Best Online Real Estate Schools in South Carolina: A Comprehensive List

South Carolina has become an appealing place to settle down, with its expanding cities and idyllic coastal towns. Neighborhoods like Charleston and Greenville have seen a surge in demand for residential and commercial properties. South Carolina has become a thriving market for aspiring real estate professionals.

Although there has been a dip in South Carolina homes for sale, median home prices were up more than 5% year on year in August 2023. Higher prices suggest a promising market for investors in residential and commercial real estate.

With this growth, there’s been a natural need for more qualified real estate agents. According to the August 2023 report of the National Association of Realtors®, there are 25,849 registered realtors in South Carolina, an increase versus last year.

This number may not even capture the full extent of the industry as some real agents choose not to register with NAR. As for income, ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of over $71,000, with top earners earning over $110,000. 

Given the potential of the South Carolina real estate, an aspiring real estate professional have a lot to look forward to. But starting a lucrative real estate career with one crucial step: education.

A real estate school can make or break your chances of passing the real estate exam and, consequently, securing your real estate license. As such, choosing the right school involves considering several factors – from course materials to student support resources to pass rates. 

In this guide, we aim to provide an in-depth look into the best online real estate schools in South Carolina for 2023. 

How to Choose an Online Real Estate School in South Carolina

Selecting a South Carolina real estate school is more than just signing up for the first course you see. For starters, consider your preferences. What is best suited to your lifestyle, budget, and so on?

Here are several factors to take note of when researching the many options available in South Carolina. 

Accreditation

For real estate education in South Carolina, accreditation is more than just an indicator of a school’s credibility. It ensures that the school adheres to state standards and regulations set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Getting education from a state-accredited school is a requirement to be eligible to take the South Carolina real estate exam. So, make sure your chosen school is included in the list of approved pre-exam course providers before enrolling.

Course Offerings

Depending on where you are in your real estate career, you can choose between different real estate courses in South Carolina – from pre-licensing to post-licensing, continuing education, and even broker courses.

To become a real estate agent in South Carolina, you must complete 90 hours of a pre-licensing course comprising:

• Sixty hours of “Unit I: Salesperson Pre-Licensing Course” must be completed before the exam.
• An additional 30 hours of “Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles” can be taken after the exam.

For a broker’s real estate license, the state requires 150 hours of classroom education. This includes 90 hours of salesperson education and an additional 60 hours of Broker Unit III A and III B courses by an approved provider.

For a real estate agent renewing his/her license in South Carolina, post-licensing and continued education courses are required. 

• For first renewal: A 30-hour post-licensing course must be completed before the real estate license expiration.
• For subsequent renewals: 10 hours of biennial Continuing Education courses must be completed by salespersons and brokers, which includes a 4-hour mandatory core course. This is required for your real estate license to stay active throughout your career.

Student Support Resources

On top of the basic curriculum, some South Carolina real estate classes provide additional resources like exam prep materials, online forums, Q&A sessions, mentorship opportunities, accessible instructors, and the like. This kind of support may make some schools more appealing than others, especially when it comes to exam preparation. 

Pass Rates

With South Carolina’s distinct real estate laws and market intricacies, a high pass rate is founded on a curriculum that’s both comprehensive and state-specific.

According to multiple sources, the average pass rate for the South Carolina real estate exam hovers around 60% to 70%, although a specific number is not provided by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. 

Schools with rates significantly higher than this average are likely doing an exceptional job in preparing their students. As such, choosing a school with an impressive pass rate should give you peace of mind when it’s time to take the state exam. 

Tuition and Fees

Lastly, it is good practice to compare a school’s tuition fee and other costs with the value offered. Additionally, it may help to check if schools offer payment plans, scholarships, or discounts for those working with a budget. 

The good news, South Carolina boasts a range of approved real estate schools with varying costs, making quality education accessible to many. 

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Best Online Real Estate Schools in South Carolina

Based on the factors above, we have narrowed down the best real estate schools in SC worth considering.

Aceable Agent 

Aceable Agent stands out for its contemporary and flexible approach to real estate education. Its biggest unique selling point is its mobile-friendly platform, wherein courses are easily accessible on smartphones and tablets, allowing students to study anytime, anywhere. 

Moreover, the platform’s innovative delivery method has earned it praise for engaging content. The school’s South Carolina real estate courses are filled with interactive content, including videos, quizzes, and real-world scenarios

Colibri Real Estate

Often considered one of the best real estate schools in the country, Colibri Real Estate courses are fortunately available for South Carolina real estate agents and aspiring hopefuls.

The school is known for providing a broad spectrum of real estate education services that are not only comprehensive but also accessible. This includes a real estate license course, continuing education courses, and professional development courses.

Students can anticipate a blend of self-paced online courses and live virtual classes, allowing flexibility and personalized learning. 

The CE Shop

Specializing in online education, The CE Shop offers a mix of continuing education and pre-licensing courses for South Carolina real estate professionals.

The platform’s interactive, scenario-based learning allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts. Additionally, tools for exam preparation and business skill development set it apart.

RealEstateU

Emerging as a competitive player in the real estate education domain, RealEstateU offers a unique blend of affordability and quality. Its South Carolina online courses are structured to be accessible and straightforward, making the licensing process simpler for an aspiring real estate agent. 

With content delivered through a mix of audio lectures, animated videos, and comprehensive course materials, learners can grasp complex concepts with ease.

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Aceable Agent

Aceable Agent remains one of the top choices for the best real estate education in the country. Focusing on pre-licensing courses, the school is lauded for its engaging course content, affordable packages, and high pass rate.

But perhaps its most standout feature is its mobile app, revolutionizing learning and offering convenience for students on-the-go.

Pros:

• Engaging coursework content: Learn through interactive videos, games, infographics, and more.
• Convenient and flexible learning: Students can access the course through the school’s mobile app, allowing self-paced, on-the-go learning. 
• Value-for-money packages: Choose between different packages depending on your preference. The Basic package focuses on core real estate knowledge. The Deluxe package includes additional exam prep materials. The Premium package offers more student resources like live webinars and live instructor support.
• High pass rate: Aceable Agent boasts a 91% for South Carolina real estate exam takers, which is significantly higher than the state average.
• Ace or “Don’t Pay” guarantee: Students are not required to pay for the course again in case they do not pass the real estate license exam.
• Refund policy: Students may avail of the 30-day refund policy so long as the course has not been completed. 

Cons:

• Course length: Students are required to finish the real estate course in 12 months with an option to extend for six months at a cost of $49. While this may not be a big deal for most, some people may prefer a more flexible time frame, especially working students.

Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate is a seasoned provider of online real estate education, garnering a reputation for quality and reliability for over a decade and a half. 

With a commitment to student support and success, courses are not only comprehensive but also designed for optimal student engagement and comprehension. 

The school also places emphasis on its community of over 132 seasoned real estate instructors, assuring students of quality education. 

Pros:

• User-friendly platform: Colibri Real Estate takes pride in its easy-to-use dashboard, making it easy for students to navigate through lessons and other features. In fact, the school allows students to demo the platform before paying for the course.
• Course content: There are two-course options available for South Carolina students: Ultimate Learning and Exam Preparation Plus. On top of the basic coursework, both packages are inclusive of instructor support, study guides, exam prep materials, webinars, and instructor Q&A.
• Additional student support: The Ultimate Learning package comes with a Career Booster Pack, which includes how-to videos, job aids, templates, and more. 
• Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee: The school guarantees that students who do not pass the real estate licensing exam on their first try will not need to pay for the course.
• Readiness Assessment feature: Based on a student’s performance throughout the course, this feature will rate your readiness to take the real estate exam, with scores ranging from 1 to 10. This is helpful in determining whether a student needs more exam prep.

Cons:

• Pass rate: Colibri Real Estate has a pass rate of 54% among South Carolina students, which may not be as impressive as other real estate providers. 
• Tuition fee: Pricing might be on the higher end compared to other online real estate schools in South Carolina. 

The CE Shop

The CE Shop is lauded as having one of the easiest SC real estate courses. The school offers education for various stages of the real estate journey – from pre-licensing and post-licensing courses to continuing education. 

Their curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover every aspect of the real estate business while still offering flexible, self-paced learning and additional student resources. 

Pros:

• Course offerings: The CE Shop offers a comprehensive course lineup from pre-licensing to post-licensing. Moreover, courses come in different packages with different inclusions and benefits.
• Five-day free trial: The school offers a five-day trial for students to explore the course before committing full-time.
• Student resources: On top of the basic curriculum, students get access to other helpful materials like business e-books, exam prep, career resources, digital flashcards, and more.

Cons:

• Limited features: While The CE Shop courses are comprehensive in terms of real estate knowledge, the school does not offer unique features that you may find in other schools, like live instructor support or live-streamed classes.
• Pass rate: Colibri Real Estate has a pass rate of 66% among South Carolina students, which may not be as impressive as other real estate providers. 

RealEstateU

RealEstateU is an online platform that aims to provide affordable and accessible real estate education for aspiring professionals. With its straightforward course design and flexible scheduling options, it simplifies the learning process. It makes it easy for students to navigate through the essential topics without overwhelming them.

Pros:

• Affordability: RealEstateU is known for offering cost-effective courses, making it a popular choice for individuals on a budget.
• Flexibility: Unlike other online real estate classes in SC, RealEstateU courses do not have time restrictions, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
• Multimedia learning: Courses are accessible through different devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. This is perfect for students who are on the go and want to learn anytime, anywhere.
• Refund policy: Students can avail of a 30-day refund for uncompleted courses.

Cons:

• Limited packages: RealEstateU only has a one-course package available. While this may serve as a more simple approach to real estate education, some students may want options and find one to match their preferences.
• Strict time limit: Students who do not finish the course within 12 months are required to purchase the course again. 
• Limited customer support: The school does not offer live chat or phone support, which may pose problems for students who encounter problems and want real-time resolutions.

Comparison of Online Real Estate Schools in South Carolina

If you are considering any of the South Carolina real estate schools above, below is a breakdown of key features worth comparing and assessing to help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of Taking Online SC Real Estate Classes

The digital age has transformed how we learn, and real estate education is no exception. Here’s why online learning might be the best route:

• Flexibility: Study at your own pace, at any time, and from anywhere.
• Cost-Effective: Generally, online courses are less expensive than traditional classroom courses.
• Variety of Resources: Access to online forums, digital study materials, and practice exams.
• Tailored Learning: Rewatch lectures, skip known concepts, or dive deep into specific areas of interest.

Requirements to Become a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina

To get your South Carolina real estate license online, you must satisfy all the requirements below:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be sponsored by a broker.
• Must complete a state-approved 60-hour pre-licensing real estate course (Unit I: Salesperson Pre-Licensing Course. Keep in mind, though, that the remaining 30-hour Unit II course must be completed after passing the exam.
• Must pass the final South Carolina real estate exam within one year of application approval by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You may take the exam an unlimited number of times within one year from application.

After passing the real estate exam, you will receive your South Carolina real estate license online. 

• Related Articles : Best Real Estate Schools in New Jersey

Conclusion

To start a career in South Carolina’s real estate sector, you need to invest in a good education. While each school has its unique advantages, the best choice aligns with your personal learning style, professional goals, and budget. 

Invest time in thorough research and, if possible, speak to alumni or current students. After all, this decision lays the foundation for your future success in the real estate industry.