I took the 5 week directed track to become a real estate broker and it was fantastic! Three days a week for half a day. I took the final today and passed it with flying colors. Next step is taking the state and national and I am completely ready to take it. The instructors, George and Curtis were informative and gave examples to help me understand. I highly recommend this course! Follow up edit: I took my state licensing exam the following Tuesday and passed it on the first try. And I was taking it with three other people who are on their second try and they didn't attend the same classes. read more

Real Estate Institute - Specialty Schools Near Me - Niles, Illinois

I want paper books and tests. Everything online sucks I actually enjoy reading the book but no. I don't want to print it off read more

I do not recommend this for Mortgage Loan classes. Their material is outdated and when I reached out to tech support, they were condescending about my concerns regarding the links not working and the wrong calculations on the material. He said no other student has complained about the issues. BUT can you imagine how many students took this class learning mortgage calculations with inaccurate answers? Yet the first time someone actually talked about this, I get a condescending tech support. read more

NEVER AGAIN! I have used this place for EVER and always had a good experience in every direction until this last continuing education renewal period! They changed their offering dramatically! You wouldn't recognize the new process AT ALL!!!The "interactive study guide" was disastrous, disappointing and poorly assembled. I have a friend that used a different school and had a less painful experience. Here are some specifics....(the worst thing was the tests were multiple choice asking for "the best answer". If you are asked for the best answer it means many answers are correct so you are at the mercy of the test writer as to which answer is "the best" hence, correct. Everything was MANDATORY to advance to the "tests" Ridiculously long and unnecessary videos...especially the one on lenders!!! Tests of 25 and 26 questions that would mix up the number so when you went to take it again you sometimes wouldn't recognize the same question And their system wouldn't update immediately so you finally finished one of these beasts and their system made it look like they had no record of it! In conclusion.....I spent many years using this company and always had a wonderful experience until this last continuing education certification. They completely changed everything and it is now a beast. Until they figure out many problems, go elsewhere! read more

I just completed mu CE with the teacher George He is a very knowledgeable teacher I highly recommend this place read more

When I had to get my leasing license for work, I was able to work with the Real Estate Institute via their online classes to get the classes done. When I had questions, the team there were very informative and helpful, answering all of my questions and get to the point where they knew my name when I called! I'm sure I probably had them thinking 'she's calling again?!' but they never were rude or nasty or short. They always just took in stride which is what you need when trying to get things done on a deadline and you have questions. When I got through the classes, it is their policy to call and schedule the exam, which was so easy to do. They offer it various days and times and even though you have to drive to Niles to do it, they make it known that they are there to help. I felt very prepared taking the qualifying exam and when I set up the state exam, I was just as prepared and I passed with flying colors. I actually thought it was too easy and They actually offer a discount on the brokers course, which I'm hoping to use. I recommend them highly. read more

Just an FYI for everyone signing up, THEY HAVE A NO REFUND POLICY!!!!! I had signed up for the sexual harassment prevention training class today and realized after paying that they didn't have any other classes that I needed to take. So, I wanted to refound the class and was told that they have a no refund policy. I did not even open the class. literally just paid 5 minutes before I called. I guess I should have looked more carefully, but I have never run into a recertification course website that didn't at least have a 24h refound period. read more

Stay Away!!!! Stay Away!!!!! It's read-only and of course, when you call them for a refund they tell you that you should have read all the small print that their policy is no refund. I called them within 10 minutes of the purchase..... read more

I have done the CE class with Real Estate Institute webinar for years now. It is the best CE class ever! Highly recommend~

I've taken every license exam course from leasing to now managing broker here. I've taken all of my CE here. However, I strongly do not recommend anyone take their IL Managing Broker course here. The course will not prepare you whatsoever for the state test. I passed their class test easily. Then, I spent hours extra also watching their recommended exam smart videos for the state test. The amount of questions on the actual state test that this course never prepared you for was astounding. I feel completely ripped off and so under-prepared for the state exam. I chatted their support to also let them know. They literally told me it's because IDFPR changed their exam without letting anyone know - so therefore, they are taking your money for a state licensing exam that will not prepare you. I would look elsewhere if you are considering going for your managing broker license. What a rip off! read more

I completed the self study portion, which was ideal for busy people. They send you a book, practice tests and all other pertinent information you need to complete the course. Their six online tests are not difficult. However you are required to take a 150 question exam at the end of the course in person, which is difficult. Their online exams to not prepare you at all for the final exam, however the practice exams in the book do - know them well. Regarding preparation for the big state exam, I would say their preparation was so-so. I tool the state exam 9 days after completing the course and 7 days after completing their final exam. I passed but I would say that a large portion of the questions on the state exam were not covered in their exams or practice tests. My advice? Paying $600 to completely avoid having to drive from the Loop to Niles and sit in class was definitely worth it. But the information shouldn't be taken lightly. If you study, repeat practice quizzes and tests, you'll be fine. *update: I've received question regarding what exactly to study for the state exam. There is no shortcut here. The state exam questions are chosen at random from a much larger pool of questions. Know everything just in case, and you will pass.* read more

I am writing this review to help others not to waste their time and money and pick the right school for their needs. I would not recommend this online course if you are relatively new to real estate. Studying the course is %100 on you and by that I mean %100!! I was fine when I studied for my Leasing License through this school but brokers license is a whole different story. This course is difficult and taking it online is not a good idea at all! After I failed my first test I asked them to help me with the material and they told me that this is an online course and they don't provide that service. Only right after I failed my first exam I had the chance to talk to an instructor ONLY about my mistakes and that's it. They don't have teachers to help you and yet they are one of the most expensive schools. Brokers exam is relatively difficult for a lot of people and I would recommend taking it in a classroom platform, where you can interact with a teacher and ask questions. read more

I recently completed my CE course for Loan Origination Peter Citera was my instructor,Mariam Ebrahimi was the facilitator and i can honestly say this was the best 8 hours I've spent in a "online classroom" all time. Will def. refer all my colleagues Thank you Mariam for setting me up! read more

I do not think the book was very helpful, I felt lost on about 10% of each quiz or test. The option to do the webinars instead of attend class was nice. A few of the instructors were very boring but one really great one that made up for it! I got 85% on my final exam. Though I did pass my licensee exam, I didn't feel prepared when I was taking it, there was a lot of questions with terms and I had never read about in the book. I have nothing to compare this to I guess, so I'm not sure if its the best or the worst. In my mind just okay though. read more

Offered unlimited tests to pass, but, not honored.

I recently completed the broker licensing course at this school. All-in-all, a great experience that led me to pass the state exam on my first attempt! PROS: High quality academics and service. The teachers and customer service staff are clearly on top of things. I took advantage of the one-on-one instructor support pretty often and found that the instructors were almost always available, and when they were busy my messages were promptly returned. They always gave me clear feedback and never made me feel like I asked a dumb question. I loved that I could attend the class sessions online via webinar. They have a nice setup that really makes it easy for everyone to interact and participate in the class. CONS: They are located in Niles, on the North side of the city. I work in the city, so I would have preferred a city school with better access to public transportation. In fairness, they are just inches from the City of Chicago and I didn't *need* to go there for any of the courswork. I only ended going in for my final exams because I wanted to review the results with a teacher (which is actually a nice perk). read more

This company provides continuing education courses (classroom and self-study) and testing for Illinois real estate and insurance professions. They also offer licensing classes for individuals interested in obtaining licenses. Real Estate Institute advertising indicated that self-study courses include booklet, video and podcast as study tools. "Our Self-Study Guide is Available in Three Formats -- You Only Need One, BUT WE GIVE YOU ALL THREE!" This is not accurate; video or podcast is only available for one of the five required continuing education elements. The study materials for four of the five elements is by inexpensive offset printed booklets (or equivalent PDF file downloads). This firm is probably the most expensive one for continuing education. On the plus side, this firm provides adequate preparation for exams. They answer the phones promptly and customer service is good. The building is located in an industrial area of Niles in a multi-tenant, single story building. Parking is provided by marked spaces in a private parking lot. read more

For the past 15 years and my every other year IL insurance continuing education licensing needs I have been using "REI". They package up the ethics and required two other classes for efficient ease of use. I recommend them. read more

Just finished their SAFE online CE course. One word, BRUTAL! By that I mean mind-numbingly boring. The site's program isn't top notch. Every time I logged off (as instructed) and on again it took me a couple of spots back. I had to wait for each segment to pass just to get back to where I left off. A huge waste of time. The videos throughout are redundant and the Reverse Mortgage section made me long for better days standing in line at the DMV. I've taken many online courses and figured that one is as good as the next but this was a rude awakening. I now know what to recommend to my worst enemy in the business. Cripes, I'm spent just trying to keep my sanity after this course. You've been warned. read more

I have been taking this class for 4 years because of Peter. Normally this would be a class I'd forget but he has changed that into something I actually look forward to - the reason I am taking it so early! He's a great teacher and keeps the class involved and light-hearted. This class is a MUST! read more

After completing my online continuing Education for Il Managing Broker at Real Estate Institute I accidentally pushed the "I had help button" and course ended said I had failed the course to re-register. After calling was told nothing they can do about it, you FAILED THE COURSE They did put the complete course back online, For me to do again!!! CAUTION at Independent Study Verification Question! Disappointed No Help? read more

course contents are good, they implement digital signature requirements that are hard to do with mouse, i spent more time doing that stupid graph than actual material - i will never do again read more

I am grateful for this school and its classes and instructors They are pretty great..the only thing I would improve on is the chairs !!!! Sitting in those chairs all day can be difficult for someone With a bad back like me. They gotta be from the 80's....time for New chairs please!!! Great school though....great teachers and easy To complete everything. They also keep track for me and send me Info right when I need hours. read more

The BEST Real Estate school! I took the Broker Pre-License Flex Path course and it was the perfect fit for my busy schedule. All of the quizzes prepare you and keep you on track to fully understand the topics. Whenever I had a question about the course material all I had to do was call them and I could be connected to one of the instructors, which was very helpful. I had the instructor Curtis for all of my Webinar classes and he made every session engaging and relevant to what we will be doing in the real estate industry. I would highly recommend this school for anyone seeking Illinois real estate education- you won't be disappointed! read more

Outstanding!... our instructor Kimberly Trimmel did a great job in getting our live class and their Webinar participants involve in the CE courses.... "You knocked it out of the park, Kim!" read more

I am an attorney and RE broker. I have taken a continuing education course at the REI, and the speaker was dynamic. I also took the online prep for the managing broker's license transition, and it was great. I am most impressed by the customer service- these people know exactly what you need (attorneys are exempt from RE continuing ed, but not the transitioning managing Broker exam) and they do not try to oversell. A thoroughly professional organization! read more

I wish pricing was lower but they are amazing. I recommend them after using them twice!

Barbara at the Real Estate Institute did a tremendous job assisting with a computer issue that I was experiencing. She was extremely helpful and professional. Thank you Barbara read more

The company's Customer Service Manager provided totally satisfaction with my issue. Please tell your friends that this is one company on the internet with great standards and is to be trusted. read more

Great place to go for licensing and continuing education. The teachers are great, and you can go in person or webinar from work or home, depending on the class. read more

A great company for CE credit classes. They really do a good job of delivering flexible options for getting your hours and testing done on a schedule and delivery platform (online for me) that works for you. read more

I opted for the fast-track broker program at REI since it was closer than other schools and they have good reviews. While there's always room for improvement, the instruction and customer service from all employees was stellar. I was able to complete the 90 hour course and pass the grueling state test for IL licensure within three weeks. For the fast-track program, it's crucial that you can commit to the full-time daily schedule (half of it remotely), including weekends. I will definitely use REI for continuing education and recommend to others. read more

This school is great, and the value for your money is excellent. The online courses (webinars) for the broker pre-license interactive classes are GREAT! I was not bored at all in any of the sessions, the scheduling is flexible, and the timing works out nicely. All of the instructors are FABULOUS!!! They are insightful, funny, witty, and informative. The information is presented in a way that enables you to pay full attention and retain the key points that you need in order to be an effective Real Estate professional. They also do a great job of highlighting what you need to pay special attention to with regards to the AMP Real Estate License Exam. I highly recommend this school! read more

The CE class was relatively painless, great presenter but same old content

Great school very good teachers always able to help you with questions while you study at home, or attend the classes.

If you call in, immediately ask for Barbara. She will make your whole week. Any problem you could possibly have, she will not only solve it, but she will go above and beyond for that incredible 'wow' factor! I dread calling into places like AT&T, government agencies, Target, basically any business or establishment these days... But boy howdy, Barbara totally changed the game for me! She's kind, she's generous, she is a delightful reminder of the joy you find in talking to a human being, especially in such dark times the world is going through today. Even if you don't want to get a real estate license, just call REI to talk to her if you want to make a new friend. Larry, her manager, is equally awesome. He picks up the phone with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help you in any way he can. He especially cares to know how he and his team are performing so that they can collectively make REI the place to go for real estate education. Barbara and Larry are prime examples of Midwestern kindness, they make this place shine. If only our elected officials took care of the world the way these outstanding people take care of their customers/students. Thank you Barbara, and thank you Larry! read more

I love RE Institute. They are the best, most convenient way to complete your continuing education!

The Mortgage CE course was great and it was my 3rd time obtaining the credits needed. Peter Citari instructor was outstanding. Ben from Manhattan Beach Ca. read more

Excellent webinars, online classes, instructors and customer service. Worth every penny! It is also affordable and you can do this on your own time! Thankful for this company! read more

I completed the Pre-licensing coursework through Real Estate Institute. It was a very informative class. The instructors were great. I highly recommend the program and look forward to completing additional continuing education at Real Estate Institute in the future. read more