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Choosing a Real Estate School

Learn about real estate school and why it's important to get your degree from an accredited school.

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By Jacqui Tom

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Even though the US housing market has been hit hard in recent months, government programs such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, and the Making Homes Affordable program are working toward improving and expanding the real estate industry.

In order to launch an exciting new career in real estate, whether it is as a real estate agent, appraiser or property manager, you will need to complete training at a real estate school and, depending on your chosen career, pass a state-specific licensing exam.

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Which Real Estate School is Right for You?

The following are the most common places where aspiring professionals attend real estate school:

Community College

Community colleges generally offer a variety of programs and training courses to help you break into the real estate industry. From individual courses to two-year associate's degrees, your local community college offers a convenient, affordable way to attend real estate school. A community college education can offer you a solid foundation for whichever real estate career you choose.

Online Education

For the ultimate in flexibility and convenience, attending an online real estate school allows you to earn your degree at night, on the weekends, whenever or wherever it is convenient for you. The quality of an online education has improved significantly in the past few years with many traditional bricks-and-mortar schools now making their classes available over the Internet. If you are considering going to real estate school online and intend to sit for a real estate licensing exam, be sure to check your state licensing requirements first as some states do not allow students to complete their real estate training online.

Universities and Colleges

The most traditional of real estate schools, public/private universities and colleges will provide you with a well-rounded general education in addition to career-specific training geared to help you succeed in your real estate career. Earning your bachelor's or master's degree in real estate will boost your earning potential and help you advance your career more quickly.

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Accreditation

When considering which real estate school to attend, it is important to remember that not all schools and degrees are created equal. All of the real estate schools on All Business Schools are accredited, meaning that they have been evaluated by a third-party organization to determine whether they meet the highest standards of teaching and instruction. Many employers and graduate schools will only accept degrees from accredited schools.

Know Your State Requirements

All 50 states and the District of Columbia require real estate agents and brokers to undergo licensing. However, each state has its own individual real estate laws and licensing requirements. For example, New York requires prospective agents to complete 45 hours of training at an approved real estate school, while Texas asks for 180. The state of Washington allows students to complete their licensing requirements online, while Massachusetts does not. You must fulfill the educational requirements and pass the licensing exam for the state in which you wish to sell, manage or appraise real estate. Transferring a real estate license from one state to another may require additional training and testing. Find a real estate school near you by searching our comprehensive directory of accredited real estate schools in the US and online.

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find a real estate school