Real Estate Institute

I am writing this review to help others not to waste their time and money and pick the right school for their needs. I would not recommend this online course if you are relatively new to real estate. Studying the course is %100 on you and by that I mean %100! I was fine when I studied for my Leasing License through this school but brokers license is a whole different story. This course is difficult and taking it online is not a good idea at all!
After I failed my first test I asked them to help me with the material and they told me that this is an online course and they don’t provide that service. Only right after I failed my first exam I had the chance to talk to an instructor ONLY about my mistakes and that’s it. They don’t have teachers to help you and yet they are one of the most expensive schools.
Brokers exam is relatively difficult for a lot of people and I would recommend taking it in a classroom platform, where you can interact with a teacher and ask questions.

When I had to get my leasing license for work, I was able to work with the Real Estate Institute via their online classes to get the classes done. When I had questions, the team there were very informative and helpful, answering all of my questions and get to the point where they knew my name when I called! I’m sure I probably had them thinking ‘she’s calling again?!’ but they never were rude or nasty or short. They always just took in stride which is what you need when trying to get things done on a deadline and you have questions.
When I got through the classes, it is their policy to call and schedule the exam, which was so easy to do. They offer it various days and times and even though you have to drive to Niles to do it, they make it known that they are there to help. I felt very prepared taking the qualifying exam and when I set up the state exam, I was just as prepared and I passed with flying colors. I actually thought it was too easy and They actually offer a discount on the brokers course, which I’m hoping to use. I recommend them highly.

This course takes 8 hours. The online courses take 20+ — this is well worth it!

First of all, I should share that I believe the CE requirements have gone completely overboard in this state. As an architect and a real estate broker, I can tell you that the licensing of a real estate broker should not require repeating instruction on «Don’t Lie and Don’t Cheat»… if the liars and cheaters passed last year, I bet they will pass it again…
But, if you plan to get the continuing education requirements, THIS PLACE IS GREAT!
I have been going here for many, many years (don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t lie, don’t cheat,… you get the idea)
Anyway, these guys offer in-​class instruction, as well as live webinar (attending that in-​class instruction through audio/​video magic). The exams can be in-​person, or remote with a proctor. The in-​person exams speed up the whole renewal process, but the flexibility of online/​proctor testing is awesome, too!
Also, these guys are like in-​house CEU managers… once you’re a student there, you can just call them up and ask them to schedule «whatever the next requirement is» … and BAM, on on track to meet the next set of ridiculous state requirements!
If you are going to do it, do it at this place!

This school is great, and the value for your money is excellent. The online courses (webinars) for the broker pre-​license interactive classes are GREAT! I was not bored at all in any of the sessions, the scheduling is flexible, and the timing works out nicely. All of the instructors are FABULOUS!!! They are insightful, funny, witty, and informative. The information is presented in a way that enables you to pay full attention and retain the key points that you need in order to be an effective Real Estate professional. They also do a great job of highlighting what you need to pay special attention to with regards to the AMP Real Estate License Exam. I highly recommend this school!

much easier and helpful compared to textbook

I have used these guys for real estate CE since I was first licensed in 1997. I’ve always been happy with the different study options, from classroom to home study to webinars. The rates are reasonable and the customer service is outstanding. They do anything they can to help you get your license renewed on time. They are the best!

Excellent place for education and CE. I’ve used them for 10+ years. Highly recommend.

Good, well organized programming. Very efficient and well organized.

As a continuing education instructor myself, I am very selective about who I CHOOSE for my CE education! 5 stars all the way!

The presentation online and study materials work for me…
Painless process of redundant state required continuous ed… but i guess after 30 years in the business… what else besides new laws can you tell me…
Thanks.

Great value and very convenient, especially when it comes to the webinars for the broker CEs live session requirements. Always easy to reach if I call with questions.

A great company for CE credit classes. They really do a good job of delivering flexible options for getting your hours and testing done on a schedule and delivery platform (online for me) that works for you.

The Real Estate Institute makes learning fun and easy. I really enjoy Sue and all of the teachers and appreciate that they take the time to answer all of my questions.

I love RE Institute. They are the best, most convenient way to complete your continuing education!

The Real Estate Institute has been my primary source of qualification and continuing education. The means of presenting material is constantly improved, so that learning can take place at home on-​line as effectively as in the class room. Great organization.

I do not think the book was very helpful, I felt lost on about 10% of each quiz or test.
The option to do the webinars instead of attend class was nice. A few of the instructors were very boring but one really great one that made up for it!
I got 85% on my final exam. Though I did pass my licensee exam, I didn’t feel prepared when I was taking it, there was a lot of questions with terms and I had never read about in the book.
I have nothing to compare this to I guess, so I’m not sure if its the best or the worst. In my mind just okay though.

I completed the self study portion, which was ideal for busy people. They send you a book, practice tests and all other pertinent information you need to complete the course. Their six online tests are not difficult. However you are required to take a 150 question exam at the end of the course in person, which is difficult. Their online exams to not prepare you at all for the final exam, however the practice exams in the book do — know them well.
Regarding preparation for the big state exam, I would say their preparation was so-​so. I tool the state exam 9 days after completing the course and 7 days after completing their final exam. I passed but I would say that a large portion of the questions on the state exam were not covered in their exams or practice tests.
My advice? Paying $ 600 to completely avoid having to drive from the Loop to Niles and sit in class was definitely worth it. But the information shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you study, repeat practice quizzes and tests, you’ll be fine.
*update: I’ve received question regarding what exactly to study for the state exam. There is no shortcut here. The state exam questions are chosen at random from a much larger pool of questions. Know everything just in case, and you will pass.*

The Self-​Study for Real Estate Brokers took care of ALL my continuing education requirements (Core A, B and Ethics) for my State and Board. I signed up online, studied the book and took the practice exams both online and in the book. I felt very prepared to take the exam. I’m a nervous test taker, but overall, felt comfortable and confident.
I’m a busy professional, and do not like the stress that can come with renewing a license. REI made it no sweat! I will be back every 2 years, and will encourage my colleagues. The entire process was efficient and got the results needed.
Thank you Real Estate Institute!

Overall, I’m pleased because I got licensed– but honestly, it was more due to my own hard work rather than great support at REI. The online components are terribly boring and the schedule does not really allow for flexibility. Also, the technical issues that often plagued the seminars made it difficult to follow even the best professors.
I would recommend this to someone who just wants to get through the licensing process with little interference. For someone who needs more interactive education, I would suggest going elsewhere.