So, you’ve been thinking of entering the real estate business as a professional? Here is a guide and direct article for you to get closer to your goal and dream.
The regulating real estate authority of California mandates that aspiring real estate agents like you must complete the California real estate license courses with the specified number of course hours which are specified in every state’s guideline to clear the licensing exam.
Read more about pre-licensing options available after a comparative exploration for desiring real estate professionals in California.
1. Conventional classroom courses: traditional courses like these provide you with a structured and outlined line of study and education which is required. It offers you this kind of education in an in-person learning environment where everyone is physically present with each other. Also, these courses are typically held in real estate schools and community colleges for function.
Pros: one of the pros is that this style of education caters to face-to-face interaction with peers and teachers both. This gives a learning experience like no other.
It also helps in maintaining discipline in the learning process.
Cons: it limits flexibility in choosing your own classroom timings and it is a little inconvenient for those who have busy work schedules and find it difficult to physically attend classes at a pre-determined day and time.
2. Online schools for Real estate: these modern online mode schools are known to offer flexibility and convenience to all those who prefer a less conventional setup of education. These courses can be taken from anywhere with a stable internet connection on your desktop, laptop, tablet or even mobile phone.
Pros: it gives you unlimited access to a variety of courses and study materials required for the specific course. It helps you experience the various multimedia study tools and interactive materials.
Cons: the major challenge is to find that intrinsic motivation and discipline which comes naturally when you take a session in a classroom. Here, the ball is in your court to decide when and where the class happens. So, it demands a lot of discipline from the aspirants.
Another point is that there is very less student-to-student interaction which changes the way you share information, ideas and learnings with each other. It limits the possibility of community learning and socializing.
3. Hybrid Courses: this format of study allows for a mix of in-person and individual, self-paced learning sessions. This type of arrangement considers the elements of a classroom learning method and an online one.
Pros: This hybrid mode of imparting education gives more room to in-person interactions of students along with the flexibility of online self-paced learning.
Cons: It may require some of your additional time management skills to handle both formats effectively and in a timely manner.
4. Self-Study Courses: As the name suggests, these courses support self-study methods of learning. There are many people for whom this method works best. They only need course materials to support their independent learning and they are good at going on their own. These courses provide just that! The materials that this course provides generally include textbooks, study guides, and online resources for you to get help from.
Pros: you as a student have complete autonomy and control over what you study, how you study and where you study. This keeps the whole process relaxed and stress-free. This method of study is ideal for only those of you who prefer learning independently and in peace.
Cons: Again, there is a limitation of not getting the physical interaction of study. It limits how much you can interact with the instructors for guidance and support. This way sometimes, you may find it difficult to cope with the speed and clarity of thought that other students may develop.
Along with less interaction, you might also miss out onlearning new and interactive study tools and elements which can facilitate your learning experience.
5. Institutional and University Programs: You can find some universities and institutions that offer real estate programs that cover pre-licensing education requirements with respect to California. These are comprehensive courses that cover all the topics which are included in the pre-licensing education curriculum.
Pros: You can depend on them to provide you with additional course materials, resources, help, support and guidance even after you have cleared the real estate exam. They have comprehensive study patterns that you must follow to obtain your license in the required time.
Along with that, you will be better able to make contacts and connections while attending these University programs. These places are a melting pot of industry connections, and you can do a lot of networking over here to build a strong foundation for when you later join the industry.
Cons: Attending a university or a dedicated program is always time taking and consuming as compared to other modes and platforms. Here, you will typically take longer to complete the course.
Also, it is more expensive to attend as compared to other platforms.
So, at last, it largely depends on you as to which one is a preferable option more than the other. But it is always suggested to make an informed decision after looking at it from all angles so that you as a course seeker have the greatest advantage of them all.
