Is your Massachusetts real estate license nearing expiry?
Worry no more because you can complete your license renewal requirements from the comfort of your home. You only need a computer or mobile device and Internet connection, and you’ll be a day or two away from completing your requirements.
When you do a Google search, you will find an overwhelming number of online real estate schools in Massachusetts. However, you don’t need to go through each of them.
Today, I will introduce you to the 5 best online real estate continuing education in Massachusetts for 2023.
Let’s get right to it!
5 Best Online Real Estate Courses For Continuing Education in Massachusetts
Here are the top 5 real estate schools that offer continuing education courses in Massachusetts:
- McKissock
- The CE Shop
- American Real Estate Academy
- KeepMeCertified.com
- Freedom Trail Realty School, Inc.
Let’s take a look at each school to see if it’s the school for YOU.
McKissock
McKissock is one of the country’s most popular and most trusted online real estate schools. It belongs to a group of e-learning brands known as the Colibri Group.
With McKissock, you can purchase individual courses that cost around $20. However, if you want good value for your money, I would recommend its renewal packages.
Its basic 12-hour renewal package costs around $100 and already includes all the required CE credits. You can also customize and switch courses.
If you don’t mind spending for your education, you can opt for the CE Plus Membership package, which will set you back around $130. It comes with unlimited access to all the CE courses available in Massachusetts.
The CE Plus also gives you 24/7 access to professional development tools, such as webinar on-demand library and how-to videos. What’s more, you get to join a 90-day Boot Camp by Sherri Johnson, a real estate professional known for her coaching skills.
The only downside with McKissock is its content tends to be text-heavy. It does feature some images and videos, but overall, it feels dry and bland.
But if you enjoy reading, you should have no problem with this.
Similar to McKissock, The CE Shop has also been around for a long time. Many people choose them for real estate education due to their course selection and availability. Their CE courses are available in every state.
What sets The CE Shop apart from others is its engaging coursework.
Most online real estate courses are primarily text-based, but The CE Shop’s course contains educational videos that keep students from getting tired and sleepy from all the reading.
Their lessons are also broken down into small chunks, making it easier for students to remember what they learn.
What some don’t like about The CE Shop, though, is that the content is not as thorough as, say, McKissock’s CE courses.
For example, some of the questions in their quizzes or exams were not discussed in any of their lessons. So, it might be a bit confusing for the students.
Overall, The CE Shop remains one of the most affordable CE courses with its 12-hour CE package costing around $100 only.
If you prefer a homegrown school, check out American Real Estate Academy.
Also referred to as AREA, it is the largest and longest-running real estate school in Massachusetts. Founded in 1972, AREA offers in-person education in Waltham, as well as online courses.
With AREA, you have two options for CE - self-paced and live online classes.
If you choose the self-paced option, you can purchase a 2-credit program at around $10. Or you can avail the entire 12-credit package for around $30.
Its online course is in full video format and is completely mobile-friendly, making learning on the go possible.
If you choose the live classes option, you will need to book a schedule. They run from 9 am to 9 pm. AREA does not offer lesser credit options for the live classes.
There are, however, downsides to AREA’s course offerings.
For one, the self-paced option is in high-definition video format and may not be the best choice for those who don’t have stable Internet connectivity.
Its live classes, on the other hand, might not be suitable for those with busy schedules. Not everyone can spare 12 hours in a day for online learning.
Keep Me Certified is another option to check out if you want to make sure you enroll with a legit school. It has been fully accredited by the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure since 2012. It is also one of the earliest schools to offer online real estate education.
Keep Me Certified’s CE course is in a full video format. You just sit back, watch, and learn.
Its coursework is pretty straightforward and reliable. If you encounter an error or a video freeze, you can simply restart the platform and pick up where you left off. It will save your progress, and it will allow you to hit fast forward.
While this type of course format may appeal to those who hate reading, the lack of text content may be a problem. It is still good to have resources that you can download and print for reference since your access to the course will expire at some point.
Unlike the other schools on this list, Freedom Trail Realty School is a small team of instructors helping real estate agents since 2011.
It is among the first few schools in Massachusetts to develop an online learning program. It is also the first to be approved by the state’s real estate board.
When you log in to your course at Freedom Trail, you will see a display of all of your classes. Each class starts at around $30.
Each class is primarily text-based, but it also comes with audio narration. It would be great for those who prefer courses with text content but are too lazy to read. Because of the audio feature, you can complete your courses anytime and anywhere.
The only concern with this school is customer support. Because it is relatively small compared to others, it may not provide the best customer experience. Its support team is not available 24/7, so responses may take some time.
FAQs
What are the requirements for renewing a real estate license in Massachusetts?
All licensed Massachusetts real estate agents must renew their licenses every two years. You need to complete 12 credits of continuing education at an approved education provider.
How do I renew my real estate license in MA?
To renew your real estate license in Massachusetts, you need a license renewal form mailed to you. Once secured, you need to follow the steps below to complete the process online:
- Go to the ePlace Portal on mass.gov.
- For first-time users, create an account, and log in.
- Select “File an online application.”
- Go to the search box and select “Link your account” portal.
- Select “Division of Professional Licensure.”
- Enter your license number and authorization code on the renewal form.
- Once your account is linked, you will see it listed. The option to renew will appear only if your license is eligible for renewal.
How long will it take to finish the required CE credits for Massachusetts?
It will take you 12 hours. Each hour is worth one credit. You can finish the required credits all in one day or spread them over a few days.
Can I renew my real estate license after it expires in Massachusetts?
Yes. You can reactivate your Massachusetts license by completing 12 CE credits and paying the fees.
Conclusion
Renewing your MA real estate license doesn’t have to be such a hassle.
Luckily, there are online schools available in Massachusetts that allow you to finish your continuing education requirements from the comfort of your home.
All you need is an Internet connection and a laptop or a smartphone, and you are good to go.
So, take your pick and good luck!