Perhaps you have been wanting to change careers and have been contemplating joining the ranks of South Carolina agents who sell homes. It is an exciting goal that you may be able to achieve in six months of less. There will be an initial financial investment, of course, because you must pay tuition at a real estate school. You must also fulfill all state requirements for licensing, which includes completing a certain amount of education hours.
Once you have made the decision to go to real estate school, you then have to choose one and enroll. If you have no background in real estate, how are you supposed to be able to tell a good school from a bad one? In a perfect world, all schools would be top quality and you could take your pick. In reality, if you enroll in a school that is providing a substandard quality education, it could delay or impede your ability to get your license.
Go online to research the real estate school you have in mind
The internet is a valuable research tool that you can use to learn more about a real estate school before enrolling. Try to find a school's state rank. Also seek reviews from former students who have completed the program, or if they haven't finished, find out what their reasons were for dropping the program.
What is the passing rate at the real estate school?
If you are considering enrolling in a particular real estate school, it's a good idea to inquire about its pass rate, meaning what percentage of students go on to complete the program and pass their state exam. If a school's passing rate is low, it suggests that the quality of education being provided there is also low or that there isn't a strong support network in place for students.
Make sure that instructors are licensed brokers or agents
Always check into the professional backgrounds of the faculty who are currently serving the real estate school you have in mind for enrollment. You have the greatest chances of succeeding when your instructors have both curriculum knowledge as well as real-world experience in the real estate industry.
A school whose faculty members are themselves licensed brokers or sales agents is able to offer more than required information for licensing. Such instructors can mentor students and help them lay the groundwork for becoming profitable sales agents after they pass the state exam.
Scheduling flexibility is also a plus
You might want to avoid enrolling in a school whose scheduling options are too limited or rigid. A lot of people go to real estate school while working full-time jobs or raising a family. They need flexibility when scheduling classes. You might prefer taking online classes versus in person classes. Finding a school that fits your scheduling needs can increase your ability to accomplish your real estate goals.