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Posted on 17 Oct 2008

Once you've determined that real estate is the career for you, you have to get educated! Your state's licensing requirements will let you know your options. Some states allow you to obtain your pre-licensing education online. But there are states where online licensing courses are currently not an option. for example, in Arizona, those who want to earn their real estate license must take classes in person at an accredited real estate school.

Your state's department of real estate will inform you as to which schools are accredited to provide the required licensing courses. There may not be a lot of choices when you seek out real estate schools in your area. But if you've more then one to choose from, make absolutely sure you look into each one cautiously. Price should not be the only issue, though it's a critical component!

When you're looking at attending a real estate school in person, typically the classes you'll be required to take in order to take the state exam will be bundled together for one price. And in fact, the bundle is usually a savings off of taking each class piece-meal over time. Prices vary all over the country, but expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $800 for your pre-licensing education. The more schools that offer the pre-licensing courses, the more competition...so that means you've bargaining power. If one school costs a little more, but is closer to home or has a better schedule, don't be shy about asking that school to match the competition's price.

Time-wise, you should seek out a school that offers enough classes to fit your schedule. As a mom, it could be difficult for you to take any accelerated schedules that cram all the courses into the shortest time frame possible. But if you can, go for it! Sometimes it's nice to just whiz through and get it all done so you can move onto that state exam while it's still fresh in your mind. And you don't want to be in a situation that if you miss a class you've to wait another couple weeks before it's offered again.

Other factors to consider are the drive time and even the parking situation. With the cost of fuel these days, you don't want to drive clear across town every day or more then one times a week, for more then one weeks. Factor in the cost of gas and your pre-licensing school costs just skyrocketed! And parking can definitely be an issue of concern as well. Imagine getting to school with just minutes to spare. Yet you can't find any place to park!

Being required by the state to attend a real estate school in person shouldn't be seen as a deal breaker. While you'll definitely have to carve time out of your busy schedule to make it to school, it also gives you time away from all other responsibilities so you can concentrate on learning everything you can about real estate. And that's a good thing!

Tina McAllister is a ghostwriter for busy professionals and the author of The WAHM Agent. She also runs WAHM Biz Tips a site providing business tips and more to work at home moms.