Let’s get real—becoming a real estate agent sounds glamorous, right? Flexible hours, potential for high earnings, and a career that lets you help people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. But then, you hear whispers about how tough real estate school is. Maybe those whispers have turned into roadblocks, keeping you from even trying. It’s time to break through the noise and debunk five common myths about real estate school that might be holding you back. Spoiler: It’s probably not as hard as you think!
Myth #1: "Real Estate School Takes Forever!"
The Truth: You can get licensed faster than you think.
One of the most common myths is that real estate school will eat up months, or even years, of your life. In reality, the time commitment can vary by state, but in many places, including Illinois, it’s about 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework. To put that in perspective, that's less than watching the full series of your favorite Netflix show—twice.
You don’t even have to do those 75 hours in a single stretch. Online and in-person classes let you work at your own pace, so if you want to power through in a few weeks, you can. And if life gets in the way (we're looking at you, work and family), you can spread it out over time. You’re not signing up for law school here, just a few weeks of learning.
Interactive Moment: Imagine if getting your real estate license was as long as completing medical school. Yikes! But don't worry—75 hours sounds a lot more doable, doesn’t it?
Myth #2: "It’s Super Expensive to Go to Real Estate School."
The Truth: It’s way more affordable than you think.
Yes, education costs money. But compared to many career training programs or traditional college degrees, real estate school is a bargain. In Illinois, tuition for real estate classes typically ranges between $300 and $600, depending on where and how you take the course.
Let’s break that down: that’s less than the cost of some fancy smartphones, concert tickets, or even a weekend getaway. Plus, considering the earning potential of a real estate agent, this is a small investment for a career that could pay you back exponentially.
Humor Moment: You don’t need to take out a student loan the size of a mortgage to go to real estate school. And let’s be honest—no one’s going to ask you to buy a $200 textbook on “The Philosophy of Real Estate Contracts” either!
Myth #3: "You Need to Be a Math Genius."
The Truth: Basic math skills are more than enough.
I can hear the collective groans: “Math? I thought this was real estate, not calculus class!” Don’t worry—if you can handle basic addition, subtraction, and percentages, you’ll be golden.
The math involved in real estate school is more about understanding commissions, property taxes, and loan interest rates. No one’s going to hand you a geometry test or ask you to solve for "X." Plus, there are plenty of calculators (and apps!) to help you with anything more complicated.
Interactive Moment: Try this: You sell a house for $300,000, and your commission is 3%. Without reaching for your phone, can you figure out how much you made? (Hint: It's $9,000!)
Myth #4: "You Need Tons of Free Time to Study."
The Truth: You can fit real estate school into your busy life.
Got a full-time job? Family commitments? A love for binge-watching TV shows? No problem! Real estate school is designed to be flexible. Many schools offer online, in-person, and hybrid options to suit your schedule.
If you're someone who can spare an hour or two after work or on the weekends, you're already ahead of the game. You can chip away at those 75 hours whenever it works for you. So, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you can tailor your studies around your life—not the other way around.
Humor Moment: Let’s face it—if you can squeeze in time to scroll through Instagram for an hour a day, you can definitely handle a little real estate study time. Swipe right on success!
Myth #5: "You Have to Pass a Super Hard Exam."
The Truth: It’s challenging, but totally doable.
Yes, there’s an exam at the end of real estate school, but it’s not designed to trip you up. With the right preparation, most people pass the first time. The coursework and study materials are designed to give you everything you need to know. Think of it like this: the test is a final checkpoint before you can dive into a rewarding career, not a trap to keep you from it.
Plus, there are practice exams, study guides, and even prep courses that can help you feel 100% confident when the big day comes. And if you don’t pass the first time, it’s not the end of the road—you can retake it.
Interactive Moment: Pop quiz! Which is scarier: The real estate exam or the DMV test? (Hint: One lets you make a living; the other just lets you drive!)
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Myths Stand in Your Way
Real estate school isn’t some insurmountable challenge—it’s an exciting step toward a flexible, rewarding career. Don’t let misconceptions about time, cost, or difficulty hold you back. In reality, real estate school is more accessible than most people realize, offering an affordable, flexible, and straightforward path to financial freedom.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to bust through these myths, sign up, and start unlocking the door to your future!
Ready to take that next step? Contact your local real estate school or explore online options today. Your future in real estate is closer than you think—no myths attached!
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