Investing $1,200 or more in your education can feel intimidating, but when top real estate agents make over $1 million annually, the price for a pre-licensing course suddenly doesn’t seem that bad!
However, buying a pre-licensing course is a big investment and worth taking seriously.
I’ll help you compare two online real estate schools. We’ll cover course offerings, content, pricing, guarantees, and much more. By the end, you’ll know with 100% certainty which of the two options is the perfect fit for you, your budget, and your goals.
Which Course Do I Choose? AceableAgent vs Real Estate U
- Choose AceableAgent if: You want a fun, engaging, and interactive learning experience with humor, bite-sized lessons, and science-backed study methods.
- Choose AceableAgent if: You prefer strong student support, including live Q&A sessions, instructor access, and 24/7 customer service via chat, phone, and email.
- Choose AceableAgent if: You want cutting-edge technology, including an AI instructor (“Ace”), a mobile app, and adaptive learning tools to track progress and personalize your studies.
- Choose AceableAgent if: You want a risk-free investment with a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t pass your exam.
- Choose Real Estate U if: You’re looking for business-building resources like courses on launching a successful real estate career, attracting clients, and maximizing your income as a new agent.
AceableAgent Overview
AceableAgent is a brilliant choice for modern prep. Their focus on science-backed learning strategies, humorous content, bite-sized lessons, and cutting-edge technology makes them a shining standout in a sea of sameness. Students agree, with an average rating of 4.8 stars on Trustpilot across 9,000+ reviews.
And we haven’t even gotten started on the awards! In 2024, Fortune (who you may know from the Fortune 500) declared AceableAgent the best real estate school on the market. And, with Aceable’s Ace or Don’t Pay Guarantee, you receive a 100% refund on the course if you fail your state licensing exam. No risk, all reward.
Reviewer Mya summarizes it perfectly:
“This course has everything you need to succeed! I’ve had an amazing experience and would recommend to any of my friends interested in real estate.”
Real Estate U Overview
Real Estate U isn’t as well-known or popular as AceableAgent, though they do have a solid 4.2-star average rating on Agent Advice and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They’re also known for their low price tags. However, negative reviews share a common sentiment: “You get what you pay for.”
The company is also very new—they’ve been open for just over a decade. Newness has some pluses, as sometimes new companies have better insight and innovative solutions. However, the risk is that they may not be as well-versed in what works as their more seasoned competitors.
One reviewer suggests Real Estate U isn’t as beginner-friendly as other courses:
“It was good. The videos made it very easy; the website was easy to access, and receiving certifications is also easy. […] My advice is if you are going to be a new agent this is probably not the program to go with; I say it’s for more for experienced agents looking to get licensed in a new state.”
AceableAgent vs Real Estate U Course Feature Comparison
 | Real Estate U | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149-$1,119 | $149-$1,220 |
| Discounts | Save 50% |  |
| Access | Unlimited(Some Exceptions) | 6 Months |
| Guarantees | 100% Money-Back | 30-Day Refund |
| Live Classes |  | |
| Mobile App | | |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now |
State Availability
You’ll have to complete your pre-licensing education for the state you plan to practice in to earn your license. However, not every prep course covers every state. Here’s a list of state coverage. If your state isn’t listed, it isn’t available for either course.
| State | |  |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | | |
| California | | |
| Colorado | | |
| Florida | | |
| Georgia | | |
| Illinois | | |
| Michigan | | |
| Missouri | | |
| New Jersey | | |
| New York | | |
| North Carolina | | |
| Pennsylvania | | |
| South Carolina | | |
| Tennessee | | |
| Texas | | |
| Wisconsin | | |
In total, AceableAgent covers 13 states, and Real Estate U covers 14. As for exclusive states, AceableAgent serves Colorado and Illinois, and Real Estate U serves Missouri, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
Course Lessons and Lectures
So, what are you actually getting in your online real estate courses?
AceableAgent features options for on-demand video lessons, written self-study materials, audio lessons, and even live webinars. One of the best parts of learning with AceableAgent is their passion for enjoyable content. Not only are your videos entertaining (and sometimes even chuckle-worthy), but their interactive courses feature games and activities that keep you excited about expanding your knowledge.
Most AceableAgent packages also contain a study ebook and three months of exam prep through PrepAgent, which includes a custom exam generator, practice tests, and additional study tools. Further, their mastery tracking tools use adaptive technology to monitor your progress, make note of your weaknesses, and offer personalized study recommendations to help you succeed.
Meanwhile, Real Estate U offers on-demand video, written, and audio lessons but lacks live classes and interactive activities. Further, the content feels dry and outdated, making it difficult to sit through and stay in “active learning mode.” Their course materials also include tools for your real estate licensing exam, such as sample questions and 13 practice exams. They say these materials can reduce study time by up to 90% but give no insight or sources to describe why or how.
Technology
Technology is one of AceableAgent’s main selling points. Not only were their materials designed with learning science in mind, but their tech tools are innovative advancements in and of themselves. For example, their AI instructor, “Ace,” is like a ChatGPT bot programmed to help you with questions on your pre-licensing courses. Plus, you can take your learning on the go with their iOS and Android mobile apps, rated 4.9 and 4.3 stars, respectively.
Real Estate U doesn’t offer any unique tools for this category.
Career Resources
Career resources are one of the only areas where AceableAgent is lacking, alongside their state coverage. Whereas most courses for prospective real estate agents include some resources for building a successful business, AceableAgent does not.
Real Estate U, however, performs exceptionally well in this category. Their premium packages include the following biz-boosting course offerings:
- How to Start a Successful Career in Real Estate: This 10-part course walks you through the basics of earnings, brokerage selection, and strategies for success.
- Agent Success Path: A five-part course, ASP helps students pass their exam on the first try, attracting clients and honing their negotiation skills.
- Blueprint to Making $245,415/year as a New Real Estate Agent: Discover the secrets of starting strong and making money without feeling that “salesy ick.”
I’ll be honest: Real Estate U isn’t the best choice for passing your pre-licensing exam. However, I do appreciate their business courses for aspiring real estate professionals.
Support, Access, and Guarantees
AceableAgent offers unlimited access to most courses, save for a handful due to state regulations. The shortest access length they offer is 180 days or six months. They offer one of the most generous guarantees in the industry: receive a 100% money-back refund if you don’t pass your exam on the first try, so long as you follow the straightforward terms.
As for support, AceableAgent offers instructor support during live classes and dedicated Q&A sessions to clarify the key concepts you need to know to pass. In the Premium Package, you gain access to one hour of tutoring. Plus, you have 24/7 access to support via call, email, chat, and text channels.
In comparison, Real Estate U’s access length is much shorter at six months. They don’t offer a pass guarantee but a 30-day refund window, so long as you complete less than 50% of the course. As for support, you’re not getting any live or personalized aid. It seems like you can only contact them through email or form submission, making getting the help you need more difficult than it should be.
Discounts
Wouldn’t it be nice to spend less on something you have to buy anyway? Of course it would! Luckily, AceableAgent has some outstanding coupons to make your spending a little less stressful.
Bottom Line
AceableAgent is far and away the better choice for your real estate career—and it isn’t even close. While I like Real Estate U’s self-paced career content, they’re seriously lacking in most other departments compared to AceableAgent.
AceableAgent’s 100% money-back guarantee, AI instructor, funny and engaging video lessons, science-backed approach, custom exam generator, and unlimited access are just a few reasons why they’re a phenomenal choice for exam preparation. They’re truly a phenomenal company that cares about their students, and I cannot say enough good things about them.
Give AceableAgent a try. You’ll be glad you did!
FAQs
AceableAgent is the clear winner. It offers a modern, interactive learning experience with high pass rates, while Real Estate U is a more basic option. For a quality real estate education, choose AceableAgent or Colibri Real Estate.
Prices vary by state but typically range from $149 to $1,100 for pre-licensing courses. Discounts and promotions are often available for more affordable real estate training.
Completion time depends on state requirements. Some states require 135+ hours, meaning most students take 2 to 6 months to finish at a steady pace and earn their real estate salesperson license.
AceableAgent accepts major credit and debit cards. Some states also offer financing options or payment plans to spread out the cost.
Yes, Real Estate U is a legitimate, state-approved online real estate education platform. However, it lacks the interactive features and student support that AceableAgent provides.
