages are inclusive of features like lifetime job placement assistance, free continuing education, and a career advisor.
Potential Cons
The New York Real Estate Institute is more traditional in terms of coursework materials. Compared to the nationwide real estate learning centers on this list, its online courses may not be as modern-looking, interactive or fun, which may be a con for some.
This school may be a better option for those who prefer live in-person classes. As a local school, its edge is its face-to-face learning setup with direct interaction between instructors and students.
Pass Rate
The New York Real Estate Institute claims to have a 95% pass rate for the New York real estate licensing exam.
Pricing
The NYREI offers four packages: online self-paced courses in basic and platinum packages and live in-person courses in basic and platinum packages.
The basic package is $495, while the platinum package is priced at $995.
Real Estate Training Center
The Real Estate Training Center is another local real estate school specializing in New York real estate career training. With over 25 years of experience, it has many top-tier features that ensure success for aspiring real estate professionals.
The school offers a wide variety of real estate courses, which students can take either online or face-to-face in four New York locations. You can choose among the following school locations: Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
Lastly, students can avail of lifetime job placement assistance with top brokerage firms.
Other notable features include high pass rates and flexible schedules.
Key Features
- Wide Variety of Courses: The school offers courses for every stage of a real estate education, ranging from pre-licensing to continuing education to real estate career advancement.
- Online and In-Person Classes: Apart from the usual online classes offered by most real estate schools, the Real Estate Training Center gives students the option for face-to-face classes. This is a great come-on for those who learn best with direct interaction.
- Lifetime Job Placement Assistance: On top of real estate education, the school extends its services to job placement in top brokerage firms. Students can enjoy this lifetime assistance, giving them peace of mind as they navigate the competitive real estate industry.
- Expert Instructors: The faculty comprises leading real estate industry experts with in-depth knowledge and experience. Having expert instructors assures students of quality education.
- 100% Pass Rate: The Real Estate Training Center boasts a 100% pass rate based on the performance of their last class.
- Competitive Pricing: While the school may be relatively pricier compared to some on this list, its courses are cost-competitive given its comprehensive education.
Pass Rate
The Real Estate Training Center claims to have a 100% pass rate for the New York real estate licensing exam based on their last student class.
Pricing
For pre-licensing courses, the school offers three packages ranging from $495 to $995.
The basic package includes the 77-hour New York real estate salesperson license course and the real estate exam fee.
The premium packages include additional resources like exam group tutoring, textbooks, online practice exams, and access to a guidance counselor and career advisor.
Tips for Choosing the Right New York Real Estate School
Choosing the best online real estate course in NY is more than just reading up on a school’s credentials and offerings.
While these are still important, you must equally consider your preferences in a real estate school. This includes your preferred learning style, tuition fee, flexibility, and so on.
From there, compare different options and narrow in on the one that suits your ideals best.
Here are some tips to help you out.
Consider Your Learning Style
Do you perform better with online classes or in-person classes?
For those who easily get distracted or lack self-motivation, classroom courses may be a better option. It also allows more direct interaction with fellow students and instructors.
For those with an on-the-go lifestyle, online courses may be more suitable. They offer flexibility and allow self-paced learning.
Either way, knowing your learning style can make or break your educational experience.
Research the Instructors
Real estate schools often promote their team of instructors as a means to attract students.
Choose a school with instructors who are not only knowledgeable but also have real-world experience in real estate. That means they can provide invaluable insights into the coursework and more technical terms.
Some NY real estate schools take it further by offering interactive opportunities with instructors. These include live Q&As, one-on-one sessions, and tutoring.
Look at the Pass Rates
There are several real estate training providers that offer comprehensive, good-quality education. To help narrow down your options, compare the pass rates of the different real estate schools in New York you have shortlisted.
High pass rates are a good indicator of a school’s effectiveness in preparing students for the New York real estate licensing exam.
According to research, approximately 60% of first-timers pass the NY state exam. At least 80% pass on their second attempt. To be on the safe side, you may want to focus on schools with a pass rate higher than the state average.
Compare Costs
For many people, tuition fees and costs are the biggest consideration when it comes to education. While understandably so, it is important to find a good balance between affordability and quality education.
Schools with higher tuition fees often mean a more comprehensive curriculum. Similarly, more cost-effective schools may stick to basic coursework and resources.
Fortunately for New Yorkers, you’ll find a range of distinguished real estate schools catering to different budgets.
Read Past Student Reviews
Student reviews are perhaps the most time-consuming yet most important criteria when choosing the best NYS real estate license course online.
Reading testimonials from previous students will provide a glimpse into the real-life experiences and outcomes of attending a particular school. As such, take your time in going through both good and bad reviews.
Additional Tips for Success in Real Estate School
Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you succeed in real estate school.
- Set Realistic Goals
Understand your learning capacity based on your current lifestyle and workload. From there, set tangible milestones for you to achieve.
This will help you space out the coursework and not cram everything at the last minute.
- Study Schedule
Create a regular study schedule and stick to it.
Apart from instilling discipline, it is also an effective way of absorbing the complex coursework material.
- Collaborative Learning
Find a study partner or join a study group. Collaborative learning can promote insightful discussions, leading to a deeper understanding of the lessons.
- Utilize School Resources
Take advantage of your school’s resources for a richer learning experience.
Alongside the basic curriculum, most real estate schools offer additional study materials to facilitate better learning. These are usually in the form of videos, audio guides, flashcards, and live forums.
- Seek Help When Needed
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Real estate involves complex concepts, and you are not expected to understand everything from the get-go. When in doubt, approach your fellow classmates or instructors and seek guidance where needed.
How to Apply for a Real Estate License in New York
Below are the steps to secure a New York real estate license.
Eligibility Requirements
Interested real estate professionals must meet the following requirements before starting their New York real estate journey:
- Must be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be a resident of New York State
Pre-licensing Education
For New York real estate salespersons, completing a 77-hour pre-licensing course from an approved school is mandatory. This includes passing the course final exam.
Check the New York State website for a list of approved real estate education providers or real estate licensing providers, as well as a breakdown of the real estate salesperson syllabus.
Licensing Exam
After completing the New York real estate pre-licensing course, the next step is to take the New York Real Estate Sales License Exam.
The exam contains 75 questions and must be completed in 90 minutes. Applicants must get a score of at least 70% to pass the exam.
Sponsoring Broker
As per New York state law, all real estate salespersons must work under a sponsoring broker. The sponsor will act as your mentor in your new real estate career. Moreover, the sponsor will be the official holder of your New York real estate license.
Before completing your application, you will need to look for an active New York broker to sponsor you.
Application Process
After passing the licensing exam and securing sponsorship from a broker, complete the application process for a New York real estate license online.
Submit the application with the necessary fees and documentation to the New York State Department of State (DOS).
Below are the fees:
- Exam fee: $15
- Application fee: $55
Tips for Becoming a Successful Real Estate Agent in New York
Now that you have your real estate license, keep these tips in mind to help you succeed as you begin your career.
- Get involved in the real estate community.
Attend industry events, join professional associations, and network with other real estate professionals. Active participation within the community will help you build valuable connections throughout your career.
- Become an expert in the New York City real estate market.
Stay up-to-date on New York housing market trends, inventory levels, and pricing. Not only will such knowledge help you close deals with clients, but it will also help build your credibility and trustworthiness as a professional.
- Provide excellent customer service.
Be responsive to your client’s needs before, during, and after closing the deal. Go the extra mile and build relationships with them.
This special attention you give your clients may be what sets you apart from other real estate professionals.
- Use technology to your advantage.
Make the most of modern-day tools and software to improve your business operations. Consider investing in a real estate CRM (customer relationship management) system to help you manage your clients and stay organized.
- Market yourself effectively.
In a competitive industry like real estate, personal branding will help you go a long way. For starters, take advantage of social media and create a strong online presence.
To take it even further, develop a strategic marketing plan to build up online engagement and generate leads.
Start Your Career With the Right New York Real Estate School
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the top New York real estate schools with insights into what makes each school unique.
While they all have their fair share of pros and cons, remember that choosing the best NY real estate license course online is a personal journey. The right school for you should align with your learning style, budget, and career goals.
By considering these factors, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on a successful real estate career.
