So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of real estate. Great move! But before you can start selling homes and making those commissions, you need to get licensed. Here’s where the big question comes in: Should you take your real estate classes online or in person?

Both options come with their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, learning preferences, and maybe even your ability to resist distractions (we’re looking at you, social media scrollers). So, let’s break it down and figure out which learning path suits you best!

1. The Case for Online Real Estate School: Learning in Your Pajamas

Pro: You can literally learn in your pajamas. Need I say more?

Okay, I’ll say more. The beauty of online real estate school is the flexibility. You can complete your coursework at your own pace, whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you. This is perfect if you’ve got a jam-packed schedule—whether you’re working a full-time job, raising a family, or binge-watching every season of Selling Sunset to “research” your future career.

Educational nugget: Most online courses are broken down into easy-to-digest modules, making it simpler to absorb complex topics like real estate law or zoning regulations. Plus, online platforms often have interactive quizzes and simulations to test your knowledge without the added stress of a classroom.

Interactive moment: Imagine sipping your morning coffee (or let’s be real, your third cup by noon), laptop open, learning about mortgage rates while still in your favorite comfy chair. You set your schedule—study for 30 minutes, take a break, study again later. It’s all up to you!

But there’s a catch...

While the flexibility of online classes is appealing, it requires a lot of self-discipline. If you’re prone to procrastination (oh, I’ll just watch one more cat video before I study…), online school can quickly become a slippery slope. Also, since most online courses are self-paced, you might miss out on real-time discussions or the immediate support of instructors when you’re stuck on something complicated—like, seriously, what is a deed of trust again?

2. The Case for In-Person Real Estate School: Classroom Vibes

Pro: If you love the structure of a classroom, in-person learning might be your jam.

In-person real estate schools offer a more traditional learning experience. You attend scheduled classes, interact with your instructor and fellow students, and engage in live discussions. Some folks really thrive in this kind of environment—where they can raise their hand, ask a question, and get an answer right away (instead of Googling and falling into a YouTube rabbit hole about housing market crashes).

Educational nugget: One huge perk of in-person classes is the opportunity for real-world simulations. You might practice client presentations, role-play buyer-agent interactions, or get hands-on training on reading and writing contracts. This kind of immediate feedback is invaluable, especially if you learn better by doing rather than just reading.

Interactive moment: Picture yourself in a classroom, surrounded by other aspiring real estate agents. You’re engaging in a heated discussion about property tax law, and suddenly it all starts to make sense. Plus, you get to network with people who might become your future colleagues, partners, or even referral sources.

But there’s a catch…

The downside? Time commitment. In-person classes require you to be physically present, which means setting aside a consistent chunk of your schedule for classes. If you’ve got a busy life, this might be a challenge. Also, commuting to class (especially if it’s during rush hour) can be a hassle. And don’t even get me started on parking situations…

3. Let’s Compare: Flexibility vs. Structure

At the heart of it, deciding between online and in-person real estate school comes down to one major factor: How do you like to learn?

• Do you crave structure? In-person classes provide a set schedule and a classroom atmosphere that keeps you accountable.

• Do you need flexibility? Online courses let you learn on your own time, but you need to be a self-starter to avoid procrastination pitfalls.

If your life is full of juggling (work, kids, hobbies, etc.), online school might fit better into your routine. You can wake up, take a class, handle your day, and come back to it later without ever having to change out of your sweatpants. But if you thrive in a more structured environment where you can ask questions as they come up and get real-time feedback, in-person classes might be the way to go.

4. Social Butterflies vs. Lone Wolves

Do you love to connect with people? Real estate is a social industry, so it makes sense that some people might prefer in-person classes for the networking opportunities. You’ll meet fellow future agents, experienced instructors, and possibly even local brokers who can give you tips, mentorship, or a foot in the door after you’re licensed.

Humor moment: Plus, it’s nice to have people to chat with during breaks—someone who understands the struggle of memorizing all those zoning laws. (“Wait, R1 is residential, but what about R2?”)

On the flip side, if you’re more of a lone wolf and prefer to learn solo, online classes allow you to stay focused without the distractions of a busy classroom. You can concentrate on the material, work at your own pace, and still get that degree of interaction through forums or video calls—without the social pressure of having to actually talk to people.

5. Hybrid Learning: Best of Both Worlds?

If you’re torn between the two, there’s a solution that might offer the best of both worlds: hybrid learning. This setup combines online learning with in-person experiences. You get the flexibility to do most of your coursework online but still attend live classes for hands-on sessions and networking opportunities.

It’s like having your cake and eating it too—and maybe even taking the cake home in a to-go box.

Wrapping It Up: What’s Your Style?

When it comes down to it, choosing between online and in-person real estate school is all about you. Do you need flexibility to manage your life, or do you thrive with structure? Do you prefer working solo, or do you enjoy bouncing ideas off others in a group setting?

Whichever option you choose, the goal is the same: getting that real estate license in your hand and stepping into a career where the sky’s the limit (well, at least as high as the tallest skyscraper you’ll be selling).

So, what’s it going to be? Pajama learning from home or suiting up for the classroom? Either way, you’re on your way to becoming a real estate pro—and that’s what really matters!