In the ever-evolving world of real estate, finding the right educational path is crucial for aspiring professionals. Investopedia has taken on the formidable task of evaluating online real estate schools to guide prospective agents in making informed decisions. Their comprehensive review is a beacon for those seeking to navigate the myriad options available.


A real estate agent makes a sale outside of a home.

Research Methodology

Investopedia’s research team embarked on this journey in February 2025, selecting nine prominent online real estate schools. These institutions were chosen based on consumer interest and a competitive analysis of the industry. The courses assessed spanned various aspects of real estate education, including salesperson pre-licensing, exam preparation, continuing education, post-licensing, and broker preparation.


Data Collection and Scoring

To ensure an objective evaluation, Investopedia developed a quantitative model that scored schools on a scale from 0.00 to 5.00. This model was based on 38 criteria tailored to the needs of real estate professionals. These criteria were divided into four primary categories: Fees, Customer Satisfaction, Features, and Availability.


  • Fees: Weighted at 27% of the total score, this category considered pre-licensing fees across different states.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Also 27%, this included pass rates and app ratings.
  • Features: At 26%, this category evaluated offerings like practice questions and study groups.
  • Availability: Accounting for 20%, this assessed state availability for various courses.

Each of these categories was meticulously examined to provide a holistic view of what each school offers.


Additional Insights

Beyond the primary categories, other factors such as course expiration dates, years of establishment, and state-specific availability were considered, though not always weighted in the final evaluation. This thorough approach ensures that prospective students have a well-rounded understanding of their options.


For those interested in delving deeper into the specifics of this evaluation, the original article on Investopedia offers a detailed breakdown, serving as an invaluable resource for anyone looking to embark on a career in real estate.


More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Proptech Promised a Revolution — So Why Does Real Estate Still Feel the Same?

Despite billions poured into proptech and a decade of flashy digital upgrades, the real estate experience remains largely unchanged. Apps made processes smoother, but not more transparent — because the industry’s core structures, data control and power dynamics stayed the same. True disruption will come from platforms that shift information and control to consumers, not just digitize outdated systems.

CRE Markets Wake Up in 2026: What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know

Early 2026 is delivering a clear message: commercial real estate is entering a recalibration phase. Construction is softening, pending home sales just saw a sharp drop, consumer sentiment is inching upward but remains fragile, and capital markets are tightening as major CRE sectors face rising distress. From data centers powering ahead to CMBS foreclosures climbing and office-to-residential conversions gaining momentum, professionals across real estate, mortgage, insurance, and finance need to stay sharp as the industry shifts.

Top 10 Highest-Paying Real Estate Careers of 2026

Discover the real estate roles earning the biggest paychecks in 2026. From investment consultants to commercial leasing managers, this breakdown highlights the salaries, responsibilities, and career paths offering the strongest financial potential in today’s evolving market—perfect for newcomers and seasoned professionals mapping their next big move.

Montana Launches Bold Licensing Reform Task Force to Boost Workforce Participation

Montana is taking major steps to remove outdated licensing barriers and strengthen its workforce. Governor Greg Gianforte has created a new Licensing Reform Task Force aimed at modernizing regulations, speeding up approvals, and helping more professionals enter high‑demand fields like construction and healthcare. With licensing numbers doubling over the past decade and rural communities facing critical shortages, the state is pushing for faster, more efficient pathways to work. The task force begins meeting in February and will deliver its full reform report by September 2026 — a move that could influence licensing modernization efforts nationwide.

AI Becomes Standard Gear for Real Estate Agents in 2026

Artificial intelligence has officially moved from novelty to necessity in the real estate world. According to new industry data, 97% of brokerage leaders say their agents now rely on AI tools for everything from listing descriptions to full-scale marketing campaigns. As adoption skyrockets, so do concerns over training, accuracy, and compliance — especially among smaller firms. The message is clear: for today’s real estate professionals, AI literacy isn’t optional anymore.

How the Biggest Players Shaped the 2025 Commercial Real Estate Comeback

Commercial real estate roared back to life in 2025, with more than $255B pouring into multifamily, industrial, office and retail assets. Major investors moved fast on falling interest rates, improving bond yields and rising confidence across sectors. Multifamily dominated with over $115B in deals, industrial surged under private equity leadership, office saw renewed activity from owner-users and retail proved surprisingly resilient. For today’s real estate and finance professionals, the message is clear: opportunity favors those who stay informed and ready to act.