6 Best Online Real Estate Courses in New York 2023
This article is part of a larger series on How to Become a Real Estate Agent.
The New York (NY) real estate education offerings are as competitive as its real estate housing market. For real estate agents seeking their New York real estate license, continuing education, or broker license, you must find a school that offers top-notch real estate education. The best online real estate courses in NY should have diverse course formats, customer support channels to fit busy lifestyles, and a wide variety of plans to fit all budgets.
Based on that criteria, we evaluated dozens of providers to identify the six the best online real estate courses in NY:
- Aceable Agent: Best for online prelicensing and continuing education with the best pass guarantee
- Colibri Real Estate: Most affordable broker licensing program for students looking for career development
- The CE Shop: Recommended as the most comprehensive New York prelicensing exam prep with unlimited practice tests
- Kaplan: Best career resources for real estate professionals to launch a successful career
- McKissock Learning: Excellent choice for online continuing education courses with preset packages or a la carte classes
- New York Real Estate Institution (NYREI): Best for New York-specific real estate education
Best Online Real Estate Courses in NY at a Glance
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Prelicensing: $239 |
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Visit Aceable Agent - 25% off no promo code required | ||||
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Prelicensing: $329 |
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Visit Colibri Real Estate - Use Promo Code: FSB25 for 25% off | ||||
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Prelicensing: $299 |
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Visit The CE Shop - Use Promo Code: FSB30 for 30% off | ||||
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Prelicensing: $509 |
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Visit Kaplan - Use Promo Code: Kapre5 for 5% off | ||||
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Prelicensing: $389 |
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Visit McKissock Learning | ||||
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Prelicensing: $495 |
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Visit NYREI |
Choosing the right online real estate courses is the first step in a successful real estate career. Start by taking our quiz to see which school is the best fit for you:
Which online real estate school provider is right for you?
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Things you need to know before enrolling for your online New York real estate license education: Along with education requirements, there are additional steps to completing your real estate licensure. Check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in New York to help you get started.
Aceable Agent: Best for Prelicensing & Continuing Education With the Best Pass Guarantee
What We Like
- One of the most affordable NYS prelicensing courses
- Provides career assistance
- Refund after three failed attempts
What's Missing
- Does not offer exam preparation
- No broker’s prelicensing education option
- Customer service only offered during business hours
Accreditation
Aceable Agent is an online real estate education provider providing the best online real estate course in NY for prelicensing with a 93% national pass rate. They also offer New York real estate agents a 22.5-hour continuing education package to meet the renewal requirements. All courses are accessible across desktops, laptops, and mobile devices with no operating system limitations. Their New York real estate courses include access to 19 topics outlined in the New York real estate syllabus, Law of Agency and Legal Issues courses, and the three-hour final exam for receipt of completion certification.
Unlike other online programs, Aceable Agent’s Ace or Don’t Pay Guarantee is one of the only programs that will refund your money if you do not pass with three attempts. Other programs, like NYREI, will let you retake the course, but will not refund your money. Additionally, Aceable Agent provides access to on-staff career mentors to help agents through the licensing process seven days a week. It’s one of the few schools to have a mobile application for Apple and Android devices that syncs with your desktop so you can pick up where you left off.
Additional Aceable Agent Features
Aceable Agent access to practice tests and quizzes (Source: Aceable)
- Instructor support: Email course instructor at any time
- Practice questions and resources: Thousands of exam preparation questions provided with every plan plus downloadable PDFs and in-depth study guides for enhanced learning
- Live webinars: Available with the Premium plan with full access to webinar archives
- Live Q&A: Offered every Friday for expert access with premium plan
- Mobile application: For on-the-go learning directly from any mobile device
Aceable Agent Reviews
As one of the highest-rated online schools with 4.9 out of 5 stars, many students gave highly positive reviews about Aceable Agent’s mobile application. Students mention the application functionality makes it easy to access questions, study guides, quizzes, and learn the coursework. One student enjoyed the video format, which was a change of pace from reading the course.
Students who did not have a positive experience with Aceable Agent felt some exam topics were not covered in class. Additionally, some students who were not the most technologically savvy found it difficult to navigate the online course format and the online test. For a more seamless experience, Colibri Real Estate has a custom learning management system to alleviate some of the difficulties of online learning.
Aceable Agent Pricing
Aceable Agent only provides plans for prelicensing and continuing education. Exam preparation materials are included in all prelicensing plans. All plans include their pass guarantee and 75-hour online New York real estate license.
Prelicensing: Starting at $239
- Basic: For $239, students get access to instructors via email, thousands of exam practice questions, and a mini course for locating a sponsoring broker
- Deluxe: Includes everything in the basic plan, plus added PrepAgent exam prep materials like video and audio study aids, digital flashcards, additional practice exam questions, and an exam prep e-book for $369
- Premium: $469 for access to everything in basic and deluxe with additional live tutoring and webinar access. One hour of private tutoring is also included with a real estate expert
Continued Education: Starting at $29
The CE courses at Aceable are offered through Kaplan.
- CE Package: $133.00 for 22.5 hours of New York Real Estate Salesperson continuing education courses covering New York Agency, Fair Housing in New York, and other topics, including personal safety, avoiding deceptive practices, and more
- Individual CE courses: Individual courses from 2 to 7.5 credit hours each for $29.00 to $44.00
Colibri Real Estate: Most Affordable Broker Licensing Program
What We Like
- Career assistance provided
- Online courses with instructor assistance
- Extended customer service hours
What's Missing
- Course access for only six months
- No mobile application
- Coaching and training are unavailable
Colibri Real Estate offers real estate professionals access to courses that cover different stages of their real estate career, including the best online real estate course in NY for broker licensing at an affordable price. The online school has a self-paced textbook course format that provides access to instructors for any questions that may arise over the course. Students can complete the course on their own timetable, but it cannot exceed the six-month course access without an extension penalty. The New York curriculum offers a livestream course that connects students with instructors through webinars offering full-day or evening courses.
Within a week, if students are not satisfied with their online real estate courses in NY, Colibri provides a full refund, unlike schools like Kaplan or NYREI. Additionally, they have extended customer service hours beyond business hours to assist students via email, phone, or through live chat. Colibri is also one of the few schools to offer exam prep packages with audio playback for an enhanced learning experience.
Additional Colibri Real Estate Features
Colibri Real Estate student dashboard (Source: Colibri)
- Instructor access: Instructors are active real estate professionals
- Learning Management System: Course interface for a better online student experience mimicking in-person classroom features
- Exam preparation: Practice exam questions and flashcards
- Multiple prelicensing plan option: Accommodating various student budgets
- Accessibility: Courses can be accessed on desktop, laptop, or tablet
- Course extensions: Available to extend access to courses for seven-, 30-, and 60-day intervals
Colibri Real Estate Reviews
The ability to complete the course in a self-paced format gave Colibri Real Estate a 4.1 out of 5 rating. Students enjoyed being able to continue working while pursuing their real estate license or being able to adjust their schedule as needed. The extra practice with audio playback really prepared students for the final exam, with many citing they passed on the first try.
The negative reviews of Colibri Real Estate are from students who wish the learning materials were a bit more interactive. Although many enjoyed the online aspect of the course, they felt it lacked a lot of visuals and real-life examples to help with better comprehending the materials. For New York salespersons interested in embedded visuals, Aceable Agent has video formats rated highly by former students.
Colibri Real Estate Pricing
Colibri offers multiple plans to fit students’ needs. Real estate professionals can choose the plan that meets their learning requirements.
Prelicensing: Starting at $329
- The Basics: $329 for the 75-hour prelicensing course and three real estate e-books along with access to instructors
- Exam Preparation: $389 for everything in the Basic plan plus exam prep and the pass guarantee
- Exam Preparation Plus: $429 includes everything above plus real estate dictionary, instructor Q&A, live exam crammer series, and interactive learning videos from Sketchy
- Ultimate Learning: For $529, students get everything included in the exam preparation plus a plan with an additional course textbook and a one-year membership for professional development
- Live Stream Course: Similar to the Ultimate Learning plan, but includes livestream courses for $529
Broker licensing: $249
- Broker Basics: $249 for a 45-hour broker course, Principles of Real Estate Practice e-book, math e-book, instructor support, and access to discussion board
Continued Education: Starting at $15
New York continuing education is offered through Colibri Real Estate sister company McKissock Learning.
- Membership: $169 access to all courses and resources available to real estate professionals
- Renewal package: $129.95 for 22.5 credit hours for salespersons who are not renewing for the first time
- First-time renewal package: $129.95 for new agents renewing for the first time includes 22.5 credit hours and the mandatory New York New Salesperson Agency Law course
- Individual courses: Starting at $15 each
Exam Prep Master: $99
Students get practice exams, access to prior state and national exams, custom exams, digital flashcards, and the pass guarantee.
The CE Shop: Best NY Prelicensing Exam Prep With Unlimited Practice Tests
What We Like
- Self-paced courses
- Pass guarantee offered
- Provides career assistance
What's Missing
- No livestream or on-demand course format
- Course access for six months
- Mobile application unavailable
Accreditation
- ARELLO
The CE Shop offers education for prelicensing, broker licensing, continuing education, and exam preparation for New York real estate agents. It has one of the leading industry pass rates for the New York Salesperson license at 96%, with 90% passing on their first attempt. All their prelicensing plans include e-books, career resources, practice tests, downloadable resources, flashcards, a glossary, and a study schedule to ensure students successfully pass their exams. That is why we named it the most comprehensive online real estate course in NY for prelicensing with unlimited practice tests.
The Premium package at The CE Shop includes 22.5 hours of New York continuing education that other schools don’t offer. It’s also one of the few schools that offers study groups to help students review their course materials. Students can join their webinar groups, The CE Shops Facebook groups, or the student forum to connect with others. In addition, The CE Shop offers LEAP, which is their proprietary online learning solution to provide interaction during online courses.
Additional The CE Shop Features
LEAP course demo (Source: The CE Shop)
- Downloadable resources: In lieu of one textbook for the course, downloadable content can be reviewed alongside each course chapter
- Real estate glossary: To be used as a reference during the courses to help define real estate terms
- Business e-books: Created each month by real estate experts to support business growth
- Money-back guarantee: If students do not pass the exam, they are entitled to their money back for the licensing exam
The CE Shop Reviews
Students of The CE Shop enjoyed the ability to take these courses at their own pace, which garnered them a customer review rating of 4.2 out of 5. They found the program was an affordable option to finish their continuing education and have had no issues completing the courses. The ability to access the course on multiple devices was mentioned positively by many students.
The negative reviews for The CE Shop stem from disappointment with the refund policy and obtaining a response from customer service. One student had purchased the wrong course and missed the refund deadline. Some students felt they had to reach out to customer service multiple times before receiving a response to their request. Students looking for more responsive customer service should consider Kaplan’s dedicated customer service teams.
The CE Shop Pricing
Each prelicensing package includes an abundance of resources provided in all packages, plus the required hours to complete the final exam.
Prelicensing: Starting at $299
- Course only: Access to the 75-hour course and course resources for $299
- Standard package: $379 for the course and resources plus exam prep and pass guarantee
- Value package: $429 includes the Standard package plus business building courses
- Premium package: For $549, the package includes everything in the Value package plus continuing education and textbook
Broker Prelicensing: $325
- Standard Package: Includes 45-hour NY broker course, practice exams, career resources, downloadable resources, glossary and math handbook
Continued Education: Starting at $9
- Continuing education packages: Two package options for $135 each
- Individual continuing education courses: Classes priced from $9 to $69 for courses from 1 credit to 8 credits each
Exam Prep: $125.00
- Exam Prep Edge: Dynamic practice exams with interactive dashboards
Kaplan: Best Career Resources for Real Estate Professionals
What We Like
- Interactive study groups available for enhanced learning
- Available learning on all devices
- Access to instructor assistance
What's Missing
- Most expensive prelicensing course
- Course access for only six months
- No livestream or webinar courses
Accreditation
- ARELLO
- IDECC
Kaplan Real Estate Education has been providing real estate education for over 50 years. They offer prelicensing education, exam prep, and continuing education for New York salespersons. Their classes are offered completely online in a self-paced format with instructor assistance. Agents can start and stop the course as their schedule fits. The learning platform also includes course tracking so agents are aware of course progress.
The salesperson plans at Kaplan have access to the 75-hour education, but they have two plans offering career development resources that no other online schools currently offer. The career-enhancing resources include the Real Estate Accelerator course for professional development, the Win Friends and Influence People: Secrets of Success course for relationship building, and the Career Mentor Live Online Connect to interact with industry experts. These plans focus on giving agents extra support post-final exam to get their careers off to a fast start.
Additional Kaplan Features
Kaplan student dashboard (Source: Fit Small Business)
- Pass Protection Retake Policy: Students can retake the courses as many times within six months from the date of course purchase
- Career support: Access to Career Toolbox for real estate advice, webinars, tips video library, etc.
- Learning management system: Online course platform for easy access to purchased courses, materials, exams, and more
- Curriculum support team: Response within 24 hours from subject matter experts who can help answer curriculum-related questions
Kaplan Reviews
The study groups at Kaplan were rated high among former students as they found the groups helpful with providing explanations and study materials every week. Other students specifically mentioned their instructors were great at explaining materials and helping with tips and tricks to memorize the subject matter on the exams. That is why Kaplan earned a customer review rating of 4.2 out of 5.
Kaplan received some negative reviews on the course format. Those students found the online reading and self-paced format just didn’t assist with preparing them for the test. Other students cited technical difficulties with the platform crashing or had difficulties logging in. Students who prefer live instructor-led courses should consider the Live Stream Course from Colibri Real Estate.
Kaplan Pricing
Kaplan offers multiple courses and package options depending on the number of resources needed to build a successful real estate career.
Prelicensing: Starting at $379
- Salesperson course: $379.00 for the 75-hour salesperson online course
- Course with textbook and exam prep package: $509.00 for the course plus exam prep, Modern Real Estate Practice in New York textbook, access to study groups, and Career Mentor Live Online Connect webinars
- Career Launcher package: $709.00 for everything in the course with textbook and exam prep package plus real estate accelerator course and access to the drill and practice question bank
- Carnegie career launcher package: $909.00 for everything in the Career Launcher package plus Win Friends and Influence People: Secrets of Success course
Continued Education: Starting at $29
- Individual CE courses: Individual courses from 2 to 7.5 credit hours each for $29.00 to $44.00
- New York Complete CE Package: $133.00 for 22.5 credit hours
Exam Prep: Starting at $35
- Individual exam prep courses: Starting at $35.00 for on-demand classes covering real estate math, question bank, flashcards or practice questions
- Real Estate Study package (for salespersons): $99.00 for study aids with strategies and tools to help pass state exams
- Individual exam prep courses (for brokers): $69.00 for drill and practice question bank and exam prep on-demand course
McKissock Learning: Best for Continuing Education Course Packages or a la Carte Courses
What We Like
- Offers continuing education and broker licensing
- Individual coaching and training provided
- Continuing education courses offers webinar on-demand library
What's Missing
- No exam prep provided
- Pass guarantee not available
- No mobile application
Accreditation
- ARELLO
- IDECC
McKissock Learning is a partner school to Colibri Real Estate. The prelicensing, broker licensing, and exam prep courses are offered through Colibri Real Estate, while continuing education is offered through McKissock. It’s earned the accolade of the best school for offering continuing education through various plans to fit student needs for license renewal.
For continuing education needs, the McKissock platform is one of the only schools to provide a continuing education membership that provides flexible online learning to fit into busy New York schedules. The membership gives students 24/7 access to professional development tools, videos, worksheets, discounts from McKissock partners, and access to real estate education specialists. Not to mention the membership gives students access to all the continuing education courses for New York for a discounted rate. It’s an annual commitment with automatic renewal.
Additional McKissock Learning Features
Course access on McKissock dashboard (Source: McKissock)
- Multi-state continuing education membership: For one flat fee, students can access all the continuing education material (except for Maryland)
- Printed course materials: Ability to print online courses one chapter at a time to supplement online learning
- Winner’s table: Access to inspiring stories by real estate rock stars with host Jeremias “JMan” Maneiro
- McKissock dashboard: Provides quick and easy access to courses, and completion certificates, with no requirement for additional software
McKissock Learning Reviews
Students found McKissock Learning to be their go-to for all continuing education and certificate needs, which gives it a 4.4 out of 5 customer review rating. One student said the classes are well-priced and enjoyed the self-paced format for schedule flexibility. Some students mention the courses helped with career preparation and growth, with course content being interesting with relevant real-world examples.
Negative reviews were from students disappointed with the course time limitation. They had lost track of time and lost their progress within the courses. This is particularly difficult when you purchase a package and jump around from course to course because the time limit starts the moment you open the course. One student specifically mentioned that customer service was not available over the weekend for assistance. For technical support over the weekend, Kaplan provides 24/7 technical support.
McKissock Learning Pricing
The continuing education offerings are packaged in three easy-to-choose plans.
Prelicensing: Starting at $329*
- The Basics: $329 for the 75-hour prelicensing course and three real estate e-books along with access to instructors
- Exam Preparation: $389 for everything in the Basic plan plus exam prep and the pass guarantee
- Exam Preparation Plus: $429 includes everything above plus a real estate dictionary, instructor Q&A, live exam crammer series, and interactive learning videos from Sketchy
- Ultimate Learning: For $529, students get everything included in the Exam Preparation Plus plan with an additional course textbook and a one-year membership for professional development
- Live Stream Course: Similar to the Ultimate Learning plan, but includes livestream courses for $529
Broker Licensing: $249*
- Broker Basics: $249 for a 45-hour broker course, Principles of Real Estate Practice e-book, math e-book, instructor support, and access to discussion board
Continued Education: Starting at $15
- Membership: $169 access to all courses and resources available to real estate professionals
- Renewal package: $129.95 for 22.5 credit hours for salespersons who are not renewing for the first time
- First-time renewal package: $129.95 for new agents renewing for the first time includes 22.5 credit hours and the mandatory New York New Salesperson Agency Law course
- Individual courses: Starting at $15 each
Exam Prep Master: $99*
Students get practice exams, access to prior state and national exams, custom exams, digital flashcards, and the pass guarantee.
*Offered through its affiliate partner, Colibri Real Estate
NYREI: Best for New York-specific Real Estate Education
What We Like
- Online course accessible on all devices
- Live in-person classes offered
- Tutoring available for extra fee
What's Missing
- No instructor assistance
- Fee for course extension
- No mobile application
Accreditation
- New York Department of State (NYDOS)
NYREI has been a staple among New York real estate agents providing licensing courses since 1987 well before courses moved to the online digital world. It’s deeply connected with real estate brokerages in New York, helping connect students with opportunities after passing the state exam. They have over 95 salesperson job opportunities weekly with top New York brokerages. All of their classes are taught by real estate professionals who can bring real-world experiences to their courses.
What makes NYREI stand out amongst other online real estate education providers in NY is that their self-paced courses operate on a continuing cycle, with each course independent of another, allowing students to have extremely flexible schedules. Students don’t have to wait until the first course is offered in the schedule. They can start at any time as long as they complete every course requirement. NYREI offers both online and live courses for students who prefer to have in-person interaction with instructors.
Additional NYREI Features
NYREI course demo (Source: NYREI)
- Quick course completion: The program offers students the ability to complete the course in as little as 10 days
- Private tutoring: Students have the option of purchasing private tutoring to help them pass the state exam
- Exam prep textbooks: Available for students who want extra practice with sample tests
- Diverse course offerings: In addition to salesperson and broker courses, NYREI offers investment, appraisal, and real estate training programs
NYREI Reviews
NYREI received a customer review rating of 4.4 out of 5. The positive reviews for NYREI were primarily about the preparedness students felt when taking the state exam. Students said teachers and staff go above and beyond to make sure you are ready. One student said they left the course feeling extremely confident in understanding what was on the test.
Customer service issues seemed to be the biggest driver of negative reviews for the school. Many students called without receiving much help or even getting someone to answer the main line. Students who had technical difficulties with course coupons or logging in could not reach anyone to assist. For a better customer service experience, students might want to consider McKissock Learning for their extended customer service hours.
NYREI Pricing
NYREI’s straightforward pricing makes it easy for students to pick which resources they would like included in their licensing journey, so they are ready to pass the final exams.
Prelicensing: Starting at $495
- Basic: $495 includes course, exam, and job placement
- Professional: $750 for everything in the Basic plan plus group tutoring, real estate seminar, and continuing education credit
- Platinum: $995 includes items in Professional plan plus textbooks, seminars, tutoring, private school exam, and access to all NYREI locations
Broker Licensing: Starting at $450
- Broker License Course Only: $450
- Broker License Course plus Remedial Course: $600
Continuing Education: Starting at $30
- Full 22.5-hour renewal package: $189
- Individual courses: $30 to $40
Exam Prep: $49.99
How We Evaluated the Top Real Estate Schools in New York
Obtaining your real estate license, completing continuing education, or upgrading to a broker’s license in New York is easily achieved with multiple options for online and self-paced courses. Students interested in diving into the real estate world should consider the course features, price, reviews, and customer support to help independently complete the courses.
After our evaluation, we’ve determined that Aceable Agent was the best overall online real estate school in New York for agents. We determined this due to its focus specifically on prelicensing education with a pass guarantee that will provide monetary refunds if their program is not successful in helping agents pass their exams. It also received high ratings from former students, being rated at 4.9 out of 5 stars.
We evaluated the best online real estate courses in NY using the following criteria:
25% of Overall Score
Consists of various formatting and learning styles for each course to meet the specific needs of the agent as well as ease of course accessibility.
20% of Overall Score
Pricing is based on the cost and availability of pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, and exam prep for each online institution.
15% of Overall Score
The availability of each level of education for different stages of licensure. This would include pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, broker prelicensing, and exam prep.
15% of Overall Score
Extending services past licensures, such as coaching and training and career assistance, as well as whether the provider offers pass or refund guarantees for its courses.
10% of Overall Score
Based on customer feedback for each program, with particular attention given to reviews of the product and popularity of the provider, to certify the course meets user satisfaction.
10% of Overall Score
Expertise in the field and firsthand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate the standout features, value for the money, and ease of use for each school.
5% of Overall Score
We looked into the convenience and attainability of customer service for technical support and instructor assistance.