Staying competitive in real estate requires more than just hustle and charm. The market shifts quickly as laws change and technologies evolve. You can also expect that client needs and expectations will change, too.
To stay in business and continue to provide genuine value for your clients, you’ll need to invest consistently in increasing your knowledge and skills through continuing education (CE).
We spoke to a few leading experts about CE for real estate professionals and how to make the most of it. Let’s dive into their insights!
Why Continuing Education Matters
CE helps agents stay compliant with licensing requirements, but its value extends far beyond mere regulatory compliance.
If you approach it the right way, your CE efforts can lead you to acquire critical new skills such as data analysis, CRM proficiency, sales techniques, and so on.
Even learning about new tech developments may count as CE. For instance, with the rise of virtual reality and augmented reality in real estate marketing, learning how to set up and effectively deploy these tech tools would be helpful.
CE may also help you develop a deeper understanding of how your local market might evolve over time. Already, the homebuyer market is changing fundamentally, with the rise of millennial and Gen Z homebuyers.
Chris Aubeeluck, Head of Sales and Marketing at Osbornes Law, explains: “The real estate industry is constantly changing. Agents who don’t stay up to date fall behind not just in compliance, but in performance. Having an adequate grasp of concepts like fair housing laws, digital marketing, negotiation, and emerging technologies can directly impact your ability to win clients and close deals.”
Creating a Plan for Continuing Education
Keeping up with CE can be difficult. With the demands of work and other responsibilities like family, you may feel that you don’t have time or know where to start. With the help of these tips, you’ll be better able to create a plan to help you manage your CE initiatives.
1. Know Your State Requirements
Every state has different CE requirements. In Texas, agents must complete 18 hours of approved CE courses every two years. In New York, it’s 22.5 hours every two years, including specific topics like ethics and agency.
“Don’t leave this to the last minute,” warns John Elarde III, Operations Manager at Clear View Building Services. “Waiting too long limits your course options and increases the risk of missing your renewal deadline. Consider setting calendar reminders six months before your license expiration date. That gives you enough time to choose quality courses rather than scrambling to complete anything that meets the minimum standard.”
2. Focus on Practical Value, Not Just Credits
Too many agents treat continuing education as a chore because many don’t find these courses relevant or useful. The key is to pick courses that apply to your practice or area of focus.
For example, if you’re moving into luxury real estate, take a course on selling to high-net-worth clients. If you’re struggling with lead conversion, invest time in sales psychology or digital marketing.
Some of the most impactful CE topics include:
- Advanced negotiation strategies
- Real estate law updates
- Sustainable and green housing trends
- CRM and lead management systems
- Marketing automation tools
- Diversity and inclusion in housing
3. Choose Between Online vs. In-Person Learning
Online courses are convenient, especially for busy professionals. However, in-person classes or live webinars can offer more opportunities to engage with your instructor and network with fellow learners.
You can also consider mixing formats. Use self-paced online courses for foundational knowledge and choose in-person or live sessions for more technical topics like contract negotiation or risk management.
4. Certifications and Designations
Beyond required CE, pursuing industry designations can help demonstrate your credibility. Programs like the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) go deeper than general CE courses.
“These certifications signal that you’ve gone the extra mile,” says Jeffrey Zhou, CEO and Founder of Fig Loans. “They’re a differentiator in a crowded market. Many of these programs count toward CE hours while offering focused expertise in niche areas. They also expand your professional network, giving you access to referral groups and exclusive events.”
5. Leverage Brokerage and Association Resources
Some brokerages offer in-house training or will cover the cost of continued education courses. Local and state REALTOR® associations often host CE classes, webinars, and workshops.
As Adam Young, CEO and Founder at Event Tickets Center, advises, “Tap into every available resource. If your brokerage offers coaching, take it. If your association has a legal hotline or market reports, use them. Also, check for partnerships with online platforms, which often offer discounts for association members.”
6. Build a Personal Development Plan
Don’t treat CE as an isolated task. Make it part of your overall career strategy. Identify where you want to grow and find courses that support that direction.
Start by asking:
- What part of the business do I want to master next?
- Where am I losing deals or missing opportunities?
- What trends are shaping the future of real estate?
Use your answers to guide your course selections.
7. Stay Ahead with Market Trends
Agents who stay informed can spot opportunities before others do. Continuing education is a way to track trends like:
- AI in property valuation: Learn how machine-learning tools analyze sale prices, neighborhood data, and market signals to produce faster, more accurate valuations.
- Blockchain in transaction management: Understand decentralized ledgers and smart contracts that streamline title transfers and reduce fraud risks.
- Remote work’s impact on housing demand: Track how hybrid and fully remote models drive interest in home offices, satellite markets, and flexible leases.
- Interest-rate and lending shifts: Keep up with the factors behind mortgage rate changes and lender policies so you can advise clients on optimal financing timing.
- Housing affordability and legislation: Stay current on zoning updates, tax incentives, and rent-control bills that reshape local markets and client needs.
Sean Shapiro, Managing Partner at Axia Advisors, shares this parting piece of advice: “Continuing education isn’t just about maintaining your license. It’s about building your business. For the best results, remember to choose courses that align with your goals, stay ahead of industry changes, and keep your skills sharp.”
Final Thoughts
CE is how you sharpen your skills, stay ahead of change, and stand out in a crowded market. The best agents aren’t just licensed, they’re informed, prepared, and evolving.
A good place to start would be with our selection of carefully curated state-approved, self-paced courses. To learn more about how to succeed in real estate, we encourage you to read our guide to the top real estate marketing ideas.
