Pennsylvania online classes?

Question

Hey everyone, I'm currently a poker dealer in Pittsburgh, PA but I would like to take online classes to become an Agent here in PA. Hopefully being an agent will help me along in my Investor journey.

Does anyone have an online class that they could recommend? Kaplan is the first one that pops up on google when I search REA courses. I live in Somerset, PA and there aren't any nearby classroom courses to take. I'm having trouble finding any reviews for the classes that's why I'm asking on here. Thanks so much for any information guys!

Mary B. · Answer

I've used and gotten my certificates via Kaplanre.com. great program and I'm considering taking other courses thru them in the future.

Kudos,

Mary

Jason Shellaway · Answer

I took my RE agent courses in PA through realestateexpress.com.  Overall I thought the experience was good.  I passed the license exam, no problem.  I do think it would be easier to take classes in person, being able to ask questions real time would be helpful, but not totally necessary.

One thing I will note is that you will need some money when initially becoming an agent.  There are MLS fees, desk fees and the like.  This will vary depending on which brokerage you hang your license with.  That said, just the amount of information regarding the industry that you will gain by taking the course is worth the $400 you'll spend IMO, even if you never hang you license.

For a good run down on what is actually involved in becoming an agent, check out Mark Ferguson's site Invest Four More.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, I know there doesn't seem to be many answers out there as to the process, I think PA likes to do everything the most confusing way possible most of the time.  Especially when it comes to licensing of any kind.

Josh Caldwell · Answer

If you want to learn real estate and you are in Pittsburgh, we have a club of about 800 real estate investors.  We meet in Ross township in the northhills.  Come and visit us this Tuesday check out the Pittsburgh REIA club site  for more details.

To your success

Josh

PS one of the brokers who is a member of the club is looking for agents. His name is Jim Uhler

Joshua Meyers · Answer

I definitely agree that it isn't necessary, but I think any little bit helps. I also wouldn't mind working in the same field as what I invest in, so I can gain more knowledge and experience about RE in general.  I also have very little capital to start with and would like to start building more income. The course is around $300-$400 so it's not a huge loss if I take the class and never pursue it. Thoughts?

Joshua Meyers · Answer

thanks everyone for the replies!

Aaron Froggatt · Answer

I think I used Career Web School, but that was almost 10 years ago. I'm sure there are many more options now.

I would think cost would be the major factor versus content. If the courses are approved through the PA Real Estate Commission, then all the information necessary to pass the exam should be included, no? At the end of the day, we aren't talking rocket science here.

Kevin Delaney · Answer

I used Polley too with no problems.

Ian Hoover · Answer

I took mine online through Polley Associates I was recommended to them by a friend in the business, since then I have taken classes through computaught to save a few bucks and it wasn't worth it. The content is night and day better with Polley.

https://www.polleyassociates.com/

Hope this helps!

Daniel Mohnkern · Answer

There is a plethora of information right here on BP.  Listen to all the podcasts, read the forums, and ask questions.  The people here want to be helpful and teach you if you are ready to learn.  Best thing; it's free.  While becoming an agent can help you logistically, it is not absolutely necessary as an investor.  I would suggest learning here and taking steps to becoming an investor before seeking an agent's license, lest you fall into the trap of simply getting a new job.  That is, since you said you want to be an investor, not a realtor.