Top 3 online Ohio real estate schools
Choosing the right online Ohio real estate school is a crucial step for your career. It’s important to thoroughly research and understand what each course offers. With many options available, only a select few stand out in providing top-quality education and comprehensive support to help you earn your real estate license.
At Smart Agent Alliance, we’re committed to guiding new agents toward successful careers. That’s why we’ve created a detailed list of the top online real estate schools in Ohio, offering insights into their courses, delivery methods, and an objective look at the pros and cons of each.
Our Top 3 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Ohio
The CE Shop
SmartAgentAlliance Score: A
Top Feature: Course is easy to follow, high pass rates among students
Why We Chose It: The CE Shop offers a variety of real estate education options with an interactive and inquiry-based approach in their studying methods. While their focus is mainly on continuing education, they also provide excellent pre-licensing courses, exam prep, and post-licensing education. Their courses are accredited by ARELLO and have received numerous awards for their educational programs.
Overview: The CE Shop’s pre-licensing courses can be taken in 34 states, through four different course packages: Courses Only, Standard Package, Value Package, and Premium Package. Every package comes with business ebooks, career resources, downloadable resources, real estate glossary, digital flashcards, study schedules, and access to instructor-led webinars. Students have praised the course content for being easy to follow and highly informative, which has led to high pass rates.
Why The CE Shop is Great for Pre-Licensing: The CE Shop’s pre-licensing courses emphasize real-world applications with scenario-based learning. This approach helps students apply their knowledge to practical situations they will face in their real estate careers. Additionally, The CE Shop provides an exam prep edge program that offers additional practice tests and study aids to ensure students are well-prepared for their licensing exams.
User Experiences and Feedback: The CE Shop is well-regarded for its robust customer support and comprehensive resources. The ability to access instructor-led webinars provides an additional layer of support and interaction, which can be particularly beneficial for students who need more guidance. The frequent promotions and discounts make it a cost-effective option for many. Students appreciate the clear and structured study schedules, which help them stay on track and complete the course efficiently.
Ohio Pricing
Pre-Licensing
Price Starts at: $1,049.30
Basic Package Features:The Basic Package for the Ohio Pre-Licensing course includes 120 hours of required training, business eBooks written by experts, career resources, downloadable resources, digital flashcards, a real estate glossary, and a study schedule to help you stay on track.
Upgrade Packages: Other packages for Ohio Pre-Licensing may include additional features such as Exam Prep Edge for National & Ohio, a Pass Guarantee, the Kickstarter Professional Development Program with 3 courses, The CE Shop’s 20-Hour Ohio Post-Licensing Salesperson Course, and the Real Estate Basics and Beyond eTextbook.
Exam Prep
Price Starts at: $101.25
Basic Package Features:This program thoroughly prepares you for the Ohio Salesperson national and state licensing exams. With Exam Prep Edge, you’ll benefit from an intuitive online study experience that includes an initial assessment to identify your strengths and areas for improvement, dynamic practice exams with unique questions, and real-time dashboards that guide your study focus. The program is designed to help you continuously improve your scores by targeting specific topics outlined in your Candidate Handbook.
Upgrade Packages: None
Post-Licensing
Price Starts at: $209
Basic Package Features:This course covers essential topics for real estate professionals, including broker responsibilities, advertising regulations, and understanding real estate cycles. It also focuses on civil rights, fair housing, cultural diversity, agency formation and disclosure, and the duties involved when acting as a buyer’s or seller’s agent. Additionally, it addresses the proper handling of earnest money, federal and state buyer programs, foreclosures, short sales, and specialized areas such as land contracts, commercial real estate, and property management.
Upgrade Packages: None
Continuing Education
Price Starts at: $189
Basic Package Features: Package includes key Ohio real estate continuing education courses: “Complying with the Canon” (3 required Canon of Ethics hours), “Navigating Ohio Agency” (3 required Ohio Core Law hours), “Sex and Real Estate” (3 required Civil Rights/Liberties hours), and several electives such as “Fair Share,” “First-Time Homebuyers,” “Growing Green,” “Selling to Your Sphere of Influence,” “Technology Tools, Trends, and Risk Management,” “Using the Code to Solve Ethical Dilemmas,” and “Working with Real Estate Investors,” each offering 3 elective hours.
Upgrade Packages: Yes, This package also includes the ProPath Real Estate Business Builder professional development program, offering courses on Pricing Strategies, Tax Planning for the Self-Employed, and Budgeting to Build Your Business. These courses teach you essential skills like effective home pricing, tax management, and creating a solid budget to support your real estate career success.
Features
Learning Format: Flexible, self-paced online courses.
Access Duration: Six months from the start date.
Money-Back Guarantee: Full refund within 30 days if less than 50% of the course is completed.
Pass Assurance: Exam cost reimbursed if you don’t pass on the first attempt.
Exam Preparation: Targeted review sessions, custom study plans, unlimited practice tests, and live webinars.
Support Services: Available daily via email, phone, or chat.
Final Exam Procedure: Online proctoring available nationwide; California exams are administered by the DRE at specific centers.
Extra Resources: Includes digital flashcards, a real estate glossary, a study schedule, business courses, and state-specific content.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✔
Multiple study package options and monthly payment plans - ✔
High pass rates among students - ✔
Interactive and easy-to-follow course material - ✔
Frequent discounts and promotions
Cons:
- ✖
Mainly text-based study materials - ✖
Some students find the materials take longer to complete than expected - ✖
Limited coverage of real estate math
To view their current pricing for pre-licensing, first click this linked button, then under the main heading select “Real Estate” then fill in your State, Education, and License type (Your State, Pre-Licencing, Sales-Licencing)
Colibri Real Estate
SmartAgentAlliance Score: A
Top Feature: Affordable and comprehensive study materials
Why We Chose It: Colibri Real Estate is known for its affordability and thorough course materials. It provides excellent support to students preparing for their exams and offers a range of courses that cater to different learning needs. Colibri’s courses are designed to be clear and easy to understand, making them a great choice for budget-conscious students.
Overview: Colibri Real Estate offers various online courses with comprehensive study materials. The courses are designed to prepare students effectively for their licensing exams, with detailed support and resources. The pricing is competitive, making it an accessible option for many students.
Why Colibri Real Estate is Great for Pre-Licensing: Colibri Real Estate’ pre-licensing courses include interactive study tools such as flashcards, practice tests, and exam simulators. The courses are state-approved and designed to meet all the requirements for licensure. Colibri also offers a “pass or don’t pay” guarantee, ensuring students can retake the course if they don’t pass the exam on the first try. They also provide a career starter guide to help new agents transition smoothly into their real estate careers.
User Experiences and Feedback: Colibri Real Estate has a strong reputation for providing value for money. The comprehensive study materials are frequently updated to reflect the latest industry standards and practices. Students have noted that the detailed exam preparation support, including practice exams and study guides, is particularly helpful for passing the state licensing exams. The school’s customer support, though sometimes slow, is knowledgeable and helpful in resolving issues.
Ohio Pricing
Pre-Licensing
Price Starts at: $1,299
Basic Package Features: This package includes 120 hours of required pre-licensing education, National Exam Review, four course textbooks, instructor support available 7 days a week, fingerprinting for state and federal background checks, Career Expos for networking with hiring companies, and a Crammer Course to help reinforce key concepts before the exam.
Upgrade Packages: Yes, other packages include a Real Estate Dictionary and Vocabulary Flashcards, a Math Review Course, the Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, CompuCram® Exam Prep, Hondros Alumni Membership, the required 30 hours of Continuing Education courses, and the required 20-hour Sales Post-licensing course.
Exam Prep
Price Starts at: $299
Basic Package Features: The Exam Prep Bootcamp provides top exam prep resources, including access to CompuCram Real Estate Exam Prep, the Crammer Sales Review Course, and Real Estate Math Review, ensuring you feel confident and fully prepared for your exam.
Upgrade Packages: No, but there are various live courses available.
Post-Licensing
Price Starts at: $199
Basic Package Features: This 20-hour sales post-licensing course focuses on essential topics for licensed real estate salespersons, including good business practices, fair housing laws, agency creation and termination, agency disclosure, broker responsibilities, fiduciary duties, advertising laws, property management, commercial real estate, short sales, foreclosures, wholesaling, and land contracts, among other critical real estate topics.
Upgrade Packages: None
Continuing Education
Price Starts at: $169
Basic Package Features: The 30-Hour Salesperson Renewal Package is priced at $169 and is offered in an online self-paced format. It includes the Canons of Ethics, Core Law Update, Civil Rights Update, and 21 hours of approved real estate continuing education course topics.
Upgrade Packages: None
Features
Learning Options: Choose between self-paced online courses or live-streamed classes with real-time instructors for a classroom-like experience from home.
Course Access: Six months of access from the enrollment date.
Refund Policy: Full refund for self-paced courses if canceled within 30 days, and within 24 hours for live-stream courses.
Pass Guarantee: For packages with exam prep, Colibri will refund the course cost if you score 80% or higher on simulated exams but don’t pass the state exam on the first try.
Exam Preparation: Includes digital flashcards, mock exams, readiness assessments, audio review guides, live Q&A sessions, and six one-hour live webinars with instructors for focused preparation.
Instructor Support: Available by phone during business hours or via email for additional assistance.
Final Exam Process: Virtual proctoring available nationwide; in California, the DRE administers the exam at designated centers.
Additional Resources: Access to state-specific pre-licensing, continuing education, broker licensing, and mortgage licensing courses, as well as practice exams and a real estate dictionary.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✔
Affordable courses - ✔
Comprehensive study materials - ✔
Detailed exam preparation support
Cons:
- ✖
Limited interactivity in course materials - ✖
Some students found customer support to be slow
To view their current pricing, click this linked button, then select your desired State, Education Selection, and Education Option Selection.
Cuyahoga Community College
SmartAgentAlliance Score: A
Top Feature: In-depth, structured learning and practical exam preparation
Why We Chose It: Cuyahoga Community College’s Real Estate Pre-Licensure courses stand out due to their comprehensive approach and flexible learning options. The program covers the essential 120 hours required for Ohio real estate licensure, with a focus on practical application and exam readiness. The courses are fully online, making them accessible from any device, which is ideal for students who need to balance studies with other responsibilities.
Overview: Cuyahoga Community College offers robust pre-licensure training through its Corporate College division. The program includes courses on real estate practice, law, finance, and appraisal, all delivered online. Additionally, students can opt for a mentor-supported version, providing personalized guidance from an experienced real estate professional. This mentorship, coupled with the comprehensive course material, helps ensure that students are well-prepared for both the licensing exam and their future careers.
Why 360 Training is Great for Pre-Licensing: The college’s program is tailored to meet Ohio’s specific licensing requirements. The curriculum is designed to be both thorough and accessible, with a blend of self-paced learning and optional mentorship. This combination supports different learning styles and schedules, helping students to not only pass the licensing exam but also to enter the real estate field with confidence.
User Experiences and Feedback: Students appreciate the program’s flexibility and the depth of knowledge provided by the courses. The online format is particularly praised for its convenience, allowing learners to access materials at any time and from any place. The mentor-supported option adds a valuable layer of real-world insight, making the learning experience even more effective and engaging.
Ohio Pricing
Pre-Licensing
Price Starts at: $1,300
Basic Package Features: This comprehensive Ohio Salesperson real estate license package includes 120 hours of interactive content divided into four key courses: a 40-hour Principles and Practices course, a 40-hour Real Estate Law course, a 20-hour Real Estate Finance course, and a 20-hour Real Estate Appraisal course. The program is designed using the Ohio Candidate Information Bulletin to ensure all exam topics are covered, with individual lessons by topic for focused learning. Real-time dashboards and gauges help track your progress and readiness for the licensing exam.
Upgrade Packages: Yes, premium course includes 10 hours of personal coaching for an additional $500.
Exam Prep
Price Starts at: $150
Basic Package Features: This course offers focused exam preparation for the Ohio Salesperson national and state licensing exams. Exam Prep Edge provides an intuitive, online study experience with features like an initial assessment to identify areas of strength and those needing improvement. The program includes dynamic practice exams, individual lessons aligned with your Candidate Handbook, and real-time dashboards to track progress and ensure you’re ready for exam day.
Upgrade Packages: None, however there are individual courses.
Features
Learning Formats: 360Training offers self-paced online courses that can be accessed 24/7 from any device. The courses are designed to be engaging with a mix of text, videos, images, and quizzes to enhance understanding and retention.
Course Access: Students have access to their courses for a full year, providing ample time to complete the material at their own pace.
Refund Policy: 360Training offers a 72-hour refund policy, allowing students to cancel their purchase and receive a full refund within this period if they are not satisfied.
Exam Preparation: The platform includes exam prep materials such as practice exams, a real estate math course, and study guides to help students prepare effectively for their licensing exams. Additionally, they offer proctored final exams for states that require it .
Student Support: Customer support is available seven days a week via live chat and toll-free phone calls to assist students with any issues they might encounter.
Additional Resources: The platform provides a wide range of elective courses for continuing education (CE), covering topics such as tax-favorable real estate transactions and client-focused communications. These courses are available in 32 states.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- ✔
Comprehensive course content - ✔
Accredited and respected institution - ✔
Affordable-ish courses - ✔
Flexible learning formats - ✔
Strong support network
Cons:
- ✖
Limited advanced resources - ✖
Geographically focused curriculum - ✖
Limited customer support availability - ✖
No live instruction options
To view their current pricing for pre-licensing, first click this linked button, then choose your State from the dropdown menu on the right of “Get Certified In:” and click “Continue” you will see the prices on the next screen.
Methodology for Our Reviews
Our Review Process:
At SmartAgentAlliance, our goal is to provide accurate and helpful reviews of online real estate schools to assist prospective real estate agents in making informed decisions. Our review process involves several key steps:
Research and Data Collection:
We begin by gathering comprehensive information about each real estate school, including course offerings, pricing, accreditation, and user reviews. This involves visiting the schools’ websites, reading third-party reviews, and gathering feedback from current and former students.
Evaluation Criteria:
Our evaluation is based on several important criteria, including:
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Course Quality:
We assess the content and structure of the courses to ensure they cover all necessary topics comprehensively and are easy to follow.
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Accessibility:
We evaluate the flexibility and accessibility of the courses, including the availability of mobile apps and study materials.
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Pass Rates:
We consider the pass rates of students who have completed the courses and taken the licensing exam.
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Student Support:
We look at the level of support provided to students, including access to instructors, customer service, and additional resources like study guides and practice exams.
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Pricing:
We compare the cost of the courses relative to the value they offer, including any discounts or payment plans available.
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User Feedback:
We gather and analyze feedback from students who have taken the courses to get an understanding of their experiences and satisfaction levels.
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Scoring and Ranking:
Each school is scored based on the evaluation criteria, and an overall score is calculated. The scores are then used to rank the schools, with additional considerations given to standout features that may set a school apart from the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the top online Ohio real estate schools?
The CE Shop, Colibri Real Estate, and Cuyahoga Community College.
What is included in the pre-license courses for Ohio?
Florida pre-license courses include 63 hours of state-required education covering real estate law, principles, and practices, with a final exam requiring a minimum score of 70% to pass. The courses are self-paced and fully online.
How do I choose the best online Ohio real estate school?
To choose the best online Ohio real estate school, consider factors like course content, pass rates, student reviews, and support services. Look for schools that offer comprehensive study materials, practice exams, and flexible learning options that fit your schedule. It’s also essential to ensure the school is approved by the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.
Are online real estate courses self-paced?
Yes, most online real estate courses are self-paced, allowing you to study at your own convenience. This flexibility is ideal for students who need to balance their studies with work or other commitments.
Do online real estate schools offer exam prep?
Support varies by school but generally includes access to instructors via email or chat, customer service support, and sometimes live webinars or Q&A sessions.
How much do online real estate courses cost?
The cost of online real estate courses varies by school and package. Basic pre-license courses can start around $100, while comprehensive packages with additional features like exam prep and career support can cost several hundred dollars.
Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied with the course?
Most online real estate schools offer a refund policy, typically within a certain period (e.g., 30 days) if you haven’t completed a significant portion of the course. Check the specific refund policy of the school you choose.
Is there support available if I have questions during the course?
Yes, reputable online real estate schools offer student support through various channels such as email, phone, and live chat. Some also provide instructor-led webinars and Q&A sessions.
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