A Review of California Real Estate Pre-License Courses

Understanding What the California Real Estate Pre-License Courses Are About

California is one of the most dynamic, lucrative, and promising real estate markets in the US. 

With an average median home price of $800K and above, California continues to show strong demand for real estate. 

This means that there is no shortage of exciting investment opportunities in California. 
However, to transact real estate business in California, it is essential that you first initiate steps to get a real estate license. Next is you must know how long does it take to get a real estate license?

Why are Pre-licensing Courses Important? 

Pre-licensing courses are important because only qualified and educated real estate professionals can work in this industry in the state. 

This means one simply cannot just appear for a final exam and obtain a real estate license after passing it. 

One must first complete a pre-licensing education program as part of their training and education. 

Aspiring real estate agents gain insights into the industry from pre-licensing courses. This helps applicants become knowledgeable about their duties and responsibilities. 

Benefits of Completing a Pre-License Course

There are several opportunities in the real estate sector in California and you should make the most of it. However, to do so, you must be a licensed real estate agent.

This is why you need to complete a pre-license education. Investing in your education will give you a return sooner than you think. 

Completing your pre-license education will enable you to obtain your real estate license. With a license, you can get access to members-only privileges, expand your network, and land more deals.

Think of your pre-licensing education as the gateway to more money and growth. 

The training gives a deeper understanding of the market and will help you to give superior service to your clients in the future. 

How Do You Enroll in A Real Estate Pre-License Course in California

Carry out detailed research on approved pre-licensing course providers in California

Research on the various course providers before applying for a California real estate pre-license course.  

You can opt for in-class learning or online courses to complete your pre-licensing education. 

Even though there are many real estate schools in California, you must enrol only with a state-approved and accredited education provider. 

Choosing the Right Pre-License Course

The odds of your success in the real estate exam depend majorly on your course provider. After all, the better you learn, the better you will perform in your final real estate exam in California. 

Choosing the best pre-license course can get overwhelming, especially when there are numerous options available. 

The first thing to keep in mind while choosing your pre-license course provider is the curriculum they offer. 

Ideally, choose coursework that offers the latest and most wide-ranging study materials. This will help you to get an in-depth understanding of the industry. 

Secondly, you should factor in the availability of both in-person as well as online classes. 

Choose a course provider offering maximum scheduling flexibility as you have to complete 135 hours of pre-license education. 

Lastly, you should also compare the costs, as getting into a new career might require significant investments. 

Registration and Enrollment Process

After selecting a pre-licensing course provider, enroll in the course by signing up online and paying a one-time fee which varies between $200 to $500.  

Subject Modules of the Pre-Licensing Course

All applicants of the real estate licensing exam must complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education divided into 3 classes of 45 hours each. They are Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and an elective selected by you. 

The choice of an elective subject is from the following ones. 

• Real Estate Finance
• Real Estate Economics
• Real Estate Appraisal
• Legal Aspects of Real Estate
• Property Management
• Real Estate Office Administration. 

Overview of Real Estate Principles

This course goes into the fundamentals of the real estate industry. The focus is on the law of agency, land use, appraising, contracts, financing real estate, and more. 

California Real Estate Practice

In this module, learn about the basics of the real estate industry and its practices. The course focuses on the daily functioning and roles of an agent, broker, or appraiser. 

Topics include fair housing, closing the deal, licensee disclosure, ethics, trust funds, and others. 

Legal Aspects of Real Estate

This course takes you through the legal aspects of the California real estate industry. 

You will learn about the state’s property and legal laws, jurisdiction, rights, contracts, and transactions involving real estate. 

The course will equip you with the legal knowledge and understanding required to navigate the various legal issues related to the real estate sector. 

Real Estate Finance

This introductory course teaches about the financial concepts, principles, and rulesin the real estate industry. 

The course will focus on both the micro and the macro of the role of finance in the real estate industry. 

Ethics and Professional Conduct

This course teaches aspiring real estate agents about the best practices to follow by licensed real estate professionals in California.

You will learn about your professional duties and responsibilities towards the clients and the public. 

The course teaches how to conduct your practice in a lawful, ethical manner and how to protect the interests and rights of your customers.

Duration and Time Commitment for Pre-License Courses

Average Course Length

The 135 hours of pre-licensing education consists of Real Estate Principles (45 hours), Real Estate Practice (45 hours), and Elective Course (45 hours).

Typically, it will take you anywhere from three to six months to complete the entire course duration. 

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Study Options

Whether you are a full-time student or a part-time learner, there are many course providers which offer flexible learning options. 

As most of the pre-licensing courses are self-paced, you can easily learn at your own pace and convenience. 

This means you can complete your pre-licensing education even while working full or part-time. 

Managing Coursework and Study Time

Full-time professionals moving into real estate from a different career might find the pre-licensing coursework quite challenging. 

Luckily, with proper time management, you can achieve your dream without compromising on your existing job. 

Allot time daily to the coursework to easily start your pre-licensing coursework. 

You can also find a learning buddy to become more accountable during your coursework. 

Set achievable, actionable goals by breaking large subjects down to smaller topics, and mapping them to your calendar. 

Exam Preparation for the California Real Estate License Exam

Study Strategies and Techniques

Firstly, create a time management and learning schedule that gives you enough time to spend on each topic. 

Some topics are going to be more complex than others and hence allot extra time to them in your schedule.  

Practice Exams and Mock Tests

Mock tests are a great way to get a real-world experience of the final exam you are preparing for. 

You can easily find previous years’ questions, and using them, you can get a simulated feel of what the final exam will look like. 

Your pre-licensing course provider will also conduct practice exams which can be a good way to monitor your progress and clear your doubts. 

Reviewing Course Materials and Notes

Before the final exam, it is prudent to allocate time to review course materials and key concepts again. 

Use printable flashcards and quick summaries of important topics to prepare and retain better for the final exam.