If you’re wondering how to become a real estate agent in Michigan, it all begins with meeting the state’s requirements, starting with 40 hours of prelicensing education from a Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)-approved school. After that, you’ll need to stay on top of continuing education, and if you want to advance your career, consider broker prelicensing courses. To help you find the right option, I’ve reviewed the top online real estate schools in Michigan based on pricing, course features, quality, and customer service.

Want to learn more about the Missouri licensing process before jumping into school details? I’ve got you covered! Click here to jump to the “How to Get a Real Estate License in Missouri” section below.

The Close’s Top Picks of Online Real Estate Schools in Michigan

Our Top Picks
Starting Price for Prelicensing
Promo Code
Read More Below
Kaplan: Best for high-quality education and live support
$179
KAPRE5—Save 5%
Kaplan↓
Fortune Academy: Best for comprehensive courses and instructor support
$209
Close30—Save 30%
Fortune Academy↓
AceableAgent: Best for engaging content and live webinars
$169
Click our AceableAgent link—Save 25%
AceableAgent↓
Colibri Real Estate: Best for flexible learning formats to fit any style
$206
TheClose30—Save 30%
Colibri Real Estate↓
Michigan Institute of Real Estate: Best for affordable prelicensing courses
$295
No promo code
Michigan Institute of Real Estate↓
Featured Partner

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Colibri Real Estate logo
  • Pre-Licensing & Exam Prep: State-required courses and exam preparation with practice tests and study guides.
  • Continuing Education: Courses to maintain licenses and improve skills in real estate.
  • Flexible Online Learning: Self-paced, interactive online courses with videos and quizzes.

Best for High-quality Education & Live Support: Kaplan

Kaplan
Pros
  • Interactive study groups
  • Refund guarantee
  • Instructor access
Cons
  • No livestream format
  • No post-licensing or broker education
  • Courses not available in all states
The Close Score
4.9
Course Features:
4.0
Value:
3.5
Learning Format & Accessibility:
4.0
Expert Score:
4.6
Help & Support:
4.0
Reputation:
4.7
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on Kaplan

Kaplan is the top choice for real estate licensing thanks to its high-quality education and excellent live support where you can actually reach a real person. Its courses are filled with helpful study tools, practice tests, and clear explanations that make the material easy to grasp. The quality of its prep materials truly stands out, giving you the knowledge and confidence to pass your licensing exam easily. The best part? If you run into any bumps in the road, its live support is always there to help.

💡Room for Improvement: If there’s one area where Kaplan could improve, it would be upgrading its platform and adding more interactive content. This would make learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Kaplan Cost

Kaplan’s courses are a bit more expensive, but it makes up for it with extensive learning and easy-to-use exam prep materials for those learning how to become a real estate agent in Michigan.

Type of Education
Price Range
Standout Features
Prelicensing
$179-$599
  • Several different learning formats offered
  • Textbooks included
  • Exam proctoring
Continuing education
$19-$34
  • Individual courses or packages available
  • Salesperson and broker courses
  • Self-paced format
Exam prep
$99-$199
  • National and state sections included
  • Broker exam prep is available
  • Exam prep tools

Use Promo Code: KAPRE5—Save 5%

Need to see more before deciding? Check out our walkthrough video for Kaplan below: 

Best for Comprehensive Courses & Instructor Support: Fortune Academy

Fortune Academy
Pros
  • Live instructor support available
  • 100% money-back guarantee
  • Supplemental courses for professional development
Cons
  • Limited live course offerings
  • No mobile app
  • Course extension fee
The Close Score
4.9
Course Features:
3.5
Value:
2.4
Learning Format & Accessibility:
4.5
Expert Score:
5.0
Help & Support:
5.0
Reputation:
4.6
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on Fortune Academy

Fortune Academy stands out as one of the best choices for Michigan real estate education thanks to its exceptional learning experience and personalized support. What makes Fortune Academy unique is the hands-on guidance tailored specifically for Michigan students. You’ll get one-on-one coaching, personalized study plans, and live Q&A sessions with experienced instructors to help you succeed. Plus, it offers detailed study guides, video tutorials, free practice exams, and flashcards to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Michigan real estate exam.

💡Room for Improvement: One area Fortune Academy could improve is mobile accessibility. Adding this feature would make studying on the go easier and enhance the overall learning experience.

Fortune Academy Cost

Fortune Academy provides great value by offering high-quality real estate courses at competitive prices, paired with plenty of support and resources for students.

Type of Education
Price Range
Standout Features
Prelicensing
$209-$645
  • Narrated course content
  • Live instructor support
  • Supplemental courses available

Continuing education
$29-$105
  • Meets core requirements
  • Various course topics
  • Customizable course bundles
Broker prelicensing
$709-$775
  • State-required education hours provided
  • Advanced broker topics
  • Exam prep tools
Exam prep
$145
  • Practice exams
  • National and state sections included
  • 24/7 customer support

Best for Engaging Content & Live Webinars: AceableAgent

AceableAgent
Pros
  • Instructor support
  • Deluxe exam prep
  • Live webinars five times a week
  • Pass or don’t pay guarantee
Cons
  • Only offers prelicensing education
  • No study groups
  • No live chat
The Close Score
4.8
Course Features:
4.6
Value:
2.3
Learning Format & Accessibility:
4.0
Expert Score:
4.5
Help & Support:
3.5
Reputation:
4.3
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on AceableAgent

AceableAgent is an excellent choice for Michigan students who want the flexibility to learn on the go and prefer a more tech-driven approach. Its mobile-first design makes it simple to study anytime, anywhere. The interactive features like videos, quizzes, and real-world scenarios make the material easy to understand and enjoyable to work through as you learn how to become a real estate agent in Michigan. If you like a bit more of a hands-on approach, be sure to join the engaging live weekly webinars.

💡Room for Improvement: Expanding customer support hours would be a great addition. More availability would make it easier for students to get assistance when needed, enhancing the overall experience.

AceableAgent Cost

AceableAgent provides affordable courses that deliver great value with interactive and flexible learning options.

Type of Education
Price Range
Standout Features
Prelicensing
$169-$359
  • Three packages available
  • Fully narrated courses
  • Exam prep included
Exam prep
$59-$99
  • Salesperson and Broker prep available
  • Hours of audio lessons
  • Live online webinars

Click our AceableAgent link—Save 25%

Need to see more before making a decision? Check out our walkthrough video for AceableAgent below: 

Best for Flexible Learning Formats to Fit Any Style: Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate
Pros
  • Multiple course formats
  • Pass or don’t pay guarantee
  • Affordable prelicensing education
Cons
  • Not every course includes textbooks
  • Exam prep materials are not offered with its basic package
The Close Score
4.4
Course Features:
3.8
Value:
1.8
Learning Format & Accessibility:
3.5
Expert Score:
4.6
Help & Support:
4.5
Reputation:
4.4
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate is a top pick for Michigan students thanks to its large offering of course options and various learning formats. Choose from self-paced online courses, livestream classes, and audio reviews, catering to different learning styles. Their prelicensing program covers all the state-required hours and offers great support through instructor access, study guides, coaching videos, flashcards, audio reviews, and live Q&A sessions. With so many resources, it’s clear that Colibri is focused on setting students up for success from start to finish.

💡Room for Improvement: I’d like to see an extended course completion timeline. Right now, students have only six months to finish their courses. Offering more time would benefit those balancing busy schedules, making their already solid programs even more accessible.

Colibri Real Estate Cost

Colibri offers a range of package options for Michigan, so you can choose one that best fits your budget and needs.

Type of Education
Price Range
Standout Features
Prelicensing
$206-$456
  • State-approved instruction and support
  • Study guides provided
  • Audio narration with adjustable speeds
Continuing education
$89-$109
  • Covers the 9 hours of electives required
  • NAR ethics included
  • Self-paced courses
Exam prep
$115-$219
  • Simulated exams
  • Readiness assessment
  • Audio review guides

Use Promo Code: TheClose30—Save 30%

Need to see more before making a decision? Check out our walkthrough video for Colibri Real Estate below: 

Best for Affordable Prelicensing Courses: Michigan Institute of Real Estate

Michigan Institute of Real Estate
Pros
  • Take a written exam at home
  • All materials mailed
  • Multiple course formats
  • Best-priced broker’s course
Cons
  • No interactive study groups
  • No pass guarantee
The Close Score
4.3
Course Features:
2.9
Value:
1.4
Learning Format & Accessibility:
4.5
Expert Score:
4.7
Help & Support:
4.0
Reputation:
5.0
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on Michigan Institute of Real Estate

The Michigan Institute of Real Estate stands out for its variety of learning options, making it easy to find a format that fits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer livestream, in-person, self-paced, or correspondence study, this school covers it all at an affordable price. It’s primarily known for its unique correspondence home study program, where printed and recorded materials—including the exam—are conveniently mailed to your home. This flexibility makes it perfect for those who prefer to learn independently and from the comfort of their own space.

💡Room for Improvement: One area that could be enhanced is adding interactive study groups or a pass guarantee. While it’s great for self-starters, more collaborative support would benefit those who do better with group learning and accountability.

Michigan Institute of Real Estate Cost

The school has a mix of prelicensing, broker licensing, and exam prep bundles, so you can easily find an option that fits your budget.

Type of Education
Price Range
Standout Features
Prelicensing
$295-$449
  • State-approved education
  • Available 24/7 on all devices
  • Audio narration included
Continuing education
$39.99-$50
  • Self-paced courses
  • 6 hours of continuing education provided
  • Live Zoom classes available
Broker prelicensing
$295-$365
  • Online, virtual, or classroom formats available
  • 90 hours of required education provided
  • Pass one exam for credit
Exam prep
$149
  • Trial exam to start
  • Program is valid for one year
  • PC and Mac compatible

How to Get a Real Estate License in Michigan

Getting your real estate license in Michigan involves a few key steps, including completing state-required prelicensing education and passing the exam. Understanding the process will help you plan out your path to becoming a licensed real estate agent. Here’s a quick guide on how to get a real estate license in Michigan to get you started on the right track.

Step 1: Meet Michigan Requirements
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must be a US citizen or lawfully admitted resident.
  • You must possess a high school diploma or GED.
Step 2: Complete Prelicensing Courses
Step 3: Apply for Your Michigan License
  • Create a MiPlus account and apply
  • Pay the $88 application fee
  • Processing time is 6-8 weeks
  • Receive your Exam Candidate ID number once approved
Step 4: Take the Real Estate Exam
  • Exam is 115 multiple-choice questions
  • You will have 180 minutes to complete the exam
  • $79 exam fee
  • Schedule on the PSI website, multiple locations available
  • Score 70% or higher to pass the exam
Step 5: Pick a Sponsoring Brokerage
Step 6: Start Your Real Estate Career

How We Selected the Best Online Real Estate Schools in Michigan

In terms of our methodology at The Close, our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors created a weighted rubric that involves evaluating each school. Our experts have done hours of research to analyze dozens of real estate schools to determine the best for our readers. The features we explored are essential for students to become successful agents and brokers in the real estate industry. 

Our detailed criteria included the following: 

  • Course Features (25%)
    • This comprises items that assist agents and brokers in completing their education, like pass and refund guarantees, career and instructor support, coaching, training, interactive study groups, and course extensions.
  • Value (20%)
    • Pricing and availability of coursework are important factors to assess. This accounts for real estate school offerings in prelicensing, post-licensing, continuing education, broker prelicensing, and exam prep. 
  • Learning Format & Accessibility (20%)
    • Real estate professionals must consider the best format for their learning, which includes self-paced, on-demand video, livestream, and in-person classes. Also, accessibility via multiple devices, like computers, tablets, and mobile devices, determines the convenience for users. 
  • Expert Score (15%)
    • The Close closely reviews each course for standout features, details, ease of use, and the value for money spent from a real estate expert’s perspective. 
  • Help & Support (10%)
    • If students need additional support, knowing the customer service options through phone, email, live chat, and ticket system is necessary. 
  • Reputation (10%)
    • This examines the reputation of each real estate school through the lens of current and past students, reviewing the customer reviews and popularity of each provider. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)




Your Take

Overall, Michigan offers a variety of real estate education options to fit different learning styles and career goals, whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance. Finding the right school can make a big difference in your success. 

What’s most important to you when choosing a real estate program? Let us know in the comments below!