Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the salaries of real estate agents. Let us help you kick-start your new career by pinpointing the best online real estate school in Texas to complete the state’s required 180 hours of prelicensing classes. By choosing the right school, you’ll be on your way to passing the state’s real estate licensing exam and launching your real estate career.
5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Texas in 2021
| Our Top 5 Picks | Pricing From | Promo Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Real Estate Express | $557 | TheClose25 - Save 25% |
| Best For Mobile: Aceable Agent | $525 | Click our Aceable Agent link - Save 25% |
| Best for Career Advice: Kaplan | $389 | KAPRE5 - Save 5% |
| Best for Math Instruction: Mbition | $489 | Click our Mbition link - Save 15% |
| Best for Versatility: Champions School of Real Estate | $1,110 |
Helpful Info: Texas Real Estate Schools
You’ll need the help of a quality Texas real estate school to become a real estate agent in the Lone Star State. Real estate schools in Texas offer three types classes: prelicensing, exam prep, and continuing education. Here’s more information about these types of classes you’ll take from an online real estate school in Texas.
Prelicensing Classes
The first step to becoming a real estate agent in Texas is to enroll in the state’s 180 hours of prelicensing courses. You must complete these real estate courses before the Texas Real Estate Commission allows you to take the licensing exam.
All Texas online real estate schools on our list offer these classes, and we’ll help you choose the best school for your situation. For more information about becoming a real estate agent in Texas, read our article How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Texas in 8 Easy Steps.
Exam Preparation
How long has it been since you’ve had to take an important exam? If test anxiety has got you down, you’ll want to consider real estate test prep materials. Some of the prelicensing packages mentioned in this article include test prep materials, and others don’t. We recommend you purchase a real estate prelicensing package that includes a review session or buy test prep materials through Mbition.
Continuing Education (CE)
Two-Year License Renewal
Once licensed, you’ll have two years to complete the next phase of your education. You’ll need to complete 90 additional hours of Sales Apprentice Education (SAE) coursework plus eight hours of the Texas Real Estate Commission Legal Updates to keep working in the industry. Continuing education (CE) courses do not count for this first-time renewal.
Some of the best online real estate schools in Texas listed in our article have prelicensing packages that include the SAE coursework you’ll need within two years.
Staying Licensed
After completing your first licensing requirements and then the SAE coursework, you’ll need to complete 18 hours of continuing education (CE) courses to maintain your license every two years. Eight hours of the courses must cover the Texas Real Estate Commission Legal Updates, and the other 10 hours may be electives.
We know that it will be at least four years before you need to take continuing education courses, but we thought we would mention them to avoid confusion between SAE and CE courses.
Now that you understand the types of Texas real estate classes you need to get licensed and stay licensed, let’s dive in to the best real estate schools in Texas.
Best Overall Online Texas Real Estate School: Real Estate Express
Real Estate Express is a powerhouse in online real estate education. They offer online prelicensing real estate classes in all 39 states, plus Washington, D.C., making them one of the most experienced schools out there. Their courses are affordable and expertly designed.
All essential course material is repeated, so you’ll have ample opportunities to absorb the info you’ll need to pass your Texas state exam. If you find yourself in need of extra help, you can reach out to one of their state-approved instructors for clarification.
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Real Estate Express Pricing
Real Estate Express offers four prelicensing coursework bundles, starting at $557.
- The Basics ($557): Perfect for self-driven students with real estate experience.
- Exam Preparation ($647): Includes all the benefits of The Basics package plus the Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee and practice exams.
- Exam Preparation Plus ($747): You’ll receive all the benefits of the Exam Preparation package plus the required 90 hours of post-licensing (SAE) coursework required to renew your license.
- Ultimate Learning ($847): You’ll get everything in the previous package plus a printed textbook, one year of professional development, and a 90-Day Bootcamp to get started as an agent.
(*Real Estate Express Texas Prelicensing Package Prices as of July 2021)
BEST FEATURE: Real Estate Express specializes in online education and it’s our top pick and the best value of the schools on our list. By purchasing the top-tier package, new agents will have access to the 90 additional hours of Sales Apprentice Education coursework required to renew their license the first time. This package offers incredible value to anyone interested in a new career as a real estate agent.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: We’re so impressed with Real Estate Express that it’s difficult to find too much wrong with the program. However, if you’re worried that the lack of human interaction will cause your mind to wander, consider purchasing a package from an online Texas real estate school that offers livestreaming classes, such as Champions School of Real Estate.
BOTTOM LINE: Real Estate Express’s packages are affordable, and when you purchase a package with Real Estate Express, you’ll receive expertly designed instruction that holds your attention.
Best Online Texas Real Estate School for Mobile Use: Aceable Agent
Aceable Agent is our pick for people who need or want to take their Texas real estate courses from their smartphones. The company was one of the first real estate schools to develop an app, which is a real benefit for students on the go.
Students can seamlessly jump back and forth between devices when they purchase a package with Aceable Agent. We also like their Broker Agent Matching Program, which helps you connect with a real estate broker in your area.
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Aceable Agent Pricing
The Aceable Agent’s Online Texas Real Estate School and Courses start at $525, but you can save money using a coupon code from The Close.
Online Texas Real Estate School and Courses ($525): Includes the prelicensing courses you can take from any device, a broker/agent matching program, and access to instructors five days a week.
(*Aceable Agent Texas Prelicensing Package Prices as of July 2021)
BEST FEATURE: You can take classes from your smart phone. If you take online real estate classes from Aceable Agent, you’ll be able to complete your courses while on your lunch break, in the back of an Uber, or while you wait for your kid to finish soccer practice. If you’re someone with plenty of work and home responsibilities (who isn’t?), finding time to complete 180 hours of classes can be tough. With Aceable, you can complete them on the go.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Aceable Agent stands out as being a no-frills option. You can take your prelicensing course from anywhere, but they don’t provide enough test prep materials and practice tests for their students. For the best Texas real estate test prep materials, look at the offerings from Mbition.
BOTTOM LINE: Aceable Agent’s clear, attractive website is easy to use. Even though it offers few bells and whistles, sometimes the essential information is all you need. The mobile capabilities are a big selling feature for us.
Best Online Texas Real Estate School for Career Advice: Kaplan
Kaplan offers a wide variety of instructional options, including home study, on-demand, or live online options.Besides offering prelicensing programs, Kaplan Real Estate Education also offers Sales Apprentice Education (SAE) and continuing education (CE) bundles. Since Kaplan has been around a long time, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll receive a quality educational experience.
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Kaplan Real Estate Pricing
You were probably excited to see that the lowest-priced package offered by Kaplan is only $389. Even though this is the most affordable package on our list, we recommend that you pay a bit more to purchase one that includes the Career Launcher program.
Kaplan Real Estate Prelicensing Packages
Kaplan offers three prelicensing courses for Texas. The first price is the cost of the basic package. The second price includes the Career Launcher Program.
- Home Study Solution ($389/$589): Includes access to text-based lessons, a PDF textbook, and online learning activities and quizzes.
- OnDemand Solution ($449/$649): You’ll receive access to videos of instructors teaching the course material, a PDF textbook, online learning activities, quizzes, and instructor office hours for questions.
- Live Online ($889/$1,089): Your classes will be taught live online by licensed instructors. You’ll be able to ask questions and interact with teachers and students in real time.
(*Kaplan Real Estate Texas Prelicensing Package Prices as of July 2021)
BEST FEATURE: Career Launcher. You can learn what you need to know to pass the Texas real estate licensing exam from any of the schools on our list, but Kaplan wants to help you get started in your career. Kaplan recognizes that there’s more to being a real estate agent than passing a test. Because of this, you can upgrade your package to receive the Career Launcher class.
This eight-hour course will teach you real-world skills you would use in your day-to-day life as an agent. In addition, you’ll receive eight weeks of professional coaching to assist you with a successful career launch.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: We appreciate that Kaplan offers a variety of learning options for their real estate classes in Texas. However, once you get started on a package, you can’t easily switch to another instructional format. If you want the ability to learn while on the go, check out Aceable Agent. If you want to switch between live online and on-demand courses, opt for Champions School of Real Estate.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a well-respected name in real estate education with a variety of packages, check out Kaplan. Upgrade your package to include the Career Launcher Program—you won’t be disappointed.
Best Online Texas Real Estate School for Math Instruction: Mbition
Mbition is known in the national real estate industry for offering top-notch test prep materials. They offer Texas prelicensing courses as well.
Besides offering excellent test prep materials, Mbition also sells Texas-specific real estate textbooks to help you study for the classes and licensing exams. There aren’t many schools that offer printed materials for their students, so if this is important to you, look at their online bookstore.
Additionally, Mbition also offers a feature called MathMaster for those who want a little more math support.
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Mbition Pricing
Mbition offers three Texas prelicensing coursework bundles, starting at $489.
- Texas Real Estate Prelicensing Silver Solution ($489): Comes with prelicensing instruction and access to the real estate MathMaster training course.
- Texas Real Estate Prelicensing Gold Solution ($549): Includes all the benefits of the Silver Solution plus top-notch exam preparation materials and the Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee.
- Texas Real Estate Prelicensing Platinum Solution ($599): Includes all the benefits of the Gold package plus a printed textbook and flashcards.
(*Mbition Prelicensing Package Prices as of July 2021)
BEST FEATURE: We love the Mbition’s MathMaster feature. This unique offering gives you detailed explanations of all the formulas you need to master real estate math. In addition, MathMaster includes hands-on practice problems, and the program comes in even the most basic package.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Mbition will give you everything you need to earn your Texas real estate license, but they don’t offer any career resources to help you find a job with a Texas brokerage, find your real estate niche, or land your first clients. If help with starting your real estate career is paramount to you, we recommend using Kaplan’s Career Launcher program as an alternative.
BOTTOM LINE: Mbition will help you dust off your math skills and study for the Texas real estate exam. If math isnt your strong suit, choose Mbition to help over this hurdle.
Best Online Texas Real Estate School for Versatility: Champions School of Real Estate
Champions School of Real Estate is similar to Kaplan in that they offer four different delivery methods for their online real estate courses. Although there’s a lot of versatility built into Champions’ program, it’s a rather pricey option.
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Champions School of Real Estate Pricing
Champions School of Real Estate has four prelicensing options. They label their classes differently than the other best online real estate schools in Texas. The two six-course licensing packages will provide the 180 hours of prelicensing education required by the Texas Real Estate Commission.
- 6-Course Licensing Program ($1,110): Includes 180 hours of required prelicensing courses, an exam prep course, and a printed copy of a real estate textbook.
- 6-Course Licensing Program and Business Etiquette ($1,255): You’ll receive all the benefits of the previous course as well as a Business Etiquette course that teaches dining etiquette, cultural mannerisms, personality profiling, organizational skills, dressing for success, and public speaking.
- 9-Course Licensing and Renewal Program ($1,685): Includes all the courses and test prep you need to get your Texas real estate license and renew your license the first time.
- 11-Course Licensing and Renewal Program + Success Tools ($1,944): Includes everything from the previous course as well as the 2-Day Business Etiquette Course, access to the “30 Days to Success Coaching” videos, and a book called “Successful Tendencies of Real Estate Champions.”
(*Champions School of Real Estate Prelicensing Package Prices as of July 2021)
BEST FEATURE: Our favorite feature of this online Texas real estate school is that you can choose from four course delivery methods or try them all. No other school on our list offers this kind of versatility. Course delivery methods include:
- Blended Classroom — a mix of on-campus classroom instruction and home-study with textbooks. You can take in-person classes in Austin, Dallas/Plano, Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio.
- Virtual Classroom — a combo of instructor-led livestreaming and home-study.
Online-Interactive — a recent addition to their course delivery methods, this option includes video, modules, and exercises that you can access from a mobile device or any device with an internet connection.
Online-Correspondence — a self-paced, online learning appraoach using PDF or hardcopy textbook. You’ll need to get online to take the quizzes and exam
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Versatility comes at a cost. The Champions programs are quite a bit more expensive than any other online real estate school in Texas. We found that Real Estate Express offers the most bang for your buck if you’re looking for value.
BOTTOM LINE: Champions School of Real Estate’s website has a ton of information to digest. Read about the various package options and discover when the nearest on-site class starts.
Attending Real Estate School in Texas: FAQs
Got questions? The Close has answers. Here are some of the internet’s most frequently asked questions about getting your license at a real estate school in Texas.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Texas?
It takes four to five months to earn a real estate license in Texas. The prelicensing requirements in the state of Texas involve 180 class hours spread across six different courses. Devoting 40 hours a week to real estate classes, you’ll need more than a month to finish the coursework.
Once you have submitted your application to the state licensing department, you can use their Application Tracker Tool to see how you’re progressing in the approval process.
Is the Texas real estate exam challenging?
Yes, the Texas real estate exam is challenging. According to the Texas Real Estate Commission, a little over 60% of test-takers pass the exam on the first try.
To improve your odds of passing the Texas Real Estate Exam the first time you take it, purchase test prep tools from Mbition. Once you’ve taken their practice exam, the program is designed to tell you which areas need additional study.
Is real estate a good career in Texas?
Not only does working as a real estate agent offer a flexible schedule, but real estate agents in Texas make little over $76,000 a year. Remember, this is based solely on commissions; you’ll have no salary or hourly wage.
Some new agents ease their way into their new careers by working in real estate part-time. Check out our guide on becoming a part-time real estate agent to see if starting slow is the right move for you.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Texas?
It takes about $900 to get a real estate license in Texas. This buyer’s guide teaches you everything there is to know about online real estate schools in Texas; you’ll encounter additional costs apart from those for prelicensing classes. You’ll also need to pay to take the exam, in addition to a license fee and fingerprinting fee.
More Real Estate Career Resources From The Close
We’d love for you to join our Facebook Mastermind Group and subscribe to The Close Pro. Our Facebook group is made up of real estate agents from across the country who you can tap for information. As a Close Pro subscriber, you can benefit from exclusive downloads, training videos, and webinar boot camps from top-producing agents and real estate coaches.
We want you to hit the ground running in your new career in real estate! That’s why we recommend Real Estate Express as the “best overall” real estate school for Texas residents. If you want even ways to explore your options, read our Best Online Real Estate Schools article and watch out video walk-through of Real Estate Express.
I’m older and a bit of a slow learner and need visual and books. Which program do you recommend ?
Hi Melody –
I would take a look to see if Kaplan has any live or live online classes available to you. Having that real-time instruction, a teacher to be able to create visuals for you, and the back-and-forth of conversation sounds like it would be just the ticket.
Good luck!
Chris
Hi Chris,
When someone is done with the course and take the exam, how does that person get themselves on with a realtor team or agency? How does the job process be brought about?
Hi Kim –
Thanks for the question. In order to get started with your real estate career, you’ll need to be affiliated with a brokerage. Most major brokerages are actively recruiting all the time, so it’s a matter of reaching out, letting them know you’re a newly licensed agent (or about to be), and setting up some interviews. As far as joining a real estate team, that is a little trickier; there’s got to be a team that is actively looking for new members that you’ll be a good fit with. If you’re interested in joining a team, I’d start by taking a look in your market at the teams that are doing well and just start doing some cold outreach. Let them know you’re interested in joining a team, inquire as to whether or not they’re looking for new members for their squad, and start to determine if you’d be a good fit.
I’d also suggest checking out our article about the Best Real Estate Brokerages to Work for, as well as How to Get a License in Texas. Both of these articles will provide some helpful insight!
Good luck!
Chris
Hi Chris,
Why don’t you review http://www.learntexasrealestateonline.com? They have a high pass rate on the state exam and their prices include the exam prep, instructor-led study groups and online proctor services.
Thanks,
Diana
Hi Diana –
Thanks for the tip, I’ll take a look!
Chris
what it takes to become a broker ?
Hi Yan –
In Texas, there are required classroom hours (1,000) and an experience threshold (four years of active business in the last five years), plus some other specifics you can read about on the Texas Real Estate Commission’s website.
Chris
My question is regarding a brokerage, do I have to work through one? My fiancé and I wanna flip houses and I thought having a real estate license would assist with our long term goals.
Hi Mandy –
Thanks for the question. You can in fact buy and sell real estate without being under the umbrella of a broker, but you would be doing so “for sale by owner”. If you want to have the option of the facilitation of sales of other people’s property, or if you want to charge a commission for your work, you need to have a broker affiliation.
There are a couple of exceptions to this rule, including if you’re a licensed attorney (in some states) or a licensed residential builder (in some states), but even then, doing so without working with a broker wouldn’t give you access to the multiple listing service; the place where the vast majority of sales occur.
If your long term goal is to do flips, getting a real estate license makes a lot of sense. You can act as your own agent, and if you end up finding the buyer for your property, you capture both sides of the commission, minus the broker percentage. After enough transactions and history in the business, you can apply for a broker’s license, which would allow you to work independently as you envisioned.
Chris
Hi there and thanks for the helpful information. Question: does the choosing of a specific school make a difference on what brokerage will take you under their wing? For example, if I went with Aceable vs Champions would I limit or increase my chances of finding a broker to work under! ….I hope this question makes sense. Thank you.
Hi Nisi –
Great question. No, that typically doesn’t make a difference. As long as you pass our real estate exam, the specific school you choose shouldn’t matter to the brokerages you’re considering.
Chris
I’m interested to study a real estate just I’m really don’t know Which online school I go with , so far I see Aceable Agent is good just have a question do they have audio during the courses, if not can you recommend a good school with audio coursese
They do have an audio option but it is $10 more.
Hi Aseel –
Thanks for the question. Yes, there is some audio with Aceable, but for video portions. Most of the lessons are not audio directed. If that’s what you’re looking for, I would suggest checking out Kaplan.
Chris