7 best real estate schools in Massachusetts for 2024

Real estate advice + top tech, lead gen & marketing tools — delivered to your inbox.

Get expert advice, independent reviews and product recommendations from our editorial team of experienced real estate agents, brokers and coaches.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

• Pricing
  Course Type Prices Starting at Package Features Upgrade Features Upgrade Features Upgrade Features

  Prelicensing	$399	The Basics: Online package for disciplined self-starters. Required 40 hrs of coursework includes 3 study guides, streamlined course navigation, and 800+ new visual learning objects & videos	Exam Preparation: All features of The Basics + Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee and CompuCram Exam Prep, including simulated exams, flashcards, readiness assessment & audio review guides	Exam Preparation Plus: All features of Exam Prep + Live Q&A with local instructors and Exam Crammer webinar series	Ultimate Learning: All features of Exam Prep Plus + Career Booster Pack, including over 20 “how-to” videos, new agent job aids, customizable action plan templates, buyer and seller checklists & printed textbook
  Exam Prep	$115	Exam Prep: Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, and CompuCram Exam Prep, including simulated exams, flashcards, readiness assessment & audio review guides	Exam Prep Live: All features of Exam Prep + Live Q&A with local instructors and Exam Crammer webinar series	—	—
  Broker Prelicensing	$429	Broker Basics: Required 40 hrs of Coursework, math eBook, instructor support discussion board, free 1-yr RISMedia premier membership including monthly market reports, free admission to webinars and virtual events & in-person event discounts	Broker Ultimate Learning: All features of Broker Basics + printed course textbooks	—	—

• Pros + Cons

  Pros:

  • Self-paced options idea for students who are balancing school, work, and family demands
  • Next-gen student dashboard allows students to track their progress
  • Unlimited practice tests are part of Exam Prep packages

  Cons:

  • Online and livestream classes cannot be mixed and matched. Each class must be completed in the format it was started
• Features

  Course Formats: Self-paced online courses.

  Course Access: Six months from your registration date in most cases. The Prelicensing Ultimate Learning package offers one-year access.

  Pass Guarantee: Colibri’s Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee is available with all packages, with the exception of the Prelicensing Basic package. If students don’t pass the Massachusetts real estate license exam within 30 days of completing the course’s exam prep, Colibri will reimburse the original cost.

  Student Support & Engagement: Expert local instructors are available to share their real-world insight. Additionally, Colibri’s courses have recently been upgraded with hundreds of new visual learning objects and videos, as well as streamlined course navigation, created to improve learning engagement and retention. And Exam Prep Plus includes 40 hours a month of Live Q&A with local instructors for a personal, guided approach.

  Exam Prep: The Basic Prelicensing package features three e-books and a course manual designed to help you retain essential real estate concepts and prepare for the state exam.

  And the Ultimate, Exam Prep, and Exam Prep Live Prelicensing packages include six 1-hour, instructor-led webinars that provide a hyper-focused approach to exam prep.

• Pricing
  Course Type Prices Starting at Package Features Upgrade Features Upgrade Features Upgrade Features

  Prelicensing	$229	Base: Required 40 hrs of coursework. Audio book, eBook, 1100+ practice questions, 24/7 on demand classes & Livestream online classes. 25 hrs livestream access. 6 months course access	Ridgeline: All features of Base + Livestream option and Forms Training 101. 40 hrs livestream access. 9 months course access	Peak: All features of Ridgeline + over 1700 practice questions, archived live class recordings, unlimited practice tests. 60 hrs livestream access. 12 months course access	Summit: All features of Peak + RE14R07: Architecture Class and 1 on 1 course & study support. 100 hrs livestream access. 12 months course access
  Post-licensing CE	$15	Online CE Courses: Select 1 of 10 two-credit CE classes ala carte. Classes are broken into short lessons with videos, illustrations & text	Level Up License Renewal Package: Required 12 hrs of coursework includes 6 classes: Architecture, Fair Housing Law, Investment Property Basics, MA Licensing Law, Protecting the Protected Classes and Tech & Real Estate Brokerage	Refresher License Renewal Package: Required 12 hrs of coursework includes 6 classes: Brokerage Relationships, Contract Law, Fair Housing Law, Financing, MA Licensing Law & Protecting the Protected Classes	—
  	$129	Non-credit MA Reciprocal Licensing Course: For those with out-of-state licenses applying for an MA reciprocal license. Covers reciprocal application process, relevant laws & regulations	Base Non-Credit NH Reciprocity: For anyone licensed in MA seeking NH reciprocity eligibility. Covers licensing laws & the reciprocal licensing process. Includes eBook, unlimited on- demand access, 3 months of course access, job recruiting & more	Peak Non-Credit NH Reciprocity: All features of Base + 10 hrs of live-streaming class access with practice questions and exams. Includes NH Salesperson Licensing course	—

• Pros + Cons

  Pros:

  • Access to a real estate job board helps you jumpstart your career
  • Course software makes it easy to study part or full time, automatically tracking progress and requirements
  • Mix and match options let you combine live online and archived classes to complete the program in under two weeks
  • Self-paced

  Cons:

  • Exam prep packages are not available
• Features

  Course Formats: Take self-paced online courses on your computer, phone, or tablet.

  Course Access: You have from six months to one year of course access, depending on the package you purchase. And every required class topic is available both live and on demand.

  Pass Guarantee: Freedom Trail will refund your purchase under the Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee within 30 days of your request if you purchase the Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee access, score higher than 85% on all sections of online practice exams, and take your licensing exam within 90 days of course completion. The guarantee only applies to first-time exam takers and is not available as part of Base or Ridgeline Prelicensing packages.

  Student Support & Engagement: Regularly scheduled, interactive live online classes are taught by Massachusetts-licensed real estate instructors who are available to answer questions, much like an in-person class. You can also participate in class discussions with both your instructor and your classmates.

  Reciprocal Licensing: You can get your Connecticut and / or Rhode Island license with any Massachusetts prelicensing class. Once you’ve taken the Massachusetts real estate classes and passed the licensing exam, you can apply to the Rhode Island Real Estate Commission for a Rhode Island real estate license and the Connecticut Real Estate Commission for a Connecticut real estate license. Since you’ll already have your Massachusetts license, you’ll receive your CT and RI license automatically.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

• Pricing
  Course Type Prices Starting at Online Features In-Person Weekdays In-Person Weekdays

  Prelicensing	$245	Required 40 hrs of coursework, self-paced and livestream. Full practice exams, quizzes with over 400 exam prep questions, on-demand course review videos, e-textbook, online note taking feature, Terms & Definitions, makeup for missed classes	All features of online class + textbook. Classes meet 4 x per week for 2 weeks.	All features of online class + textbook. Classes meet Sat. and Sun. for 2 weeks.
  Broker Prelicensing	$375	Required 40 hrs of coursework. Includes e-textbook, over 700 practice exam questions, free review videos. Self-paced and streaming, half of the course is self-paced and half is completed via scheduled classes, streamed online & offered on a rotating basis	—	—
  Post-license CE	$125	Select two-credit classes ala carte or all required 12 hrs of CE coursework for a discounted price. Includes HI-Def video classes	Full 12 hours of CE coursework offered in-person. Held at the Weston School on specific dates.	—

• Pros + Cons

  Pros:

  • Discounts available for military, first responders, and nurses
  • HI-Def video classes that are mobile and tablet compatible
  • Unlimited access to course review for up to two years from registration date

  Cons:

  • Online students only have 90 days from the registration date to complete the course
• Features

  Course Formats: In-person and online classes. Self-paced or livestream, online classes can be attended via your computer or smartphone.

  Course Access: Online students have 90 days from the registration date to complete each course. If a student needs more time, AREA will extend the time by 90 more days at no charge. In-person students must complete their live course within the scheduled dates. Unlimited access to course review is available for up to two years from the date of registration.

  Refund Policy: AREA’s online course students may be eligible for a full refund, minus a $25 cancellation fee, if you withdraw from a course before attending the class within 90 days of registration. Live, in-person students may also be eligible for a full refund, minus a $25 cancellation fee, if you cancel the course up to 48 hours before the scheduled first day of class. If you’ve already started your course, you are not eligible for a refund.

  Student Support & Engagement: Experienced instructors are available via phone during normal business hours. You can also email the instructors, who will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.

  Exam Prep: AREA’s Real Estate Drill and Practice QBank offers comprehensive review of every topic students need to know for the licensing exam. QBank features custom quizzes that concentrate on your problem areas, as identified by the performance tracker.

  Final Exam: After students finish the prelicensing real estate class, AREA provides the education certificate necessary for the real estate exam, as well as instructions and paperwork for the state exam. You’ll have two years from the date you complete your class to take and pass the Massachusetts real estate exam.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

• Pricing
  Course Type Prices Starting at Package Features Upgrade Features Upgrade Features

  Prelicensing	$390	Live Salesperson Course: Required 40 hrs of coursework. Includes text and study materials. Class scheduled for specific dates, 2 weekends in a row	Online Salesperson Supervised Video Course: Required 40 hrs of coursework. Webinar format. Mon – Sun access. 60 days given to complete course	Gold Online Supervised Video Salesperson Course: Webinar. 330+ PowerPoint electronic image slides outlining study lessons for each video and 120 questions for the National and State part for online practice exams. Student has 30 days to complete 40-hr course, access course Mon-Sun
  Exam Prep	$199	National PSI & Pearson Vue Salesperson Refresher Course: Webinar. Mon – Sun. 30 days to complete the course	National PSI & Pearson Vue Broker Refresher Course: Webinar. Mon – Sun course access. 30 days to complete the course	—
  Post-licensing CE	$78	Online Course Packages, 12 Hrs Each: Includes 12 hrs of CE for MA featuring various combinations of six 2-hr classes	C R Silver Package: Includes 12 hrs of CE for MA commercial real estate and residential continuing education. Features Commercial Lease Clauses of Tenant Concerns: Part III and other residential courses	C Gold Package 12 Hrs: Includes 12 hrs of CE for MA commercial real estate. Features Commercial Real Estate Basics and 5 other landlord and tenant courses
  Broker Prelicensing	$420	Online Broker Supervised Video Course: Webinar. Mon – Sun access. 60 days to complete course	—	—

• Pros + Cons

  Pros:

  • Provides students with career assistance
  • Offers one-on-one coaching and training

  Cons:

  • Website is not easy to navigate
  • Textbooks not included
• Features

  Course Formats: Online live streaming and virtual classes.

  Course Access: 60 days to complete courses.

  Refund Policy: While the Lee Institute does not offer a pass guarantee, the school can refund a student within seven business days from your registration date if you send an email canceling your registration and requesting a refund, and you have not logged onto and/or begun the online course.

  Student Support & Engagement: Should you have any comments or questions, the Lee Institute staff is available via email, phone, or 24-hour live chat. Technical support is available during normal business hours via a submission form.

  Exam Prep: The Lee Institute’s exam tutorials help both the salesperson and broker prepare for the licensing exams. Students who access the online practice exam questions will also find support from a team of experts.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

• Pricing
  Course Type Prices Starting at Package Features Package Features Package Features

  Prelicensing	$299	Required 40 hrs of coursework divided into 2 parts. Part A: 20 hrs of self-directed videos and 1,000+ quiz questions to be completed in 180 days. 180 extra days for review videos and quiz review. Part B: 20 hrs of online live, instructor-led webinars at set dates/times. 6 month access to interactive classes, either mornings or evenings. Digital manual and audiobook included	—	—
  Broker Prelicensing	$349	Required 40 hrs of coursework (5 topics, 4 hrs each) divided into 2 parts. Part A: 20 hrs of self-directed videos & test-prep quiz questions. Part B: 20 hrs of instructor-led, live webinars at set dates/times. 6 month access to on-demand videos. Classes held quarterly. Manual and all materials provided online	—	—
  Post-licensing CE	$15	A La Carte courses: Select 2-jr courses ala carte or all Required 12 hrs of CE credits for a special bundle price. Receive one certificate for each completed course	MA Bundle A: Includes Buyer Agency, Financing, Offers, Fair Housing, Code of Ethics (with optional REALTOR component), and Conducting Open Houses and Developing a Safety Plan	MA Bundle B: Includes Intro to Commercial Real Estate Basics, 1031 Exchanges, Investment Property Basics, Chapter 93A- Consumer Protection, and Residential Rental-Landlord Tenant Issues Part 1 & 2

• Pros + Cons

  Pros:

  • Mix and match morning, evening, and Saturday online sessions to fit your schedule
  • Closed caption course options in Chinese, English, Portuguese, and Spanish for live and online licensing classes
  • The 40-hour courses have two parts and can be completed in any order

  Cons:

  • There is only one prelicensing real estate agent course offered
  • School is lacking 24/7 or live chat customer support
• Features

  Course Formats: Live and on-demand classes.

  Course Access: 180 days from the date of registration to complete your 40-hour course.

  Course Guarantee: With New England Academy’s Prelicensing Course Guarantee, you may retake your class for free within 12 months of your course completion date if you don’t pass the Massachusetts Real Estate exam the first time.

  Student Support & Engagement: Real-life instructors are available to answer any questions, Monday through Friday, via email. During the week, you can also contact the Student Concierge team by phone. General support is available daily via phone, email, or chat.

  New England’s instructors are available to answer questions, provide support on technology and course materials, or address application/exam concerns. They can be reached by phone or email, Monday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM.

  Exam Prep: Designed to refresh your memory and prepare you to take the Massachusetts real estate exam, the License Exam Review Course features over 12 hours of video recapping the most critical licensing topics from your real estate license course. It also includes 535 quiz questions, as well as access to the videos and quiz questions for up to three months.

  Reciprocal Licensing: If you have dual licenses in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, you can save time with the 15-hour MA & NH Combined CE Package, which includes courses designed to satisfy both states’ CE requirements. After the class, you will receive the certificate for each state to renew both states’ licenses. The MA & NH package includes required Core Course, Buyer Agency, Financing, Disclosures / Seller Due Diligence, 1031 Exchanges, Code of Ethics, and Conducting Open Houses and Developing a Safety Plan.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.