We evaluated these online real estate schools based on pricing, course offerings, teaching styles, user experience, and exam success rates and came up with our top five. Need a little more information about what it actually takes to get a real estate license? Start with our comprehensive guide on how to get a real estate license.

5 Best Online Real Estate Schools

We chose the front-runners for our list of the best online real estate schools across several categories and narrowed it down to our five favorites.

Featured Partner

Colibri Real Estate has paid for this placement. However, our team of experts approved Colibri Real Estate as an appropriate product and our content remains editorially independent.

Use Our Code “TheClose30” to Get 30% Off on All Colibri Real Estate Prelicensing Courses.

• Pre-Licensing & Exam Prep: State-required courses and exam preparation with practice tests and study guides.
• Continuing Education: Courses to maintain licenses and improve skills in real estate.
• Flexible Online Learning: Self-paced, interactive online courses with videos and quizzes.

Visit Colibri Real Estate

What’s the Best School in My State?

Since each state determines local licensing rules and accredited providers, our advice may differ depending on where you’re looking to practice real estate. For tailored suggestions and resources, select your state below. 

Best Overall Online Real Estate School: Colibri Real Estate

• Accreditation: ARELLO, IDECC

Pros

• Lots of package options in states across the country
• Great customer service
• Live Q&A with expert instructors

Cons

• Courses require a lot of independent reading
• Limited options for broker license classes
• Text-heavy courses

The Close Score

4.7

Value

5.0

Customer service

3.8

Student experience

4.5

Features

4.0

Reputation

5.0

Online experience

5.0

out
of

5

The prelicensing courses that Colibri Real Estate offers are designed for students with little or no business experience. Its program includes material that sets them up for a smooth transition into real estate. Some of Colibri’s package options also include exam prep courses and continuing education (in partnership with McKissock Learning). The added assurance of Colibri’s Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee is also helpful, but it’s not available in all states or all class tiers.

Can I Take Colibri Real Estate Courses in My State?

Colibri Real Estate offers prelicensing courses in most states, exam preparation in all 50, plus continuing education and broker licensing courses in selected states. The company is continuously expanding its coverage, so we’ll make sure to update this page regularly.

Colibri Real Estate Pricing

In each school review, we priced out four of the most populous states in different areas of the country to give you an idea of what the program might cost you. As with other institutions below, Colibri usually has many package options with different offerings—basic to premium—so we’re providing you the price ranges for the programs in each of these four states. Make sure to check with Colibri Real Estate for the exact pricing in your state, as well as any discounts or promotions currently available.

Colibri Real Estate Pricing Summary

*CE courses offered by McKissock Learning

Favorite Colibri Real Estate Feature: Live Q&A

We really appreciate the live chat Q&A available with some of Colibri’s real estate prelicensing packages. Students can join sessions with licensed real estate agents and brokers to ask questions about their material or the upcoming exam. This also provides valuable information about how to apply what they’re learning in the real world.

Room to Improve

The Colibri Real Estate courses are definitely text-heavy and a lot of reading is involved. Students who need a more interactive experience might prefer a school such as Kaplan. 

We also feel that Colibri Real Estate could improve its mobile interface. As mobile learning edges closer to the norm, students are looking for easy, streamlined offerings on their phones. While you can take their courses on a phone or tablet, Colibri Real Estate recommends using Google Chrome as your browser, and you must take final exams and unit quizzes on your desktop computer or laptop for optimal functionality.

Bottom Line on Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate’s premium courses offer not only everything soon-to-be real estate professionals need to launch their careers, but they have also expanded their offerings of broker courses, in case you’re already looking to further your real estate career. They’re now available in nine states, including New York, Illinois, California, Texas, and Georgia. 

If you want to learn more about what Colibri Real Estate has to offer, check out our full review of their platform, including a behind-the-scenes video walk-through. Visit their website to find out about course availability and pricing in your state.

Enroll Now at Colibri Real Estate

Best All-in-One Online Real Estate School: The CE Shop

• Accreditation: ARELLO

Pros

• Expertly designed curriculum
• Best continuing education options
• At least some classes available in all 50 states

Cons

• No access to instructors
• No live instruction
• Text-heavy content

The Close Score

4.5

Value

5.0

Customer Experience

5.0

Student experience

3.5

Features

4.0

Reputation

5.0

Online experience

5.0

out
of

5

The CE Shop offers a wide variety of courses and packages for real estate professionals, including prelicensing courses, exam prep, and post-licensing requirements. Also, with its custom Leap 2.0 system, The CE Shop optimizes your real estate courses for delivery on just about any platform, so you can knock out education requirements on the go.

Can I Take The CE Shop Courses in My State?

The CE Shop offers prelicensing courses directly in many states (see below). But also, they partner with other schools to provide at least some form of real estate education in all 50 states. Even Maine students, for example, can take their exam prep courses through the company.

The CE Shop Pricing

The CE Shop may be best known for its continuing education courses (hence the name), but they also offer excellent real estate prelicensing courses in many states. Here are four states and examples of the pricing in each one.

The CE Shop Pricing Summary

Favorite The CE Shop Feature: Continuing Education

The CE Shop offers some outstanding continuing education courses in unique niches. Assistance Animals in Fair Housing, Marijuana Laws in Real Estate, and Land Contract Details are just some of the topics you can learn about while fulfilling your continuing education requirements.

Every three years, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) requires its members to take a refresher course in the NAR Code of Ethics. The CE Shop offers a great course that fulfills this requirement called Code of Ethics: Good for Your Clients and Your Business.

Room to Improve

The CE Shop’s courses are all online and the interface can feel a little clunky. It can be hard to navigate backward and forward within the courses. We would really like to see The CE Shop put more effort into embedding videos and links as well. The material can be dry and text-heavy.

Bottom Line on The CE Shop

We’re impressed with The CE Shop’s affordable and comprehensive prelicensing packages. But what really makes it stand out is the library of interesting CE courses that will fulfill your state’s requirements year after year.

Best Online Real Estate School for Mobile Experience: Aceable Agent

• Accreditation: Varies by state

Pros

• Superior format and written content
• Affordable price point
• High pass rates

Cons

• Not available in many states
• Continuing education only offered in three states
• Limited package add-ons

The Close Score

3.8

Value

5.0

Customer service

3.8

Student experience

3.0

Features

2.0

Reputation

5.0

Online experience

5.0

out
of

5

Students looking for flexible options for completing their real estate prelicensing education should definitely consider Aceable Agent. Their mobile-first online platform is ideal for students fitting in classes between other priorities. Their PDF-based, long-form course is also an excellent choice if you learn best by reading.

Can I Take Aceable Agent Courses in My State?

Aceable Agent offers real estate prelicensing in the teal-colored states in the image below. They also offer continuing education in New York, Texas, and Georgia, and post-licensing education in Texas.

Aceable Agent Pricing

In the pricing table below, you’ll see a range for each of the featured states. That’s because Aceable Agent, like many others on this list, offers different packages depending on students’ needs—its two top-tier options include thorough exam preparation, for example. 

We’ve provided current pricing for courses in some of the most populous states in the country, including Texas, California, New York, and Florida. Visit the Aceable Agent website to determine pricing in your state, and use the coupon code below, exclusively for readers of The Close.

Aceable Agent Pricing Summary

Favorite Aceable Agent Feature: Sleek, Easy-to-Use Interface

Aceable Agent’s platform was developed for a digitally savvy audience. Its clean, modern interface is easy to navigate and makes working and learning on the go a real possibility. So if you want to complete your classes online (either from a computer, tablet, or phone), you can.

But you can also work from well-written PDFs. You decide day-to-day how you want to consume the content. These methods clearly work for students who choose Aceable, as the school advertises an outstanding national pass rate of 91%.

Room to Improve

We commend Aceable Agent for their singular approach and focus on excellence in mobile prelicensing courses, but we know that budding real estate professionals have to think about more than just prelicensing. The company’s exam prep packages and continuing education have very limited availability, and they offer no broker preparation whatsoever.

Bottom Line on Aceable Agent

If it’s time to take the next step in your career and add “real estate professional” to your business card, we recommend Aceable Agent as it’s easy to fit their mobile courses into your schedule. They’re an ideal provider if you’re looking for an affordable, flexible course that makes it easy to balance other priorities.

Best Online Real Estate School for Interactive, Live Instruction: Kaplan

• Accreditation: Varies by state

Pros

• Great professional development tools
• Basic packages include lots of bonus materials
• Excellent textbook and class materials

Cons

• Interface is a little dated
• Difficult to take classes on a mobile device
• Live online classes are pricey

The Close Score

4.6

Value

5.0

Customer service

3.8

Student experience

4.0

Features

5.0

Reputation

5.0

Online experience

4.0

out
of

5

If you’re looking for a company that is synonymous with quality instruction, look no further than Kaplan. The company has a long track record of preparing students for standardized tests across a variety of industries. It’s also a long-time provider of prelicensing courses for students fulfilling their state requirements and preparing for their real estate license exam.

Can I Take Kaplan Courses in My State?

Kaplan either offers prelicensing courses or partners with local schools in the states below. They also offer continuing education, broker licensing, and exam prep courses in some states.

Kaplan Pricing

Because Kaplan’s offerings are so diverse in terms of format and interaction, its pricing varies widely. The company’s completely self-paced options start as low as $149. But when it comes to live online instruction with an experienced educator and practicing real estate agent, it can quickly run you more than $1,000.

Below you’ll find sample Kaplan pricing in four states. Note that Florida real estate courses are offered by Kaplan partner Bob Hogue School of Real Estate. Make sure to check with Kaplan for course availability and pricing in your state.

Kaplan Pricing Summary

Favorite Kaplan Real Estate Education Feature: Live Online Instruction

Kaplan‘s best feature is its ability to cater to a variety of learning styles. In most states, you can choose from three different online formats: Home Study, OnDemand, and Live Online.

• The Home Study method is a text-based learning program centered on an e-book, and is completely self-paced. It’s ideal for students who learn best by reading quietly.
• OnDemand takes your nose out of the book with prerecorded video lessons from instructors in live classrooms, teaching the material while you follow along in your textbook. Jot down your questions, email your instructors, and get clarification about whatever you need.
• Live Online is a virtual classroom with a live instructor. Ask questions and interact with your fellow students in real time—this format is similar to the best webinar you’ve ever attended.

Another feature we love is Kaplan’s Real Estate Accelerator. It’s a professional development course led by a highly qualified real estate agent with a ton of experience and knowledge to share. This accelerator program isn’t part of the required prelicensing course hours, but it can help you jump-start your business plan and marketing strategy.

Room to Improve

Kaplan’s interface for their OnDemand and Live Online formats is a little dated compared to what you’ll find at other online schools we’ve reviewed. Students reported having trouble running Kaplan’s programs on various web browsers, so a little bit of technology troubleshooting might be necessary.

Bottom Line on Kaplan Real Estate Education

If a live, instructor-led online experience is what you’re looking for, Kaplan is often your best option. Visit their website today to find out which courses are available in your area.

Enroll Now at Kaplan Real Estate

Best Online Real Estate School on a Budget: RealEstateU

• Accreditation: Accrediting bodies for each RealEstateU school vary by state

Pros

• Very affordable
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Access content anytime, anywhere

Cons

• Experience varies state by state
• Exam prep and textbooks not included
• No live instruction
• No CE or broker courses

The Close Score

3.5

Value

4.5

Customer service

2.8

Student experience

3.0

Features

2.0

Reputation

5.0

Online experience

5.0

out
of

5

RealEstateU launched in 2013 in New York and has since expanded to 14 states, including Texas, California, Florida, Washington, the Carolinas, and Michigan. Designed for budget-conscious consumers, this is one of the least expensive programs on the market. If you put in your time and the format works for your learning style, it’s an excellent, affordable option.

Can I Take RealEstateU Courses in My State?

RealEstateU offers prelicensing courses in the following states:

RealEstateU Pricing

Overall, RealEstateU is consistently one of the most affordable options on the market. Pricing varies by state, ranging from $99 to $500 for prelicensing, which is a real bargain compared to other providers. Exam prep is an additional cost of about $125. Make sure to check with RealEstateU for the exact pricing in your state, as well as what current discount promotions are available.

RealEstateU Pricing Summary

Favorite RealEstateU Feature: Support at Every Step

RealEstateU’s greatest strength is in the support it provides students. While most online schools just focus on helping you pass the exam, RealEstateU offers plenty of resources to assist you before you start and after you’ve passed.

For example, they have an excellent and regularly updated blog, plus their FAQ section for each state is one of the most comprehensive we’ve seen. RealEstateU also offers some amazing investment courses such as Real Estate Accounting for Beginners, Motivation From a Proven Investor, and a free nine-chapter course called How to Be a Successful Real Estate Agent.

Room to Improve

We hope that RealEstateU will incorporate more inventive and innovative approaches to teaching that work for a wider range of learning styles. Currently, they offer mostly audio classes, which may work for some students, but not others. If interactive courses with a live instructor are important to you, consider Kaplan.

Bottom Line on RealEstateU

There’s really no downside to trying RealEstateU if they have courses in your state. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee* so you can try it out and decide if it’s the right format for you. If it is, you’re getting your courses at a real bargain!

Enroll at RealEstateU

*Some states, such as Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and Tennessee, prohibit guarantees on passing the licensure exam. Students will still be able to pick and enroll in their desired course, but the money-back guarantee won’t be honored by real estate providers from the aforementioned states.

How to Choose the Best Online Real Estate School

It might seem like a simple decision—choosing the best school—but there are many factors to consider for your real estate education.

• Cost: Is the course package of your choice within your budget?
• Accreditation: It’s vital that your chosen school is recognized by the state you want to work in, otherwise you won’t qualify to take the license exam. But also, many schools are accredited by the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), the International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC), or both. These organizations develop and apply learning standards to evaluate how well the schools deliver educational courses.
• Class format: Do you prefer a traditional classroom setting where you can easily approach your instructors and peers during classes? Or an online live stream class where you don’t have to commute but still have easy access to instructor support? You may also opt for pure online classes where you can go through the coursework at your own pace.
• Pass rates: Does the average student of your chosen school pass the state licensing exam on their first try? Some states publish pass rates for each school, which are definitely worth looking at. In other states, you might want to compare pass rates published by the schools themselves, although the data might not always be the most accurate or up to date. Some course packages include a pass guarantee, offering money back or free catch-up courses and study materials to students who don’t pass the exam on the first try.
• Refund policy: Some schools, on the other hand, provide a refund option for students who are not satisfied with their courses. Make sure you’re aware of your chosen school’s refund policy—if there is one.

How to Sign Up for an Online Real Estate School

Signing up for an online real estate school is as easy as creating an account when you’re shopping online. Selecting the courses you need to take is just like adding items to your cart. Of course, the number one step is to check that you’ve selected the right state when signing up. From there, you will only need to provide your personal information, email address, and payment details.

The registration terms vary per school, so make sure that you’re 100% decided on where you want to enroll. If not, then make sure that you’ve read your chosen school’s refund policy.

Comparing Prices for the Best Online Real Estate Schools

(Prelicensing packages as of August 2023)

How We Selected the Best Online Real Estate Schools

This list did not just appear overnight. At The Close, we have a team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors who research and score the best real estate schools using a weighted rubric according to the following criteria:

• Course offerings
• Instructor support
• Customer service
• Web and mobile interface
• Accreditation
• Student reviews

Read more about our review methodology here.

Best Online Real Estate Schools: FAQs

If you’re still not sure about the path forward, check out our interactive map for specific advice based on your state. Or check out our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about online real estate schools below.

Do I need a real estate school if I already have a license from another state?

Which is better: online or in-person real estate classes?

I’ve never attended an online class before. Is it hard?

How many Realtors are there in the U.S.?

How much do real estate agents make?

What are average home prices in the U.S.?

Bringing It All Together

Picking a real estate school is just the first step in your journey to a new career. We stand behind all the schools on this list and hope we’ve helped you find the best online real estate school to meet your state’s requirements, budget, and learning style. Have you taken courses with these schools or others? Do you have any advice for prospective students? Please leave a comment below and let us know.

The post 5 Best Online Real Estate Schools appeared first on The Close.

To help you get started, we created the Ultimate Real Estate Farming Strategy Guide for those who want to dive in headfirst. Download our comprehensive, proven resource for all things farming!

Download Free Farming Guide

What Is Farming in Real Estate?

Real estate farming is a lead generation and marketing strategy agents use to generate consistent business from a specific geographic area.

Agents “farm” a specific neighborhood by providing consistent value while cultivating relationships and generating leads that evolve into long-term clients. This practice also helps build a reliable business. Ultimately, the goal is to become the local expert and go-to agent for a particular geographic area.

Real Estate Farming Ideas

Ready to start farming real estate? Here are the four basic steps to this powerful strategy, plus the budget you’ll need to get started in your first year.

1. Target the Right Neighborhood

To get the rate of homes sold/turnover rate, look back 12 months to see how many homes were listed for sale in your farming area, and how many sold. You can find this information in Zillow or your multiple listing service (MLS). We want to know the rate of homes sold to tell us how many months of inventory are in this neighborhood. Take your time frame (let’s say, one year or 365 days) and divide that by the number of homes sold.

For example, if there were 16 homes sold in your farm over the last year, we can divide 365/16 to get 22.8. So now we know that for your farm area, the rate of homes sold is roughly 23 days.

Stick with me to get the absorption rate. Let’s say there are two active listings in your farm. To do this math, we’ll multiply the number of homes sold by the rate of homes sold (which we just calculated).

So we will do 2 x 22.8 = 45.6 (or about 1.5 months). That’s a reasonable absorption rate—the average varies, but as a quick rule, you’re looking for less than three months.

Now you know that the current market conditions of the farm you’ve chosen are pretty hot—as long as market conditions remain consistent. 

Next, gather information on your farm area and get to know the market backward and forward. In addition to understanding average sales prices and days on market (DOM), you’ll need to be knowledgeable of the average age and income of homeowners, typical home styles and age, local employers, upcoming developments, zoning and permitting regulations, neighborhood amenities, and other local agents who might be competition. Use the tools at your disposal, like your local MLS and market reports from a place like Altos Research.

Arming yourself with neighborhood knowledge will immediately help you stick out when you get a lead from your efforts.

Download the Ultimate Real Estate Farming Strategy Guide

2. Plan How & When to Deliver Value to Your Farm

This neighborhood strategy goes a long way in easily establishing you as the local expert. It’s also easy to do—once a month, send out your postcards to your farm. We like PostcardMania for this because their designs are simple. Try to include images of the recently sold homes—your farm will recognize the homes and they will come to associate you with the neighborhood. 

PostcardMania is offering our readers $50 off their first purchase when you use the link below.

3. Make a Plan to Manage & Track Your Leads

4. Start Delivering Value

Where Does Social Media Fit Into Real Estate Farming?

Social media doesn’t replace traditional farming techniques but can go a long way in enhancing them. Many local neighborhoods have their own Facebook groups. Some homeowner associations also have dedicated websites and social profiles, not to mention active residents on social platforms. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a deep dive into social media post ideas. The Close’s own Sean Moudry suggests this proven, unique social media approach to farming:

Start by connecting with members of your farm area using your personal social media profile. Then, using Facebook, create a custom audience for specific posts that include only the people in your farm.

Sean Moudry, Real Estate Broker, Close Contributor

Sean’s strategy is great for promoting any neighborhood-specific content you’ve created for your website, like market updates or neighborhood guides.

Essential Real Estate Farming Tools You’ll Need

Learning how to farm a neighborhood in real estate requires a high level of organization, a solid execution plan, and—of course—the necessary tools to consistently deliver value to your farm area.

Regularly Scheduled Real Estate Postcards

• Frequency: Once or twice per quarter
• Typical annual cost (250 homes): $1,260
• Our suggested provider: ProspectsPLUS!
• The Close resource: Real Estate Postcards Providers + Postcard Examples That Actually Work

Direct mail is the backbone of your farming campaign. Postcards and flyers are the ideal tools to convey messages, statistics, and authority to your farm area.

Use direct mail to deliver quarterly touches. Mix it up with a snapshot of the market, recipe, inspirational quote, joke, or sports schedule—anything that will provide value to your recipients. ProspectsPLUS! has dozens of geographic farming campaign postcards, perfect for quarterly mailings that keep you top of mind.

On-demand Postcards

• Frequency: Whenever a home is listed or sells in your farm area
• Typical annual cost (250 homes): $1,584
• Our suggested provider: LabCoat Agents
• The Close resource: Circle Prospecting Case Study

If your regularly scheduled postcards are like a dependable, professional handshake, then on-demand postcards are your unexpected high-five. Use this marketing tool to make homeowners aware of market activity in their community, especially after a property sells. 

Sending about 250 postcards to the homes in your farm area, most similar to the market activity you’re highlighting, is a wake-up call to homeowners. You provide valuable information and insight into their financial opportunities if they also sell.

If you don’t already have a postcard provider you work with, we like LabCoat Agents, known for their effective, real estate-specific templates—including that perfect “just sold” postcard.

Farm-specific Content on Your Blog

• Frequency: At least monthly
• Typical annual cost (250 homes): Free (as long as you have a website)
• Our suggested provider: Placester
• The Close resource: Viral Real Estate Blog Ideas (+ Examples & Expert Tips)

Your farm area should have a dedicated section on your website where you can post weekly updates about the micro-neighborhood market, neighborhood goings-on, and even events in and around town. Your content can be short and sweet, with five or six sentences and a picture.

Remember, your website serves two purposes: to act as an online hub for your neighborhood and to show potential clients that you’re the go-to expert. Placester offers a package with unique, custom content to add to your site, including prewritten social media posts.

Market Update Letters

• Frequency: Quarterly
• Typical annual cost (250 homes): $550
• Our suggested provider: Coffee & Contracts
• The Close resource: Our Best Real Estate Prospecting Letter Templates

A real estate letter can share in-depth, thoughtful market insights and analysis, but it’s also a chance to talk about what’s going on in your business or give shoutouts to those doing good work in your community. Share messages that communicate that you’re the expert for buying and selling homes, but—perhaps just as importantly—you’re also the expert at living in your community.

If you’re farming a luxury, higher-end neighborhood, consider your design elements. You can use a service like Coffee & Contracts to put together a high-end, aesthetically pleasing, branded market update for your farm.

Neighborhood Website

• Frequency: New content one to two times a month
• Typical annual cost: Starting at $3,500
• Our suggested provider: Easy Agent Pro
• The Close resource: Best 7 Real Estate Website Builders

With Easy Agent Pro, you can create an unlimited number of neighborhood sites. This helps establish your credibility and improves your website rank in the top results for SEO. For example, Keeton & Co Real Estate has 19 different neighborhood sites for Goochland, Ga. Each one of these sites includes a small summary of the area, notable points of interest and activities, nearby restaurants and amenities.

As a tip, also try including interviews with neighborhood business owners, local news, coupons, and, of course, all the latest information about the real estate market.

Our suggestion for this platform type is Easy Agent Pro. Easy Agent Pro creates websites for you that are focused on driving engaged leads directly to your website. There are other providers on this list that focus on SEO, but we like how easy it is for agents to make small edits to these premade pages. Book your free consultation below.

Door Hangers for Your Annual Door-knocking Session

• Frequency: Once a year
• Typical annual cost: Starting at $100
• Our suggested provider: Canva
• The Close resource: Fun Real Estate Door Hanger Ideas to Inspire You

Door-knocking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s helpful to remember that you’re not going into these neighborhood walks cold. When you kick off your door-knocking weekend, residents will have heard from you multiple times. They know of you, even if you haven’t met yet, and they should be familiar with the value you’ve already provided.

Your farming efforts will be significantly more effective if you’re intentional about getting face-to-face with the people in your farm. Leave a little something behind, like these brand-friendly, easily customized templates. Purchase a template on Etsy or create one with a free Canva account.

Automated Home Value Email Updates

• Frequency: Once a month
• Typical annual cost: Starting at $300
• Our suggested provider: Homebot
• The Close resource: 23 Real Estate Email Templates That Will Generate Business in 2023

Home values in this market are volatile. As your area’s go-to real estate expert, one clear way to personalize your expertise is to help nervous homeowners understand how volatility will affect their investments. After all, a family’s home is often their most significant asset. 

If you want to automate this farming technique, consider Homebot. Using thousands of data points and the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the company sends automatic, consistent, and accurate information on what a home is worth (and if it’s incorrect, you can easily tweak it).

Many agents are hesitant to leave home valuation to the robots (and for good reason), but we’ve found that Homebot is much more accurate than Zillow, and it’s an easy way to nurture the owners in your farm on their home’s value. You can also partner with a lender on this tool to decrease your monthly cost. You can check out our full review of Homebot here.

An Annual Sponsored Event

• Frequency: Once a year
• Typical annual cost: Starting at $1,000
• Our suggested provider: You!
• The Close resource: Unique Client Appreciation Event Ideas

Whether you’re throwing a summer block party and BBQ, a holiday gathering, wine tasting, or a Super Bowl watch party, events are a fun way to meet and greet community members.

If you’re new to events, start with something you know will be a hit, like a pumpkin giveaway in October or a trivia night with great prizes. Or, try sponsoring a neighborhood garage sale, a community fireworks display in July, or a community service project with plenty of food and drinks afterward to celebrate all that hard work.

What Does It Cost to Get Started?

You can expect to pay some upfront costs for effective real estate farming, but the returns will repay your investment many times over if you remain consistent. Here’s my estimate of typical annual costs for a real estate farming operation with 250 homes:

While this is a sizable investment, don’t forget to look at the big picture. If you’re farming a neighborhood where the typical home sells for $400,000, a single 3% commission equates to $12,000 in gross commission income. 

In this case, a single property sale would recuperate your approximately $11,000 investment—and then some. The positive return on investment is clear if you turn over three or four transactions a year from your real estate farm area.

Real Estate Farming FAQs

Why is it called ‘farming’?

What kinds of activities constitute real estate farming?

Why should my real estate farm be 500 homes or less?

How much of my real estate farming message should be about the local market?

What kind of results should I expect from my real estate farm?

What if another agent is already farming in that area?

How long does it take for a real estate farm to produce results?

Bringing It All Together

Real estate farming is an effective means of prospecting and developing a consistent source of seller and buyer leads. The best part about farming is that the rate of return on your investment improves over time as your messaging gets sharper, more people recognize you, and your sales stats in the neighborhood improve.

Have a real estate farming idea we didn’t cover? Let us know in the comment section!

The post Real Estate Farming: How to Become the Go-to Agent in Your Neighborhood in 2024 appeared first on The Close.

In this Zurple review, I’ll provide an unbiased look at how it works, examine how much the platform costs, share an exclusive video walk-through, and tell you whether I think Zurple is worth the price tag.

Unlike other Zurple reviews, to determine if the company lives up to the hype, I did a deep dive into Zurple to better understand what it does differently than all the other players in the crowded real estate lead generation space.

The Close Scorecard

Check out The Close scorecard, where I lay out the software’s pros, like lead exclusivity, analytics, and the powerhouse nurturing system, alongside some of the cons, like the limited integrations. Think of the scorecard as a bird’s eye view of Zurple, complete with my overall score based on the criteria I evaluated.

Pros

• Exclusive leads
• Powerful lead nurturing system
• Easy-to-use platform with a minimal learning curve
• Extra features like social media schedulers and video messaging
• Excellent analytics
• Easy team management

Cons

• Customer service needs improvement
• Lack of training
• Limited integrations
• Websites are basic landing pages, not fully branded
• No ownership of the websites
• Six-month contract required

The Close Score

4.2

Pricing:

3.3

Features:

4.3

Integrations:

3.7

Lead Quality:

4.3

out
of

5

I will say that Zurple offers a powerful lead generation option with exceptional nurturing tools for agents who can spend a little more. It may be a difficult platform for a solo agent, especially newer agents, to jump into software this complex. Not because it’s challenging to learn but because it may be a lot to invest right out of the gate. But, for established agents, Zurple provides a steady source of exclusive leads that can continue to build your business on autopilot.

What Is Zurple?

Zurple is a lead generation software that specializes in lead capture and nurturing. The company uses online lead generation strategies to capture leads and employs intelligent lead nurturing on autopilot to increase lead conversion rates. Agents then spend their time making meaningful connections once the lead becomes active.

Once a lead is captured, their information is fed directly to the Zurple customer relationship manager (CRM), where “Zurple Auto Conversations” take over. This complex set of reactive nurturing campaigns does the bulk of the lead nurturing for you, including email, SMS texting, MLS property alerts, and more. 

These Auto Conversations adjust their flow automatically depending on your lead’s response and website behavior, making their conversion rates and effectiveness very high. When a prospect’s Lead Intelligence Score rises to a certain level, Zurple notifies you to jump in, and you can continue the conversation with a now-active buyer or seller.

One of the best features of Zurple’s lead generation system is the leads are exclusive to the agent. So, no need to worry about competing with other agents for the same lead as you might with a Zillow or realtor.com lead.

Zurple Pricing 3.3 out of 5

Zurple offers a base price with add-ons to give you more flexibility regardless of team size. You start with the basic package, then add additional lead streams as your ability to handle them grows. 

Initially, I got a bit of shell shock from the sticker price for this CRM. $149 per month just for the CRM itself seemed like a pretty steep amount to pay for software that doesn’t really integrate with other platforms. But, seeing the power of lead nurturing and the resulting conversion capabilities, the software justifies the heavy price tag.

Here’s the breakdown of Zurple’s pricing:

• Zurple system: $149 (includes $10 data services fee)
• Add-ons:
  • Additional website: $100 per month
  • Lead products
    • Pipeline Boost (social media leads): $10 per lead
    • Search engine lead products (auto leads and auto listings): Depends on city, but generally $35 to $40 per lead

Zurple has invested a lot into its lead nurturing system to maximize leads. Because of that, Zurple doesn’t let agents purchase the lead generation system without investing in the Zurple CRM. It wants to ensure any generated leads have the greatest potential to convert.

I get that. Many companies are moving to walled gardens where they keep everything within their ecosystem. But it’s limiting for agents if they want to use software they already know how to use and love. It requires learning a whole new platform that may be missing some features.  

Based on my experience with ad spending, the pricing for Zurple’s lead generation system is expensive. But it is in line with other platforms that provide exclusive leads, especially considering Zurple’s team of advertising pros is doing the work for you. They create the ads and then place them in the optimal times and locations to get the highest rate of return. 

I love how much effort Zurple puts into assisting agents to generate leads, but the nurturing system is where the real value is. Zurple’s system runs more like a sales assistant than a CRM. 

Zurple Review Video Walk-through

Are you curious about what life is like as a Zurple agent? Check out Chris’s video walk-through, where he gets full, unfettered access to the entire Zurple platform and shows you precisely what you’ll see when you become a Zurple user.

Zurple Key Features 4.25 out of 5

Zurple is a complex platform. In this section, I’ll detail how Zurple works, what I like about it, and where I think it could improve. 

Automated Lead Nurturing + Auto Conversations

This feature is probably the most important differentiator. When leads come in, they’re fed directly into the Zurple CRM, which immediately delivers highly engaging interactions to nurture them.

I’m not talking about a basic welcome email drip sequence. These are complex automated outreach campaigns using email, text messages, MLS market updates, new listings, and more.

The game-changer here is that Zurple’s nurture campaigns automatically adjust as the behavior of your leads changes. So, for example, if you send your lead a property alert and they wind up opening that alert and visiting it 10 times a day, the next step in the campaign progress will be different than if they only opened it once.

Zurple calls these nurturing sequences “Zurple Auto Conversations,” and they’re pretty impressive. I love that this technology also works based on your lead’s SMS text response behavior.

This technology is becoming more essential to running your business, especially if you’re a solo agent. It acts almost like a sales assistant, keeping up with your fresh leads, qualifying them, answering questions, and keeping them engaged, all on autopilot. That frees you from spending time trying to keep up with your marketing efforts while still trying to show homes, go on listing appointments, and all the other fun aspects of being a real estate agent. 

Lead-capturing Websites

Zurple agents start by setting up a market-specific landing page for the areas they’re interested in targeting. This site isn’t designed to replace your primary website—it merely provides specific buyer and seller value to capture contact information.

While the Basic plan only comes with one landing page, many Zurple agents run multiple pages, targeting different market segments and communities in their region. This makes sense, as the more focused your real estate marketing approach is, the more effective it will be. 

Many real estate lead generation companies try to get agents to use their landing pages as company websites because it makes capturing and transferring leads easier. But, these same companies rarely offer the branding, content marketing options, and overall connectivity your real estate website needs to be effective. 

Zurple’s agent websites are intended to be used simply as a lead capture device. I love the simplicity and functionality of Zurple’s landing pages, but I wouldn’t advise an agent to use it as their business website.

Lead Intelligence Scoring

Once your lead has demonstrated certain behaviors, Zurple reviews signs of their readiness to activate as a client. The company will notify you that it’s prepared for you to take over communication.

You then remove the lead from the automated communication flow in the CRM, meaning the lead will no longer receive nurturing messages based on their website behavior.

Zurple’s Lead Intelligence scoring is thoughtful and based on the lead’s behaviors. I love how the system prompts you when it’s time to take over the lead communication. There’s no question about when you should jump in because the system, based on the direct lead collection data, tells you. It’s clever how the system prioritizes the leads based on thousands of data points. That way, you can spend more time specifically on those leads who are ready to activate.

Social Media Marketing Tools

Once you set up your market-specific landing page, you must drive traffic to that page. You can do this through social media tools inside the Zurple CRM. One of my favorite parts is the timeline view, which shows your post history for anything you post from inside the platform.

You can also drive traffic with your marketing, independent website, or paid ads, including those you run on Zillow, realtor.com, and any other Zapier-connected platform. Zurple also offers the option to contract with them to run Google, Bing, and Yahoo ads to drive traffic through search engine results, a logical strategy since their websites are so market-specific.

The social media ad templates are sharp and reduce your time, especially if you are new to ads. However, the functionality is limited. This is not the place to do all of your social posts. It’s just a place to promote your listings and Zurple websites. 

Analytics

Zurple does an outstanding job giving you tons of feedback on your progress. You can track everything from how many leads have converted and how many leads have come from each source. You can also tell how well individual agents on your team convert their assigned leads. I love how much information it provides to help you improve your conversion rate after Zurple reviews your data.

Integrations 3.75 out of 5

One thing about Zurple that I’m not as crazy about is that you can’t integrate with outside platforms. The company prides itself on capturing leads for you and putting them through the lead-nurturing process. Doing that with any external tools you may be using is challenging. It’s basically a walled garden that you can’t use with any other platform. So, if you want to use this platform, it’s an all-or-nothing solution. 

However, the platform allows outside lead sources to be fed into the system. You can add your Zillow, realtor.com, and Market Leader leads directly into the software so it can get the same lead nurturing treatment as the leads generated from the Zurple landing pages. That ability can help you develop a higher return on investment (ROI) on the money you spend generating leads from those platforms, which adds significant value to the Zurple system.

Lead Quality 4.3 out of 5

Zurple’s automated lead-scoring system is one of my favorite features. When a new lead comes in through any source, it’s fed directly into the CRM. The automation starts, and that’s where the magic begins. Based on the lead’s response to the lead nurturing efforts, the lead’s score will change. In other words, if a lead opens an email vs one that doesn’t, that lead’s campaign will change. You’ll be alerted to those who have shown behaviors that turn it from a cold to an active lead so you can take over the communication efforts when the lead is ready. 

I love this feature! The automated artificial intelligence (AI)-driven nurturing campaigns keep your leads engaged, monitoring their behaviors so you lose fewer of them along the long way. I don’t know about you, but I always found playing the long game in lead nurturing hard. I lost so many leads I generated because they were a year away from making a home purchase. This system prevents that lead loss and helps you convert more leads into sales. 

Zurple also helps keep your pipeline filled with leads in different parts of the sales funnel. And you don’t have to become some kind of marketing expert—Zurple has created a system to do it all for you with their Auto Conversations.  

Zurple Alternatives

As awesome as Zurple is, there may be better choices for you and your business. Let’s take a look at some alternatives worth considering.

Hey, there’s more than one way to generate leads. If you’re looking for more options to make your lead generation plan fit how you work, check out some of our buyer’s guides below.

Bottom Line: Is Zurple Worth It?

For many agents, the answer is yes. The platform isn’t perfect—Zurple requires a substantial commitment of time and money to maintain the various landing pages and the statuses of the leads that Zurple is nurturing on your behalf. 

But these drawbacks are well worth the benefit in potential commission income for experienced agents, large teams, or brokerages. For newer solo agents, this may be more than necessary. There are plenty of more affordable options that might be a better fit. 

Many companies are moving to walled gardens like Zurple where they keep everything within their ecosystem. But it’s limiting for agents if they want software they already know how to use and love or opt for something more affordable. It requires learning a whole new platform that may be missing some features. 

I do recommend Zurple as a real estate lead generation and nurturing platform for those ready for it. Zurple’s features are well worth the price, the CRM and lead system are intuitive and easy to navigate, and the integrations with other lead sources like Market Leader, Zillow Premier Agent, and others are seamless.

Methodology: Why You Can Trust This Review

Not all reviews of real estate tech products are created equal. I typically approach any reviews from the perspective of a practicing real estate agent who might use the platform. As a licensed real estate agent, I have direct experience using software to run my business. I have personally closed several real estate transactions, generated leads, and developed and deployed a digital strategy in my business. I have firsthand knowledge of what it takes to be successful in this industry.

Leaning on that experience, I evaluated this lead generation software based on the following criteria:

• Price vs value provided
• Lead quality and exclusivity
• User interface and learning curve
• Analytics 
• Lead nurturing and automation

For this Zurple review, I also used a rubric to weigh the software against its competitors to balance my professional opinion with objective assertions. You can trust that the observations, analyses, and conclusions are mine and represent the position of the editorial team here at The Close.

Bottom Line

After an intensive look at Zurple and the benefits it offers real estate professionals, The Close is happy to offer this product our endorsement and recommend it to our readers. 

The platform isn’t perfect—it is certainly a financial commitment as well as a time commitment to maintain the different moving parts of the various websites and monitor the status of the leads that Zurple is nurturing on your behalf. But, these drawbacks are well worth the benefit in potential commission income.

The post Zurple Review: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons appeared first on The Close.

Learning how to prospect in real estate can be one of the most rewarding pursuits, and, undoubtedly, it’s the best way to generate new leads. If you need to level up your real estate prospecting, I compiled this list of my 15 best tips and have a resource to help you get started right away. 

However, before you jump right in, take a look at Sold.com. It’s a referral service that matches sellers and buyers with agents in their area—and best of all, it’s completely free. So while you’re out there prospecting, Sold.com is busy generating leads.

1. Learn the Art (& Science) of Real Estate Prospecting Letters

A critical tool in a real estate professional’s toolkit is the prospecting letter—especially handwritten ones. Simple, efficient, and inexpensive, a prospecting letter serves several purposes:

• It conveys a lot of information (like a neighborhood comparative market analysis).
• It’s an easy way to introduce yourself and soften the ground before a phone call.
• It’s effective: People read hand-addressed letters more often than marketing postcards.

Make sure your prospecting letters are personalized, professional, and authentic. Your goal is to demonstrate your value and prompt prospects to reach out, so include a motivational call to action.

2. Try Circle Prospecting

Circle prospecting is all about reaching out to the 30 (or so) homeowners who live close to your latest listing or recent closing. Let them know real estate activity is happening in the area and that it is an opportunity for them to get in on the action. 

I use a one-two-punch strategy for circle prospecting:

1. The moment a listing goes live (or a sale closes), send a postcard or letter alerting your community to the activity.
2. Follow up with a phone call (or, if you’re feeling bold, a door knock) the day after to start the conversation.

3. Base Your Real Estate Prospecting on Predictive Analytics Data

Realtors who use data to guide their decision-making processes are going to come out ahead when prospecting in real estate. Track what you’re doing, what’s working, your response rates—and especially who you’re targeting—so you’re not spinning your wheels. 

You can also use data developed through predictive analytics. Say you want to send prospecting letters but don’t want to waste money on those who aren’t interested. Predictive analytics companies such as SmartZip use thousands of data points to narrow down the prospects in your community most likely to buy or sell.

4. Get Some Face Time With Real Estate Prospects

Let’s start by establishing your overall goal for prospecting. Yes, you want listings and closings, but prospecting is also about establishing the first step in your relationship with a lead. Finishing up a cold call with a listing in your pocket is rare. It’s much more common that you set a date for an in-person meeting. 

My first broker, who’d been in the business for decades, used to say he would prospect in hopes of a handshake. He’d offer to take a stranger to coffee, drop by to see an FSBO listing—anything to get in front of a buyer or seller and establish a connection. 

Humans crave connection on a deep level and the trust that comes with it. A solid relationship with a client increases your chances of closing a deal, which all starts with a handshake.

5. Remember, You’re Providing Value to Your Community

I often hear new agents say they don’t want to bother anyone with cold calls or door-knocking. Yet the reality is you’re providing value to your community.

When you reach out to potential buyers and sellers, letting them know about your services and expertise, you also make them aware of their real estate options. Remember, you’re the professional. You’ve received specialized training to help your clients make the best real estate decisions possible.

Have confidence in your contribution to the community and be the expert who helps clients navigate buying and selling.

6. Make Your Weekly Goals About Work & Your Long-term Goals About Results

Prospecting is hard work, and it’s easy to feel like you’re spinning your wheels if you don’t set benchmarks. Make your weekly prospecting goals about your work (the number of calls you make, the number of texts you send, the number of doors you knock on). Center your quarterly goals around the amount of business you close. 

This high-level thinking will keep you motivated and focused on big-picture targets—not minor setbacks.

7. Use an Autodialer to Improve Your Efficiency

Cold calling is not for everyone. In fact, it can be pretty challenging, especially if you hate to hear “no.” But agents cold call because it works. Research shows that if you’re consistent and put in the time, you will generate leads. 

If you’re a cold caller, you need the best tools available. I like REDX, which provides leads—expired listings, FSBOs, targeted neighborhoods, and preforeclosures—for you in an organized customer relationship manager (CRM). Their power dialers, which can make you much more efficient, keep the phone calls ringing—all you need to do is polish your scripts.

8. Create a Lead-generating Website

Real estate prospecting is easier if people are already familiar with who you are and what you do. If you haven’t already, create a professional website that provides visitors with information about selling a home in your community. Additionally, offer your visitors an opportunity to search for properties currently listed for sale and a way to contact you with questions.

The very best site providers include lead generation services, which means they capture information from people perusing your site so that you can reach out to them. Website lead gen works because you’ll have easier conversations and higher conversion rates when you speak to your prospects directly.

9. Engage on Social Media 

As mentioned above, prospecting isn’t about cold calling and mass mailings. It’s about starting (and cultivating) relationships with people you think will be buyers or sellers. I’m sure you often hear how important it is to market yourself and engage on social media. So, what does that actually mean in practice? 

Post regularly to your social media platform of choice (I recommend you pick two networks to focus on), but also comment on and like the posts of your followers and those you’re following. Use real estate hashtags to connect with new buyers and sellers. Be part of a larger conversation in your community.

In addition, use social media to connect to people who share your interests. My favorite example is a friend of mine who’s a history nerd and agent. He actively posts and comments on our community history pages so buyers and sellers see him as an authority on the local area. He’s so well-known and respected that he has a huge advantage when prospecting for leads.

Grow your database with a steady stream of affordable, exclusive real estate leads from social media ads. Social Connect from Top Producer is designed to get you a high volume of leads and move them through your pipeline until they’re ready to buy and sell real estate. Connect with an average of 30 consumers interested in real estate in your local market for just $300 per month!

How Social Connect works:

• Digital advertising experts create and run social media ad campaigns on your behalf
• You get exclusive leads from your desired local area
• All leads are automatically nurtured via text and email on your behalf until they’re ready to connect, saving you time and effort

Visit Top Producer

10. Dedicate 90 Minutes Each Day to Prospecting

Your real estate prospecting efforts will only be successful if they are consistent. Prospecting is a lot of work, so thinking you will get it done in a couple of minutes daily isn’t realistic.

Successful real estate agents set aside 90 minutes every day for prospecting. If you can commit to a regular schedule, you’ll be amazed at the results that 7.5 hours of prospecting each week will yield.

11. Call Expired Listings. Every. Single. Day.

Expired listings represent a golden opportunity to land real estate seller leads. After all, these owners have raised their hands and said, “I want to sell my home!” For one reason or another, their home hasn’t sold yet. But chances are, they still want a buyer. 

Before you get an owner of an expired listing on the phone, prepare background information on their property. How much was it listed for? Was it priced right? Was it marketed correctly? Has it been listed more than once in recent years? Use effective expired listing scripts to overcome objections and move quickly.

According to Vulcan7, almost 40% of expired listing homeowners relist within 30 days, which means you have an excellent chance of being their new agent and closing a deal. But also, you’re not the only agent prospecting these leads, so the sooner you get on the phone and start making connections, the better.

12. Call FSBO Sellers. Every. Single. Day.

Like expired listing sellers, FSBOs are fantastic prospects because they have publicly announced that they want to sell their homes. 

However, your strategy will differ from expired listings because FSBOs believe they don’t need a real estate agent (or at least they claim to). Either that, or they don’t want to pay a commission. Often, all it takes to win these listings is a savvy pitch and persistent follow-up. Call attention to the fact that homes sold by a Realtor tend to sell for 32% more than FSBO homes. That percentage could more than account for any concerns about the commission.

13. Don’t Fear the Word ‘No’

According to a famous study by Baylor University on real estate cold calling, it takes an average of 209 calls to set one appointment or get a referral. For those of you who fear rejection, the takeaway is that you will have to endure a lot of gut-wrenching “no’s” before you finally get a “yes.”

For those who have already overcome your fear of “no,” this statement is music to your ears. It means that for every “no” you get, you are quantifiably closer to a “yes.” It means that you will get three appointments if you can make 627 calls weekly (which is totally doable in your 90 minutes each day).

14. Send Direct Mail (It’s Still King)

We know it might not be cool, but plenty of people out there (especially older generations, the ones who actually have houses to sell) appreciate direct mail. Whether it’s a postcard, a thoughtful handwritten letter, or a timely market report, put a stamp on it. The Close’s own Trevor Jones says you get bonus points if you time your voicemail drops to coincide with the arrival of your mail—you get double the impact!

15. Nurture Your Prospects

Friends, real estate agents, I can’t say this enough: You can prospect all you want: write letters, cold call, talk to everyone in line at the grocery store, but if you don’t nurture your prospects, they won’t ever turn into leads. OK, lecture over.

How do you do it successfully? Start with our guide on long-term lead nurturing, where we offer plenty of tips and tricks to ensure your prospects aren’t falling through the cracks. 

If you have a great CRM, it should come with automation that will help you maintain contact with your prospects. Generally, it takes dozens of “touches” for a prospect to become a lead, and a CRM’s automated email and SMS drips can do just that.

At its heart, though, nurturing is really about showing people that you actually care about them and are paying attention to their needs. Remember birthdays, anniversaries, favorite sports teams, and kids’ names (or use your CRM to help you remember), and you’re halfway there.

Bringing It All Together 

So, then, what is prospecting in real estate? Real estate prospecting is never forgetting that you’re providing a service to your community through your expertise and professionalism and letting your community know just that! Prospecting in real estate can be tough, but it works. If you put in the time, remain consistent, track your progress, engage with your community, and have some helpful scripts handy, you’ll be successful. On those hard days, remember that each “no” is getting you closer to the “yes.” 

Have additional questions or tips for your fellow agents? Leave us a comment below!

The post 15 Clever Real Estate Prospecting Ideas to Boost Your GCI appeared first on The Close.

But there’s much more to understanding this key calculation and why it matters to every real estate agent. We’ll explain the difference between GCI and the more complicated net commission income (NCI). We’ll give you a calculator, examples, easy-to-use formulas, and a few tips on how to increase your GCI in 2024.

What Is Gross Commission Income? 

As we mentioned, GCI is the total commission paid as a result of a real estate transaction and is calculated by multiplying the commission rate by the final sale price of the property.

For example, if the commission rate for a particular listing is 6% and the final sale price is $250,000, the GCI would be:

$250,000 x .06 = $15,000

Basic Gross Commission Income Calculator

Want to calculate your own basic GCI? Fill in your final sale price and commission rate below.

When & Why GCI Can Get Complicated

The basic GCI calculation is pretty simple, but several situations can impact this otherwise straightforward formula, including your split, seller concessions, and more.

For example, let’s say the total commission paid on your new listing is 6%, but another agent brings the buyer. In this situation, that 6% commission is divided between two parties. The gross commission income for each agent is now 3%, calculated by dividing the original 6% in half (assuming an equitable split between both sides).

Price negotiations can also affect your GCI. Say you’ve got a seller concession of 2% of the sale price to cover the cost of some repairs. Depending on how the repair addendum is written, the 2% concession may or may not be included in the commissioned sale price.

When figuring your GCI, anything that affects the final amount upon which the commission is calculated must be taken into account.

However, it does get more complicated, especially when trying to figure out your actual take-home income, or your net commission income (NCI). Establishing your NCI requires additional calculations. 

GCI vs NCI: What’s the Difference?

Your NCI is the dollar amount that’s left over from your GCI after everyone else gets their piece of the real estate commission. Though every agent and every transaction is unique, let’s look at some of the typical expenses deducted from the GCI to calculate your final NCI.

• Broker split: In most situations, agents share a portion of their commission with their broker until they’ve reached their cap for the year. 
• Team split: If you’re a member of a real estate team, this number usually gets rolled into your broker split. For more information on typical team splits, check out Sean Moudry’s article about real estate team structures.
• Transaction fee: Sometimes called a desk fee, brokerages may charge agents a flat fee per transaction. This usually covers office rent, utilities, and services.
• Commission-based referral fees: If you secured your client via referral, either from another agent or from a lead generation service like Zillow Flex, that fee will be deducted from your GCI. 
• Commission-based marketing: Photographers and videographers sometimes offer no upfront cost payment options as an enticement in exchange for higher rates paid when a property closes.
• Taxes: Make sure you figure taxes as a final step because you’re only taxed on the income that you actually net, not your GCI. As an independent contractor, you need to set this aside for tax time.

Sample Net Commission Income Calculation

When figuring out your NCI, a sample calculation may look like this:

Why GCI Matters for Real Estate Agents

If you’re a real estate agent working with a traditional cap and split agreement, knowing your GCI is essential for business planning. Imagine how much easier it is to plan out your expenses if you have a sense of what you’re projected to earn and when. It can also be an excellent barometer of how successful your lead generation and marketing efforts have been, and whether they are worth their costs. Your GCI is, above all, a tool for you to use to strategically build and budget for your business. 

Cap Tracking 

When most real estate agents sign on with a brokerage, they negotiate both their cap and their split with their broker. As a quick reminder, their split is the percentage from each commission they earn that goes to their broker. Their cap is the total amount of money an agent will pay via commission to their brokerage in a given year. A typical cap for a mid-sized, non-metro brokerage is between $20,000 and $30,000.

In the example above, we used a typical home sale price of $300,000 and a typical commission rate of 3%. Assuming there’s no referral fee to be paid, a gross commission ($9,000) would be split between the broker (40% – $3,600) and the agent (60% – $5,400).

This split would occur with each transaction until the agent hits their cap of $25,000. At this rate, it would take seven transactions for the agent to reach their annual cap.

Keeping track of your gross commission income throughout the year allows you to understand how close you are to meeting your cap requirements. In most brokerages, once you “hit cap,” you no longer have to split your commission with your broker, putting significantly more money in your pocket at the successful close of each transaction.

Strategic Planning

This shift impacts how you’ll plan your expenditures throughout the year. Knowing your cap helps you be more strategic in your marketing and budgeting. You should evaluate your business plan to make sure you’re taking advantage of your expected cap date. You can use this information to better craft your real estate business plan and set up better spending strategies for lead gen companies like Zillow Premier Agent. You can even adjust your real estate farming strategy based on how much additional revenue you’ll have available.

Measure Your Success 

In the real estate industry, an agent’s success is often measured by their GCI. When you hear someone referred to as a “million-dollar agent,” they’re not talking about the price point of the homes they sell. They’re referring to that agent’s typical annual GCI.

Using GCI as a measuring stick makes it easier to compare an agent’s actual success rate. It’s certainly not the only way we should judge an agent’s success, but it’s a universally identifiable metric, so it’s important to know.

Qualify for Designations

Finally, you’ll need to reach a specific volume of transactions and GCI to qualify for certain real estate designations, like the CCIM designation. Keeping track of your GCI and the perks of reaching specific benchmarks is a great way to advance your real estate career.

How to Increase Your GCI

One of the easiest ways you can increase your GCI is to negotiate a better cap or split with your brokerage, or consider a low-cost virtual brokerage like eXp or REAL. Small adjustments in either your split and/or cap can make a big impact on your bottom line. If you have questions about choosing a brokerage, make sure to check out our Best Real Estate Companies to Work For article.

You can also follow us for more tips on lead generation, prospecting, lead nurturing, and marketing. 

Bringing It All Together

Do you track your GCI closely? What do you do with that information? Tell us in the comment section below.

The post GCI: What It Is & Why It Matters to Every Real Estate Agent appeared first on The Close.

To start your career in real estate in Indiana, you will need to complete a 90-hour prelicensing course and pass the Indiana real estate license exam. Let’s dive into your first step and find the Indiana real estate school that’s right for you.

5 Best Indiana Real Estate Schools With Online Options for 2024

(Indiana prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Before we go through all the schools, it’s important to note that real estate agents in Indiana are called brokers, whereas most states call a new salesperson a real estate agent. When you receive your real estate broker’s license, you’ll work under a broker in charge or managing broker. If you’re curious and want to know more about the types of classes you’ll need to take throughout your real estate career in Indiana, simply jump into the helpful info section. Otherwise, let’s jump into the best online real estate schools in Indiana.

Quick Facts

account_balance

Indiana Real Estate Governing Body:

Indiana Real Estate Commission

schedule

Prelicensing Requirements:

90 Hours

inventory

Post-licensing Requirements:

30 Hours Within the First Two Years

school

Continuing Education Requirements:

12 Hours Every Year

Best Overall Online Real Estate School in Indiana: The CE Shop

Pros

• Modern, expertly designed courses
• Packages include lots of add-ons
• Offers free trial
• Post-licensing courses included in Premium Package

Cons

• No live instruction option
• No networking opportunities

The Close Score

4.6

Value for money

5.0

Customer service

5.0

Student experience

4.0

Features

2.3

Reputation

5.0

Online experience

5.0

out
of

5

The CE Shop offers: 

• Prelicensing
• Exam prep
• Post-licensing
• Continuing education

The CE Shop has been in the real estate education sphere for many years. They specialize in self-paced learning and focus on designing online material that reaches every learner. The CE Shop offers continuing education in all 50 states and prelicensing courses in 47.

The CE Shop Pricing

In Indiana, The CE Shop offers four prelicensing packages.

• Courses Only ($545): This basic package is far from basic—it includes e-books, digital flashcards, a real estate glossary to help you study, and career resources.
• Standard Package ($609): You’ll get everything from the courses-only package plus Exam Prep Edge materials. The school will also reimburse your exam fee if you don’t pass your license exam on your first try.
• Value Package ($659): On top of the previous features, you’ll get business-building courses to hit the ground running after you get your license.
• Premium Package ($885): In addition to all the above features, this includes your 30-hour post-licensing course.

(Indiana prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Best Feature

I have to call out The CE Shop’s free trial as my favorite feature. I also love that The CE Shop provides courses for every stage of your career and makes it convenient by offering your post-licensing hours in its premium package.

Room to Improve

The CE Shop’s courses aren’t the most affordable, though they often go on sale. At least their packages are comprehensive, so you’re getting a lot out of your investment.

Bottom Line

Choose The CE Shop if you’re looking for a top-tier Indiana real estate school to stick with throughout all your real estate education needs.

Best Online Real Estate School in Indiana for Course Design: Colibri Real Estate

Pros

• Easy-to-use online platform
• Expertly designed curriculum
• Packages offer a variety of features
• Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee in three of four packages

Cons

• No live instruction option
• No continuing education offerings
• No access to local real estate brokerages
• Pricey

The Close Score

4.4

Value for money

5.0

Customer service

3.8

Student experience

4.0

Features

2.3

Reputation

5.0

Online experience

5.0

out
of

5

Colibri Real Estate offers: 

• Prelicensing
• Exam prep
• Post-licensing
• Broker prelicensing

Colibri Real Estate has been teaching prospective real estate students for 25 years. They were one of the early adopters of the online learning platform, so they’ve had decades to tweak it and keep it as innovative as possible.

The company understands how different every learner is, so they offer a variety of packages with various features. Their platform is well-organized and incredibly easy to use, making it a perfect fit for mobile and tablet users too.

Colibri Real Estate Pricing

In Indiana, Colibri Real Estate offers four prelicensing packages with varying features.

• The Basics ($627): If you’re only looking to get your hands on the course, this package is for you. You’ll still receive access to a state-approved instructor for support and access to three e-books.
• Exam Preparation ($727): Along with everything from the above package, you’ll also get access to exam prep materials and their Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee.
• Exam Preparation Plus ($798): On top of the features above, you’ll get access to instructor Q&A sessions, a real estate dictionary, and the Live Exam Crammer series.
• Ultimate Learning ($899): This package includes all the features above and a printed copy of the course textbook for easy learning, as well as a one-year membership to a professional development program.

(Indiana prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Best Feature

I love how Colibri Real Estate’s online platform and courses are designed. You can easily find course material, use study resources, and contact your instructor whenever you need them. The material is organized into manageable chunks to help you get the most out of it.

Room to Improve

It’s hard to find something wrong with Colibri Real Estate’s courses, but their prices could be a little more affordable.

Bottom Line

Choose Colibri Real Estate if you want an online, self-paced course with all the features that make learning online easy.

Best Indiana Real Estate School for In-person Classes: McColly Real Estate

Pros

• Local company
• One-stop shop
• Offers course demo
• In-person and self-paced online options
• Affordable

Cons

• Course access will expire after six months
• In-person classes only offered on weekdays

The Close Score

4.6

Value for money

5.0

Customer service

5.0

Student experience

5.0

Features

3.0

Reputation

5.0

Online experience

4.5

out
of

5

McColly Real Estate offers: 

• Prelicensing
• Exam prep
• Post-licensing
• Continuing education
• Managing broker prelicensing

McColly Real Estate has been in operation since 1974 and teaches real estate in Indiana and Illinois. The company offers both in-person and online self-paced learning packages, and it’s the only Indiana real estate school on our list that offers in-person classes outside of Indianapolis. You can take their in-person classes in Crown Point, Highland, or Valparaiso.

McColly Real Estate Pricing

Depending on your online vs in-person preferences, McColly Real Estate offers three prelicensing packages for prospective Indiana brokers.

• In-person Indiana Real Estate License ($549): Choose from morning, evening, or the one-month accelerated morning classes. This package includes a copy of your textbook.
• Online Indiana Basic Package ($534): This self-paced online package includes your prelicensing student workbook, instructional videos, practice homework, and downloadable resources.
• Online Indiana Premium Package ($639): You’ll get everything from the above package plus the school’s Review Crammer package, which includes hundreds of practice questions and a review of key concepts.

(Indiana prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Best Feature

I’m happy to see an in-person class option that doesn’t break the bank. Typically, in-person classes tend to cost more than their online counterparts, so this gives students who want in-class learning a break.

Room to Improve

McColly Real Estate’s affordable pricing doesn’t quite extend to their online packages, placing them around the average cost of packages with fewer features than Colibri Real Estate or The CE Shop.

Bottom Line

If in-person classes are a priority for you, you won’t be disappointed with McColly Real Estate.

Best Online Real Estate School in Indiana for Job Placement: Indiana Real Estate Institute

Pros

• Local company
• One-stop shop
• Online self-paced, in-person, and livestream options
• Networking opportunities
• Offers a payment plan
• Affordable

Cons

• Live classes not offered during the day or weekends
• No free trial

The Close Score

4.7

Value for money

5.0

Customer service

3.8

Student experience

5.0

Features

5.0

Reputation

5.0

Online experience

4.5

out
of

5

Indiana Real Estate Institute offers:

• Prelicensing
• Exam prep
• Post-licensing
• Continuing education
• Broker prelicensing

Founded in 1990, Indiana Real Estate Institute is one of the longest-running real estate schools in Indianapolis. The school prides itself in serving the needs of both prospective and licensed brokers across the metro area.

Indiana Real Estate Institute Pricing

Whether you prefer in-person, self-paced, or livestream classes, Indiana Real Estate Institute offers three prelicensing packages for aspiring brokers.

• Basic ($539): Aside from your 90-hour course, this package includes digital copies of the course manual, handouts, study guides, and unlimited access to the school’s library of recorded classes.
• Basic Plus ($579): This includes everything in the previous package, printed copies of the course manual, study guides, and instructor support via email.
• Premier ($595): You’ll get everything from the above packages plus exam study guides, access to the school’s private Facebook community, over 150 videos,  more than 700 flashcards, virtual study sessions, and discounts on future classes.

(Indiana prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Best Feature

I love how Indiana Real Estate Institute helps narrow down options for students when they start interviewing with brokerages. The company is affiliated with a lot of brokers, so you can also ask them to help you with job placement after you get your license.

Room to Improve

From prelicensing to upgrading your license, the Indiana Real Estate Institute offers all the types of classes you’ll need throughout your career. The only thing I wish the school had is weekend classes. This way, students who work weekdays and are looking to tackle their courses during the weekends will have options.

Bottom Line

Before you start practicing real estate, you’ll need to affiliate with a brokerage. So, if you want to easily connect with managing brokers in the city, choose Indiana Real Estate Institute.

Best Online Real Estate School in Indiana for Continuing Education: Tucker School of Real Estate

Pros

• In-person, live online, and self-paced options
• Access to live instructors
• Test prep materials available through an app

Cons

• Packages don’t have a lot of extra features
• Not the most affordable option
• No payment plans

The Close Score

4.2

Value for money

4.5

Customer service

3.8

Student experience

4.0

Features

2.3

Reputation

5.0

Online experience

4.8

out
of

5

Tucker School of Real Estate offers: 

• Prelicensing
• Exam prep
• Post-licensing
• Continuing education

Tucker School of Real Estate is one of Indianapolis’s largest real estate schools. They are a great local option, with many of their instructors having attended the Indiana University School of Business. They pride themselves on knowing the local market well.

You can take the 90-hour prelicensing course at Tucker School of Real Estate online or in person. Their campus is conveniently located in the heart of Indianapolis, and their instructors are committed to making sure you don’t leave class without feeling certain about the material.

Tucker School of Real Estate Pricing

Whether you choose to take your course at your own pace online or in person, Tucker School of Real Estate charges the same amount for the 90-hour prelicensing course. 

• Live 90-hour Broker Prelicensing Course ($599): In-person classes run weekdays on half days or evenings. Or choose the 15-day accelerated course that runs full-time Monday through Friday.
• Virtual/Zoom 90-hour Broker Prelicensing Course ($599): This package is the same as the live option above, but you’ll take your classes from the comfort of home.
• Online 90-hour Broker Prelicensing Course ($599): Choose this option if you prefer to work at your own pace. You’ll get access to videos, quizzes, and interactive material to help you get through the course.

(Indiana prelicensing package prices as of November 2023)

Best Feature

My favorite feature is the 15-day accelerated in-person course option. It’s perfect for someone who wants to efficiently power through the prelicensing material. By heading to class full time, you’ll have access to your instructor, who designs the course by starting with the essential concepts. Aside from that, I love Tucker School of Real Estate’s continuing education courses. They have lots of interesting topics to choose from, so you don’t have to look for another school once you’re licensed.

Room to Improve

Tucker School of Real Estate’s pricing isn’t the most affordable on this list, and the school could do better by adding extra features to their packages such as test prep materials or career development courses.

Bottom Line

Tucker School of Real Estate is a great local option if you’re in the Indianapolis area and want to get your course done quickly.

How We Selected the Best Online Real Estate Schools in Indiana

To come up with this list of the best online real estate schools in Indiana, our team at The Close used a weighted rubric to score each school based on the following criteria:

Value for Money

Features

Student Experience

Reputation

Online Experience

Customer Service

Indiana Real Estate Schools: Helpful Info

We’ve collected some important information for you as you start looking into a real estate career in Indiana. Below, you’ll find the type of education offered by the schools on our list to guide you along each step of your career.

Prelicensing Courses

Exam Preparation

Post-licensing Courses

Continuing Education

Best Online Real Estate Schools in Indiana FAQ

Have more questions? We can help! Scroll down to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about finding an Indiana real estate school. If we haven’t answered your question, let us know in the comment section below. We love hearing from you!

How do I know if I'm eligible to get my real estate license in Indiana?

How much does it cost to get your real estate license in Indiana?

How long does it take to get a real estate license in Indiana?

How many Realtors are there in Indiana?

How much do real estate agents make in Indiana?

What’s the average home price in Indiana?

Bringing It All Together

We hope our insight into the best Indiana real estate schools will help you narrow your search for one that suits your needs, learning style, and goals. At The Close, we’re committed to sharing actionable strategies for every phase of your career. Have additional thoughts or questions? Leave us a comment below!

The post 5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Indiana appeared first on The Close.

We’ll take a close look at what Colibri Real Estate offers, discuss the pros and cons of the platform, offer insight into the student experience, and analyze its best features. By the end, you’ll have all of the information you’ll need to decide if you should enroll in Colibri Real Estate for your prelicensing courses.

The Close Scorecard: Colibri Real Estate

Pros

• User friendly interface
• Variety of course packages
• Livestream and self-paced
• Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee
• Experienced instructors
• Post licensing, CE, and broker education all in one place

Cons

• Livestream courses are not available in many states
• Not much test prep in basic packages

The Close Score

4.8

Value

5.0

Student experience

5.0

Features

4.0

Reputation

5.0

User interface

5.0

Customer support

5.0

out
of

5

My Verdict on Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate is an ideal option for just about anyone who needs to complete their required real estate prelicensing education. It’s not the basement-level budget option RealEstateU offers and doesn’t have as many livestream opportunities as Kaplan, but the interface is better than their closest competitor, The CE Shop. To that point, I’ve seen a lot of improvement in their interface over the years and I love that commitment to innovation. The price point, access to instructors, and customer support make Colibri Real Estate an excellent choice. Plus, they offer a money-back guarantee that you’ll pass your real estate exam. 

Colibri Real Estate Prelicensing Pricing for 2024

While I focused mostly on reviewing Colibri’s prelicensing education, it’s important to note that they offer exam prep and continuing education in every state. Colibri also offers broker education in nine states and post-licensing in states where it is required. Their pricing, across packages, aligns pretty closely with the major online schools in the industry, such as Kaplan, The CE Shop, and Aceable Agent. 

While pricing depends on how many hours of education your state requires and other variables, here’s the basic breakdown of Colibri’s packages.

Value for Money

Colibri is priced around the same point as Kaplan, The CE Shop, and Aceable Agent, but we’re very impressed with the features included in the Colibri packages. Not only do you have several options to choose from, but most packages include Colibri’s exceptional exam prep resources and its Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee (note that the guarantee does not apply to students in Florida or Tennessee). Even if Colibri doesn’t offer prelicensing education in your state, it’s worth looking into their exam prep courses, which are offered in all 50 states.

What Does Colibri Real Estate Offer in My State?

Colibri Real Estate prelicensing is currently available in almost every state, with broker licensing offered in nine states.  Exam prep and continuing education packages are in every state. Note that Colibri’s continuing education is done by its sister company, McKissock. Also the company has the following local schools under its umbrella: Superior School of Real Estate, Hondros College, Arizona School of Real Estate & Business, Hogan School of Real Estate, Rockwell Institute, Gold Coast Schools, and Key Realty School. This really just means they offer the same online experience and more live in-person options.  

Walk-through Video

What Sets Colibri Real Estate Apart

There are some really excellent online real estate education providers, but Colibri continues to innovate and stand out from the crowd. Here’s a breakdown of why they are consistently picked as our top online real estate school:

Student Experience

Features

Reputation

User Interface

This is where Colibri really outshines the competition. It has the best user interface of all of the top online real estate schools. What does this mean for students? It means the site is easy to navigate and isn’t buggy. It’s clear where you are in the course progression, it’s easy to move from one topic to another, and it’s thoughtfully optimized for mobile.

Room for Improvement

We would like to see Colibri offer livestream courses in more states, as opposed to just a handful (such as California, Texas, and New York). 

The lowest-priced packages don’t offer many bells and whistles, which might be frustrating for budget-conscious students looking for exam prep. Those who want just their state’s course content at a bargain price, or who’ve already been licensed in another state and need to check this education box, might want to consider a provider like RealEstateU. 

The Bottom Line: Is Colibri Worth the Money?

Yes. Based on my thorough Colibri Real Estate review, I believe that the platform definitely lives up to the hype. Colibri Real Estate provides comprehensive courses that are widely available at affordable prices. Their Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee and dedication to innovation add to the many reasons I recommend this provider and why I’ve chosen Colibri Real Estate as our best online real estate school. If you want a quality education at an affordable price with excellent preparation for the real estate exam, Colibri is the right school for you. 

Colibri Alternatives 

Of course, Colibri Real Estate is not the only game in town. There are many education providers to fit every budget and learning style. Consider these four national providers, or refer to our state-specific guides to see what school we recommend for your state.

Methodology

You can count on my Colibri Real Estate review to be thoughtful and objective both from a real estate perspective and the standpoint of someone who’s taken prelicensing classes and passed my state’s exam.

Specifically, when I evaluate a real estate school, I’m looking at:

• The education provider’s accreditation
• Pricing and value for money
• Specific packages offered
• The diversity of course offerings
• Customer support
• Access to instructors
• Scheduling flexibility
• Content delivery options
• Continuing education options 
• Networking and career placement opportunities 
• Expertise of instructors

I use these questions and more to put together our weighted scoring rubric. And that, along with my own decades of experience and expertise, make this a comprehensive review. 

Bringing It All Together

Have more questions or experience with Colibri Real Estate courses? Do you have more to add to our Colibri Real Estate review? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below!

The post Colibri Real Estate Review + Video Walk-through appeared first on The Close.

Conducting accurate, consistent CMAs isn’t easy, and most agents aren’t taught this skill in their prelicensing real estate classes. The key to a good CMA is, above all, thorough research. Let the data guide you, along with your keen real estate eye. Our team has put together hundreds of CMAs—and we’ve developed a bulletproof process we’re sharing with our readers.

If you want to follow along, make a copy of our free CMA worksheet template and fill in each section as you move through this comprehensive guide.

How to Do a Comparative Market Analysis in 5 Steps

1. Do Your Research & Gather Your Data

The first step to creating a CMA is to gather all the information you can about the property you want to evaluate as well as other properties that are similar to it. If you want to determine a home’s value, much less sell it, you need to be an expert when it comes to every detail. The more you know about a property and how it compares to the rest of the market, the easier time you’ll have arriving at the perfect price range.

Start With Public Records for Historical Data

These sources tend to have the most accurate data and usually offer the easiest way to build the foundation of your CMA. Most MLSs connect to a public records database, like Corelogic’s Realist or another software like Propertyradar, that will provide you with all of the public record info.

You’re looking for background data to set your foundation. Think homeowners association (HOA) fees, property taxes and—in certain states—even mortgage information (which gives you an insight into equity). Having this information can help you stand out from the competition with your CMA. This foundation sets you up to compare the property taxes and HOA fees to the comps to easily see how your subject property stacks up. 

Gather Your Information on the Subject Property

Start with the data you can find on the subject property. For example, when was it last sold, how long was it on the market, and what was the selling price? Does the current seller have equity to roll into another property? All of this info enables you to paint a picture of the subject property. Don’t forget to view the pictures—don’t just work on raw data alone. 

You’ll need to be able to explain the data to your clients, so you’ll need to have the full picture for yourself. Preparation is key. Here’s a list of items to include and why they matter:

• Location: Try to select comps that are in the same building, subdivision, or neighborhood. If you’re not able to find comps nearby, try to use an area that shares the same school district, crime rate, and proximity to local amenities like a recreation center. 
• Year built: Architectural design and building materials tend to change every few years. Developers use different firms to design their homes. Ensuring that your comps are within the same age is important to establishing the price. 
• Square footage: This is especially important in urban markets where price per square foot (PSF) is a top factor. If the square footage seems off, check for annexes on the lot. Also, make sure you’re  comparing apples to apples for all your comps. You might see three different square footage totals. Total square footage means something different than liveable square footage—for example, an unfinished basement is not considered liveable square footage. 
• Bedrooms: Bedrooms matter, but keep the type of bedroom in mind. After all, primary bedrooms with a five-piece en suite bathroom are more valuable than a standard bedroom. You can be a bit flexible here, but do use the number of bedrooms to help narrow down your comps. This is where the art of the CMA comes into play. Let’s say you’re narrowing down your comps and need to pick between two properties that are off by one bedroom but in the same building or neighborhood. Your rule of thumb is to match bedrooms if at all possible. 
• Bathrooms: Again, you need to compare apples to apples. Use precision here: A half bath is a toilet and a sink, a three-quarter bath has a standing shower (but no tub). A full bath is not the same as a full five-piece en suite with double sinks. 
• Special features: We’re not talking about a gold toilet here. Although I’ve heard those are pretty cool. Special features that actually add value might include fireplaces or high-end landscaping. 
• Condition: In an appraisal, a property is usually listed in great, good, decent, or poor condition. Some appraisers will use a matrix to determine this. Agents generally use the photos to suggest the condition. After all, a picture is worth 1,000 words—especially when it comes to real estate. 
• Property taxes: Property taxes can rise quickly over the course of just a few years, especially in areas that are booming. Check the taxes of your comps and make sure they’re similar—they are a component in every buyer’s budget, whether they finance the purchase or not. 
• HOA (if applicable): Like taxes, HOA fees and regulations usually only increase. And if there’s a special assessment on the property or on the horizon, that could add hundreds of dollars to the monthly payment. Take a look at some of the closest comps in the building or neighborhood to see if they have any special assessments noted in the listings. 
• Lot size (if applicable): If a lot is twice as large, the property taxes will be higher. However, a small home on a larger lot means there might be room to expand the house itself, which can be a boon—especially to investors. 
• Basement (if applicable): Don’t just gloss over a basement; it can add a lot of liveable square footage to a home, especially if it’s finished or partially finished. However, in many markets, when a basement is unfinished, it does not count as square footage. Keep this in mind if you see discrepancies in square footage on your comps. 
• Garage (if applicable): If the subject property is a condo, make sure to note if a parking spot comes with the unit. In those cases, garage spots can be valued at $50,000 or more. And in a location with harsh winters, people want to know they’ve got a safe and warm place for their car. 
• Time on market: This can tell you a lot about the pricing trends of your comps—especially expired listings. If the average time on market for the area is only 15 days and you find a comp that was on the market for 40 days, dig into that listing to find out what happened. Maybe it fell out of contract, or maybe it was just overpriced. 
• Price adjustments: If a comp went through three price cuts before it sold, that’s good information to have. It helps to make your case when illustrating the pricing range you present to your clients. 
• Closing price (and concessions): This can differ from list price—sometimes in the tens of thousands of dollars. If you see a major change, you should make a note of that. Once a listing has closed, the MLS will tell you if a concession was made. If so, you can try to dig in to investigate why. For example, if the list price was comparatively high, the sellers may have made a price concession during appraisal to keep the deal moving.
• Date of sale: Seasonal changes play a part in real estate too. In general, the market is hot in the spring and slows down in the fall, when people get settled into school districts and start their holiday planning. A home sold in the dead of winter in the Midwest might have fetched another $20,000 depending on timing. 
• Price: Keep in mind that prices fluctuate and can even vary week to week. Clients are counting on you to have the most accurate data possible to ensure they’re getting top dollar (or not overpaying, if they’re buyers). 

2. Gather & Select Your Comparable Properties

Now we need to find comparable properties that are as close to the subject property as possible. Active listings are great to see the current market, but the sold properties will give you an insight on real pricing trends. 

We’re going to work backward here—I see agents try to sniff out an exact comp on the MLS, but instead of sifting through tables of data, let’s start with the map drawing tool in your MLS to sketch out the area where you’re going to pull your comps. This way, you won’t pull your hair out trying to find an exact match. Once you’ve drawn your lines, use a filter to narrow down the number of bedrooms and go back six months. This should return a decent number of results. Now you can filter down by number of bathrooms, then go down to three months to narrow your list. 

The balance here for your comps is a match as close as possible, without going too far back in time (usually three to six months). As most agents know, pricing data tends to be hyperlocal. If you’re looking at neighborhood trends, you might have to go back up to a year to find some good comps. However, if you’re too picky about an exact match and you go back too far, you’ll actually be providing less accurate data—always consider the fluctuation in the market. 

Make a copy of our free CMA worksheet template and fill in the blanks on the second tab:

Selecting Comparable Properties Is an Art, Not a Science 

Thinking outside the box is important here. You have all the data at your fingertips to make the most informed decision possible for your client. Don’t select the first three properties you see that sold on the street in the last month. Take the time to really curate a great selection of about five or six good choices. Dive into the details that make each property unique to ensure you’re selecting quality comps. Mix in a couple of active listings to paint the picture for your clients of how the market is currently performing. 

When you’re selecting comps, it’s more than just crunching numbers or ticking boxes on properties that match the number of bedrooms. Appraisers often don’t consider updated kitchens or high-end furnishings when considering the value of a home—but clients do. These features can significantly influence the perception of the home (and how much potential buyers are willing to pay). Choose comps that highlight the property and provide realistic expectations.

3. Make Your Adjustments

Sometimes finding good comps is a challenge. You’ve zoomed out on your map view and gone back a year, but still can’t find more than two comps. In situations like this, you’ll need to make some value adjustments relative to the subject property. Time to roll up our sleeves and do some napkin math. 

Let’s take a look at what an adjustment might look like where a subject property has one less bedroom than the comparable property. You need to adjust the price to estimate what that comp would have sold for without that extra bedroom.

Empower & Enlighten Your Clients Through Your Adjustments

This is a chance for you to showcase your skills to your clients to illustrate why you made the adjustments. Speak to the local trends and what you’ve seen in the market from your research. Nearly every CMA is going to have some properties that aren’t an exact match to the subject property. After all, every single home is different. It’s best to note these differences and make a suggestion on the price adjustment. However, you should empower your client to draw their own conclusions when you present your CMA. This is especially important if you haven’t yet seen the subject property for yourself.

4. Conduct Your Market Trend Analysis & Find Your Range

Once you have all the information you need at your fingertips, it’s time to consider trends. After all, if they just wanted a list of comps, your clients could find that themselves on Zillow. 

Let’s say there’s major road construction down the block from the subject property. Despite an overall trend of price increases improving in the neighborhood, this micro market trend may drive down the final number on your CMA. 

While agents need to be informed on what’s happening week by week, it’s (admittedly) impossible to stay updated on everything. After all, there are more than 18,500 neighborhoods in the United States, and they aren’t just divided by ZIP codes. You’ve pulled the data—now it’s time to interpret it to see how your findings line up. 

Try using a tool like market reports from Altos Research to help back up the local trends you’re seeing from the comps you’ve researched. The picture should start falling into place now. For example, now you can see how the number of days on market has been steadily increasing for weeks, which can help inform your pricing recommendation.

Make an Informed Analysis Based on Your Client’s Situation

If you’ve been thorough and consistent in your market research, you should see a trend emerge from your comps. Because the fair market value for any given subject property tends to be subjective, I suggest providing a reasonable range.

You can get a small, informed range by organizing these numbers from lowest to highest to get a conservative, moderate, and aggressive market value for your subject property. This way, you can explain the numbers in a way your clients can easily understand.

5. Prepare & Present Your CMA Report

Now it’s time to whip up some magic. Your clients need a presentation, they need context, and most of all, they need to understand how you got to the answer you’ve provided. This is your chance to showcase your branding, your knowledge, and your authority as an agent. 

You can make a copy of our worksheet for buyer CMAs, but your CMA for sellers and listing appointments should include other elements, such as: 

• Your short bio and how to connect
• Subject property highlight (e.g., bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage)
• Your top three comparables
• Recently sold and under contract properties (showcase the differences)
• Neighborhood profile
• Market statistics (average days on market, price per square foot)
• Marketing plan
• Testimonials

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite examples and templates in the next section.

CMA Templates & Examples

CMAs are a lot of work, but they don’t have to be boring. Poring over a table of data is an easy way to lose your clients’ attention—you’ll see their eyes glaze over in record time. 

Software like Cloud CMA make it simple to design aesthetically pleasing CMAs. You can also whip up your own on Canva or use premade templates on Etsy. Here are examples that are comprehensive, clear, elegant, and sure to wow. Remember, keep it simple and focus on guiding your clients through the data. 

by Socialbinder 

by PetitelenaCreative

by CreateDigitalCo

by FourthStreetCreative

Comparative Market Analysis FAQs

Even though you’re now an expert in comparative market analysis, here are some questions I get asked about CMAs (and helpful answers).

What’s the difference between a comparative market analysis & an appraisal?

How many comparables should I use in my comparative market analysis?

What’s the most important property trait to consider in my comparative market analysis?

Where should I get my comps data for my comparable market analysis?

What if my property is vacant land?

The range of my three numbers is too wide. What should I do?

How do broad economic trends impact the value of my real estate CMA?

How can I effectively communicate the results of my CMA to my clients?

My results are different from my colleague’s results. What gives?

Bringing It All Together

Learning how to do a comparative market analysis isn’t easy, but now you have a thorough understanding of how to estimate the value of a property in your market. Take this information to make your sellers’ list prices more accurate and your buyers’ offers more competitive. Have any tips or specific questions? Leave them in the comment section below!

The post How to Do a Comparative Market Analysis: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on The Close.

Featured Partner

Colibri Real Estate has paid for this placement. However, our team of experts approved Colibri Real Estate as an appropriate product and our content remains editorially independent.

Get 30% Off on Your Prelicensing Course With Colibri Real Estate

• Complete Required Courses: Enroll in and complete the state-specific pre-licensing courses provided by Colibri.
• Prepare and Pass the Exam: Use Colibri’s study aids and practice tests to prepare, then pass the state licensing exam.
• Apply for Your License: Submit your application and necessary documents to the state, and activate your license if needed.

https://app.theclose.com/goto/colibri-real-estate-banner-ads-sponsorship-real-estate-license-new-jersey/

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in New Jersey

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in New Jersey

Complete a 75-hour Prelicensing Course

Pass the New Jersey Real Estate Exam

Find a Sponsoring Broker to Hire You

Apply for Your Real Estate License

To be eligible for a New Jersey real estate license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

1. Complete a 75-hour Prelicensing Course

• Cost: $499 (through Colibri Real Estate)
• Time commitment: 1 month
• Helpful resource: 5 Best New Jersey Real Estate Schools

To get your real estate license in New Jersey, you must complete a 75-hour prelicensing course. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission (REC) keeps an updated list of licensed real estate schools that offer prelicensing courses. Many of the listed schools offer in-person classes that run full time during the week and part time during the evenings, as well as online courses that you can take at your own pace.

2. Pass the New Jersey Real Estate License Exam

• Cost: $38
• Time commitment: 4 hours
• Helpful resource: PSI candidate information bulletin

Quick Facts

monetization_on

Cost:

$38

schedule

Time to Complete:

4 hours

laptop_windows

Format:

Computer-based, 110 multiple-choice questions

school

Passing Grade:

70%

inventory

Bring to the Testing Center:

Two valid forms of ID (one with a photo)

Once you complete your prelicensing education, you may schedule your license exam. You have one year from the end of your prelicensing course to apply for and take the exam. You can take the test either remotely from home or in person at one of these PSI testing locations across New Jersey:

• Brick
• Cherry Hill
• Hamilton Township
• North Brunswick
• New Providence
• Linwood
• Rochelle Park
• Parsippany
• Secaucus

Once you’ve scheduled your exam, all that’s left to do is study so you feel prepared on exam day. We recommend reviewing your prelicensing course materials to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. If you could use more help studying, we suggest investing in an exam prep package. There’s no better way to increase your chances of passing the first time than getting useful study tools that target the lessons you’ll need to focus on.

Immediately before you take the exam, you’ll need to answer screening questions to determine if you have any criminal history or if you’ve held any other real estate licenses. After you pass the exam, you’ll be asked to sign and confirm that your answers to the screening questions are accurate. You’ll submit the signed form as part of your real estate license application.

3. Find a Sponsoring Broker to Hire You

• Cost: None
• Time commitment: 2-4 weeks
• Helpful resource: What’s the Best Real Estate Company to Work For?

Before taking the license exam, the state requires you to secure a sponsoring broker who can apply for your license on your behalf. Though this process may be new to you, rest assured that New Jersey brokerages are familiar with sponsoring new agents and are frequently willing to take on new recruits. After all, you’ll be a valuable addition to their real estate team.

You’ll need to contact a brokerage, explain where you are in the process of obtaining your license, and ask them if they are willing to be your sponsoring broker. Make sure to ask about the split, or how you and the brokerage will divide commissions. You’ll find that some brokerages will ask for a 50-50 split on commissions and not charge monthly desk fees. It all depends on your effort and commitment, but once you reach a certain sales goal (or cap) for the year, your take-home pay may rise up to 100% of your commissions.

4. Apply for Your Real Estate License

• Cost: $160
• Time commitment: 2 hours
• Helpful resource: New Jersey Real Estate Commission (REC) website

At this point, you’re in the final stretch of becoming a real estate agent in New Jersey. Now all you need to do is complete the license application process. Here’s what you’ll need to submit your New Jersey real estate license application:

• A sponsoring broker to apply on your behalf
• A completed application form
• $160 fee payment
• A copy of the fingerprinting universal form
• A copy of your payment receipt for fingerprinting
• Your signed answers to the screening questions from your exam

You can begin by completing a background check, which is required to apply for your license. If you live or work in the state of New Jersey, your fingerprinting must be done at one of the IDEMIA LiveScan fingerprinting locations. If you live outside New Jersey, you need to contact the REC.

1. Complete the LiveScan fingerprinting universal form.
2. Schedule an appointment for your fingerprinting.
3. Pay the $66.05 fee and keep the receipt for your license application.
4. Finally, arrive at your fingerprinting location with your universal form, receipt of payment, and a photo ID.

Once you and your sponsoring broker have applied for your New Jersey real estate license, you will get your approval status by email. The REC makes your real estate license available for download as a PDF for your convenience.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in New Jersey?

Quick Facts

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New Jersey Real Estate Governing Board:

New Jersey Real Estate Commission (REC)

schedule

Prelicensing Requirements:

75 Hours

inventory

Price Range for Prelicensing Courses:

$350-$500

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Estimated Total Cost:

$760-$1,020

It will cost you between $760 and $1,020 to get your New Jersey real estate license. The biggest expense will be your prelicensing course, which can vary depending on the provider you choose. Other costs, such as your license application and fingerprinting fees, are fixed.

Sample New Jersey Real Estate License Costs

Prelicensing classes (75 hours)	$499 (through Colibri Real Estate)
Exam prep (optional)	$115-$219
Exam registration	$38
Exam retake	$38
Background check	$66.05
License application	$160
Total cost	$763-$1,020

(New Jersey real estate license costs as of November 2023)

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in New Jersey?

According to The Close’s salary information database, real estate agents in New Jersey make $75,714, which is higher than the national average of $73,985. Remember, this is a commission-based career. With the right skills, commitment, and additional education, there’s no limit to your income as a real estate agent.

New Jersey Real Estate License FAQs

​Now that you’ve learned more about how to become a real estate agent in New Jersey, you may have more questions. The Close is here to help! We’ll cover questions related to costs, time commitment, reciprocity, and more.

How long does it take to get my New Jersey real estate license?

What if I already have my real estate license from another state?

More Career Resources From The Close

Now that you’ve learned how to become a real estate agent in New Jersey, we hope you’ll be successful pursuing this exciting new career. We are here to help you every step of the way, from getting your license to closing your first deal and beyond.

You can subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles direct to your inbox. At The Close, our mission is to provide you with an actionable real estate strategy for every phase of your new career.

The post How to Get a Real Estate License in New Jersey appeared first on The Close.

But is this prospecting software worth the price tag? In this REDX review, I’ll dive into the features, pricing, and how REDX can help you grow your business, uncovering the info you need to decide if REDX will work for you.

The Close Score

Pros

• A la carte pricing
• Vortex lead management system
• Three levels of auto-dialer (Preview-Line Dialer, Power Dialer & Multi-Line Dialer)
• Easy-to-use scripts
• User-friendly interface
• Tons of training
• Mobile app

Cons

• Limited integration options
• High percentage of inaccurate data
• No integration with outside CRM

The Close Score

4.5

Pricing:

5.0

Features:

4.5

User Interface:

5.0

Integrations:

3.1

Lead Quality:

4.7

out
of

5

Cold calling is not for everyone. But for hungry agents armed with solid cold calling scripts who are motivated to connect with new leads consistently, REDX might be the perfect solution. It offers some of the best data out there for expireds, FSBOs, and preforeclosure leads. And GeoLeads, which allows you to target a specific geographic location regardless of status, takes your prospecting to the next level. 

Ready to start booking more listing appointments? REDX is now offering to waive its $150 setup price for The Close readers.

Visit REDX

What Is REDX?

REDX is a lead prospecting platform with a robust auto-dialer integration. Agents can subscribe to one or more of the five categories of listings: expireds, for sale by owner (FSBO), for rent by owner (FRBO), geoleads, and preforeclosures. 

When you log into REDX, you’ll see a list of fresh leads, complete with phone numbers, addresses, tax information, and even a property listing if it’s been recently listed on the local MLS. REDX mines all of that data from national, private, and even proprietary databases and has access to over half a billion landlines and 200 million mobile phone numbers. 

REDX also helps agents call as many leads as quickly as possible through its Power Dialer, and provides scripts so you know exactly what to say when someone answers. I personally don’t like using the multi-line dialer, though other agents swear by it. It’s a bit nerve-racking to have three lines dialing at once. But the power of the single-line dialer is undeniable, and I love it!

REDX Pricing (5 out of 5)

REDX has an a la carte pricing model with options as low as $50 per month. All paid subscriptions include the VORTEX Lead Management System (LMS). 

Here’s the breakdown of REDX’s a la carte pricing:

Pricing in Context

REDX pricing is set up so you can choose the type of leads you want. Start with one lead source and as your business grows, you can add more types of leads. Choosing the PLUS option for any of these lead types will give you the full Data Insights suite for your list. 

As I mentioned, cold calling is not for everyone. It takes a lot of confidence and practice to make an investment in these types of leads profitable. If you aren’t great at converting leads on the phone, you may end up spending the money without any return on investment (ROI). 

But, if you’re looking at the cost of these leads versus any other lead source, REDX is one of the most affordable lead generation companies on the market. The biggest reason for that is there is no advertising spend associated with these leads. 

Even if you opt for the premium leads from REDX, the monthly investment is under $100 per month for most of the lead types, with the only exception being expireds at $130 per month. Where else can you get so many leads for so little cost?

The best part about these leads is you don’t have to wait for the leads to come to you before you act. REDX delivers fresh, qualified leads each day directly to your VORTEX lead system You’re free to start calling as soon as you open your REDX account. I love the flexibility and stability of knowing I have plenty of reliable leads to work on my time schedule. To me, the cost benefit is completely justified and well worth the spend.

REDX Key Features

Let’s break down the features that make REDX an outstanding choice for agents ready to take their business to the next level.

VORTEX Lead Management (4.8 out of 5)

The REDX experience centers on its lead management system (LMS), called VORTEX, which is where you’ll find a list of all your current leads, their contact information, and links to notes you’ve made from previous conversations. Using VORTEX makes REDX simple. The design is straightforward, so there’s no confusion about what to do when you open the platform. Everything is laid out in the most uncluttered way, so it’s easy to get right to work contacting your leads each day.

VORTEX is not a customer relationship manager, so it doesn’t track all of your client interactions or allow you to put them on a drip campaign—its only job is filling up the pipeline with listing leads and helping you contact them. You can make notes inside each contact card, though, so when you reach out again you’ll be able to jump right back into the conversation.

Subscribe to whatever kind of leads you want to prospect and the platform constantly generates those types of new, qualified leads. While you might be able to find some of this information through your MLS, REDX does all of the hard work for you in a fraction of the time. I always hated mining this data myself so I love how easy it is to access this information. 

The thing I love about VORTEX is its ease of use. When you log into REDX, it’s easy to see exactly where you are and what you need to do next. For many agents, technology can be a barrier to entry. But REDX keeps things simple, which makes it incredibly easy to use.

The one thing I don’t particularly like about REDX is there is no integration with other platforms. So, if you’re in love with your customer relationship manager (CRM), you really can’t easily send your leads to it from inside REDX. You’ll need to work the leads inside REDX until they become active, and then move them into your CRM from there.

Lead Generation (5 out of 5)

REDX uses cutting-edge aggregation techniques to pull together five different types of leads. One of the best things about REDX is its ability to generate high-quality leads that any agent can use to fill their listing pipeline. Their data comes from reputable sources with the most up-to-date information available. Having that information fed into your REDX portal daily saves time and ensures you’re working with the most current data.

In my experience, the data hasn’t always been 100% accurate. But for the record, that’s true for any data mining platform. REDX provides as accurate information as it has access to, which means many times the information it’s pulling from records is simply old or incorrect.

1. Expired Leads

2. FSBO

3. FRBO

4. Preforeclosures

5. GeoLeads

GeoLeads is the most flexible lead source on the platform and definitely a favorite I wanted to highlight in my REDX review. Instead of selecting the type of lead, GeoLeads lets you focus on a particular geographic area within a 500-mile radius within your MLS territory. You won’t need more than a few miles, but REDX put a lot of thought into designing the GeoLeads system to give you the most flexibility when targeting a specific area.

Using an intuitive mapping interface, users can search for contact information in a specific neighborhood or draw a custom boundary to get information on every property owner within that specified area. You can even filter your results by how long a prospect has owned their home.

This REDX option is ideal for circle prospecting. If you want to narrow your focus to a specific part of town, GeoLeads lets you see who lives there and if they own or rent, and gives you access to their contact information.

[Related article: Real Estate Farming: How to Become the Go-to Agent in Your Neighborhood]

Power Dialer (4.6 out of 5)

The REDX Power Dialer calls through your computer or cell phone and initiates a constant roll of calls. The moment someone picks up, you are instantly connected and as soon as that person hangs up, the dialer has already lined up the next one. 

REDX estimates that Power Dialer users have more than four times the number of conversations per hour than manual dialing. More conversations means more appointments and more transactions. 

I personally love how simple the Power Dialer is to access from right inside your VORTEX platform. And because the REDX Power Dialer is integrated with the lead management system, it automatically keeps track of everything, including the disposition of each call, your personal notes, how many calls you’ve made during your session, and much more.

Plus, in its two premium Power Dialer packages, REDX allows you to pre-record a voicemail for each calling session, so you don’t waste time leaving a voicemail every time you reach a mailbox. You can also record your conversations with leads for review later with your sales coach. And the time zone protection makes sure you’re not calling at inconvenient hours. All of these added features make the REDX Power Dialer a smart tool to grow your business fast. 

Three Levels of the Power Dialer

The efficiency of Power Dialer is actually a little overwhelming at first, especially if you are used to the relatively casual pace of manual phone prospecting. But, from my experience, you get into a rhythm rather quickly. It’s exciting seeing how many calls you can knock out in a short amount of time. I personally never liked using the multi-line dialer. But the single-line is an amazing time saver that literally doubled my productivity. 

I find using the dialer helpful to eliminate the hesitation between dials. I don’t know about you, but sometimes it can be mentally exhausting every time you have to dial the phone. So, keeping it going knocks out friction.

The REDX Power Dialer comes in three different packages.

Scripts (4.3 out of 5)

If you don’t have your phone pitch down just right, REDX has multiple scripts tailored to each of their lead sources. The real estate lead scripts are excellent starting points for someone looking to get better on the phone. But, I probably wouldn’t settle on the given scripts verbatim.

What I like about the scripts section is there is a place to add your own scripts to the list. So, for example, if you’re working your FSBOs but the REDX script (which honestly could use some work) doesn’t work for you, you can upload your own script to use instead. That feature makes the scripts section so much more valuable.

The best feature of these scripts is their easy accessibility. They’re located directly inside the lead contact card while you’re dialing. You never have to leave the contact to use the scripts. I also love how easily you can switch between the different types of scripts by simply clicking the different icons, like between a FSBO and a preforeclosure.

Pulse Conversion Tracker (4.8 out of 5)

The REDX Pulse tracks your call time and conversions. For anyone goal-oriented or motivated by hard numbers, this is your happy place. Anytime you need a boost in your motivation, just pop over to the Pulse screen to check in on your progress. It’s clean, clear, and concise—just the pick-me-up a hardworking agent needs.

Analytics (4.4 out of 5)

REDX offers four different bundles of data insights: market, financial, home and building, and lifestyle. Each bundle is considered an add-on for an additional $25 per month, though you can get them for free if you choose the PLUS option for any particular lead type. The analytics are designed to enrich your knowledge and give you the confidence to talk to any lead about any property. 

For example, if you subscribe to the market insights add-on, you could pull up the market data for the local area during your conversation with a homeowner. Having that data at your fingertips can go a long way in helping you look like the neighborhood expert. For me, the price is a bit of an overreach on REDX’s part and not really worth the extra $25 per month. But for some agents, it might be a confidence boost to know they have access.

Training & Troubleshooting (4.6 out of 5)

The training and troubleshooting resources on how to best use VORTEX are essential to increasing your success with the platform. The library of written material and prerecorded videos help answer most questions, and they have phone support during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time). 

There is also a robust blog and an informative podcast with helpful tips and techniques for success. If you need help converting your leads, you can find additional training on using all the features plus additional tips on overcoming objections.

REDX Alternatives

REDX is a leader in the prospecting and phone dialer industry. But they’re not the only game in town. Let’s take a look at some of the alternatives you can compare against the features and pricing of REDX.

Who Is REDX Best For?

REDX is perfect for motivated agents who are driven to actively and consistently prospect for leads. If you’re the agent who doesn’t like to sit around and wait for leads to come in, this is a great option and worth consideration. It is also one of the most affordable lead generation companies out there. 

But if you’re worried about committing to regular prospecting, we have other options for you to consider. Check out our article on the best places to buy real estate leads to find the right fit.

The Bottom Line: Is REDX Worth It?

REDX provides a simple interface for agents with easy-to-navigate tools and only the slightest learning curve. Plus, it offers flexible packages so you can enter the outbound prospecting field at your own pace. Overall, REDX provides solid leads and the means needed to convert them at a high level.

However, if you’re not the type of person who feels comfortable cold calling, this may not be the best answer for you yet. REDX is an outstanding platform, but it’s not passive lead generation. You have to actively work these types of leads in order for them to be worth the money. That said, it’s a great platform to begin your outbound prospecting journey.

Methodology: Why You Can Trust My Review

I’ve been a licensed real estate agent since 2018, and I’ve used a myriad of tools to help me run my business, including REDX and other data aggregation companies like it. When I assess real estate software solutions, I approach them through the lens of a practicing agent who would use the platform in my real estate business. 

I combine my personal expertise and a rubric created specifically to weigh REDX against its competitors in an objective and balanced way to add context to my assertions. When I analyze and review platforms, I specifically look at these criteria:

• Pricing
• Features
• Integrations
• Ease of use
• User interface
• Learning curve for implementation

 I also take into consideration any additional systems for: 

• Marketing 
• Data analytics 
• Pipeline management 
• Automation

You can learn more about our methodology here.

Your Take

Are you ready to take your outbound prospecting to the next level? Using a platform like REDX could be just the tool you need to get there. Have you used a platform like REDX? What was your experience? Let us know in the comment section below.

The post REDX Review: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons appeared first on The Close.