When it comes to choosing a career path, many people think of going into real estate as a way to make a steady income. While this may be true, becoming a licensed real estate agent isn’t quite as simple as it sounds.
In order to become a licensed real estate agent, you need to complete the necessary education and licensing requirements. And when it comes to choosing the right school for your needs, the number of real estate schools in North Carolina that offer real estate programs can seem overwhelming at first.
With this in mind, if you’re interested in going into real estate as a career path and want to know what things you should consider before choosing among the many real estate schools in North Carolina, keep reading for more details.
1. Do You Want To Be a Real Estate Agent or Broker?
Real estate agents and brokers have different roles, duties and education requirements. The main difference between the two professions is that a real estate broker must obtain a licence and be a part of a company, and agents usually work for themselves and can choose where to work.
That said, the requirements to become a real estate agent and a broker are different.
For instance, in most cases, you must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, take a state-approved exam and have two years of relevant work experience. Real estate brokers, on the other hand, must have a four-year degree from a state-approved university and pass a licensing exam.
2. Reputation of the Institution
When it comes to choosing a school for real estate, you want to research the school’s reputation as well as the programs they offer.
Make sure you’re choosing a school with a reputable reputation that is regionally accredited by a recognized organisation. This will help ensure the school meets certain standards of quality, which is important in order to prepare you for a successful career in real estate.
3. Length of the Course
Depending on the type of real estate program you choose, you could be spending anywhere from a few months to a few years in school.
In most cases, real estate programs take one to two years to complete. For students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a real estate major, the program length may be longer due to the additional credits needed to graduate.
It’s best to speak with an advisor at the school you’re interested in to get an idea of how long it will take for you to graduate with a real estate degree. This way, you’ll be able to plan for the time commitment as well as the cost of the program.
4. Fees Charged
You should consider how much you will be charged for tuition fees and the state exam. You might also need to submit a fee to get your state licence. This fee varies from state to state, but it’s generally between $150 and $300.
In addition to tuition and the other aforementioned costs, you should also consider the cost of books as well as other expenses such as living expenses, transportation and food during your studies.
5. Online or Campus-based?
There are a variety of real estate schools in North Carolina available that are either online or campus-based. This means you can either complete the program entirely online or by attending classes on campus.
You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of program in order to decide which program is right for you. This will help you narrow down your options and make it easier to choose a school that is the best fit for you.
In Conclusion
No matter what your major is, it’s important to choose a respectable school to help you build your resume and prepare for a successful career.
Selecting a real estate school can be challenging, but once you’ve made your decision, you can feel confident that you’re well on your way to beginning a rewarding and successful career in real estate.
