Money is always a factor, so let's break it down. Pre-licensing courses through Long & Foster typically run between $300 and $600 depending on your state and whether you choose in-person or online. That includes your textbooks and materials. The state exam fee is separate, usually around $50 to $100. And don't forget about fingerprinting and background checks, which can add another $50 to $100.
Is it worth it? Think about the potential. The average first-year agent in the U.S. makes around $40,000 to $50,000, and that's just average. Top performers clear six figures. Spending $600 to unlock that kind of earning potential is a no-brainer if you're serious about this career.
Is Long & Foster the Right Choice for You?
Let's be real for a second. Long & Foster isn't the only game in town. There are plenty of online schools like Kaplan or The CE Shop that offer cheaper courses. So why would you choose Long & Foster?
For starters, the brand name carries weight. When you walk into a real estate office with a Long & Foster certificate, brokers know you've been trained by a major player. It's not necessarily better than other schools, but it's definitely respected.
The other big advantage is the transition into the business. Long & Foster is a full-service brokerage. If you take their classes, you're already in the system. When you pass your exam, you can join their brokerage and start working right away. That seamless handoff is a huge deal. You don't have to scramble to find a broker to sponsor you.
That said, if price is your main concern, you might find cheaper options. Long & Foster isn't the budget pick. But you get what you pay for—and in this case, you're paying for a structured program with a track record of success.
Long & Foster Real Real estate Classes: What You Need to Know Before Signing Up
So you're thinking about getting your real estate license, and you've heard the name Long & Foster thrown around. Maybe you've seen their signs on lawns or driven past their offices. Honestly, it's one of the biggest names in the industry, especially up and down the East Coast. But what are their classes actually like? Is it worth your time and money?
Here's the deal. Long & Foster isn't just a brokerage. They run their own real estate school, which is actually one of the largest in the country. They've been around since 1968, and over the years, they've trained tens of thousands of agents. When you take classes through them, you're learning from a company that actually does the business—not just some faceless online course that reads like a textbook.
But prior to you whip out your credit card, let's dig into what you're really getting. Given that choosing the right school matters. It's the difference between feeling prepared for your exam and walking in blind.
Wrapping It Up
Getting your real estate license is a big step, and the classes you take set the foundation for everything that comes next. Long & Foster real estate classes are a solid choice, especially if you're in one of the states where they operate. They've been doing this for over 50 years, and they know what works.
The key is to go in with a plan. Know your state's requirements, pick the right format for your lifestyle, and actually put in the work. An classes are only as good as the effort you put into them. Show up, study hard, and use every resource they give you.
And when you pass that exam—because you will pass it if you take this seriously—you'll be glad you started with a school that knows the business inside and out. Whether you end up joining Long & Foster or hanging your license somewhere else, the training you get will stick with you for your entire career.
So what are you waiting for? Go check out their course offerings and get started. Your future clients are out there, and they're waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete Long & Foster real estate classes?
It depends on the format and your state's requirements. In-person classes typically run over a few weeks, with sessions on evenings or weekends. Online courses are self-paced, so you could finish in as little as a few weeks if you're motivated, or take a few months if you're balancing a job. Just remember that your state has a time limit—usually around one year—to complete the course after you start.
Will Long & Foster help me find a job following that I get my license?
They don't guarantee job placement, but they do offer career counseling and job placement assistance. More importantly, if you take their classes, you'll have direct access to their brokerage network. Many students end up joining Long & Foster as agents right after passing their exam. It's not required, but the path is right there waiting for you.
Are Long & Foster classes recognized in all states?
No, and this is important. Long & Foster operates in specific states—primarily along the East Coast. If you're planning to get licensed in a state where they don't operate, their classes won't help you. You'll need to find a school that's approved by that state's real estate commission. Always verify that your course is state-approved prior to enrolling.
Pro Tips From Someone Who's Been There
Alright, here's the insider stuff. The things that instructors might not tell you but that will make your life way easier.
Take the in-person class if you can swing it. Online is convenient, but there's something about being in a room with other future agents. You'll hear questions you didn't even think to ask. Plus, the instructor might drop hints about what's on the exam. Not saying they'll give you the answers, but they'll definitely emphasize the important stuff.
Network before you even get your license. In class, you're surrounded by people who are about to enter the same field. Exchange numbers. Form a study group. Later, when you're all licensed, you'll have a built-in referral network. That's gold in this business.
Ask about the sponsorship program. Here's a little-known fact: Long & Foster sometimes offers tuition reimbursement or discounts if you commit to joining their brokerage after you get licensed. It's not always advertised, but it's worth asking about. Worst they can say is no, right?
Use their exam prep resources religiously. Long & Foster partners with exam prep providers that give you access to simulated state exams. These are harder than the actual test in some cases, which is a good thing. If you can pass their practice exams, you'll walk into the real one with confidence.
Don't rush to take the state exam. Once you finish your course, you might feel invincible. Give yourself a week or two to review before scheduling the actual exam. The material is dense, and a little time to let it marinate helps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let's talk about the stuff people mess up, because there's plenty of it. I've seen it happen over and over.
Waiting until the last minute. Real estate classes aren't something you can cram for in one weekend. There's a reason the state requires 60 hours. Spread your studying out. A little bit every day beats a marathon session on Sunday night.
Choosing the wrong state course. This is a big one. If you live in Maryland but plan to work in Virginia, you need to take Virginia's course. The laws are different. Don't assume they're the same just because the states are neighbors. Long & Foster will ask, but you need to know the answer ahead of you ask them.
Skipping the practice exams. I know, I know. Practice tests are boring. But they're the single best way to gauge your readiness. The actual exam is tricky—it's not just about memorizing definitions. It's about applying concepts to real-life scenarios. The practice tests help you think that way.
Ignoring the small print on refunds. Life happens. Maybe you get sick, or a family emergency pops up. Prior to you pay, read the refund policy. Long & Foster has a cancellation window, but it's not unlimited. Know what you're getting into.
What Kind of Classes Does Long & Foster Offer?
Long & Foster Real Estate classes come in a few different flavors, and knowing the difference will save you a headache later. First, there's the pre-licensing course. That is the big one—the requirement you must complete before you can even sit for your state exam. Each state has its own rules, but Long & Foster operates in multiple states including Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. A class hours vary by state, so make sure you're signing up for the right one.
Then there are post-licensing classes. Some states require new agents to complete additional coursework within their first couple of years. Long & Foster covers that too. And finally, there are continuing education (CE) classes for seasoned agents who need to renew their licenses. These are usually shorter, more focused, and often cover things like ethics, fair housing, and new legal updates.
What's nice is that you can take these classes in person, online, or in a hybrid format. The in-person classes are great if you're someone who needs structure and likes asking questions face-to-face. Online is perfect if you've got a day job and need to study at 10 PM in your pajamas. No judgment here.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Started
Okay, so you're ready to jump in. Here's how to get the ball rolling with Long & Foster real property classes.
Check your state's requirements first. This is step zero, honestly. Go to your state's real property commission website and look up the exact pre-licensing hour requirement. In Virginia, for example, it's 60 hours. In Maryland, it's also 60. But Pennsylvania is 75. Don't assume—check. Long & Foster will ask you which state you're in, and they'll point you to the right course.
Pick your format. Decide if you want to sit in a classroom or learn from your couch. Long & Foster offers both. If you're a self-starter who reads everything twice, online might be your jam. If you need a teacher to explain escrow accounts like you're five, go in person. There's no wrong answer, just what fits your style.
Register on their site. Head over to the Long & Foster School of Real Estate website. You'll create an account, pick your course, and pay the fee. Prices vary by state and format, but expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of $300 to $600 for pre-licensing. That might sound steep, but it's an investment in a career that can pay off big time.
Get your study materials. When you enroll, you'll get access to the course materials. Long & Foster provides textbooks, online quizzes, and practice exams. Don't sleep on the practice exams. Seriously. They're the closest thing to the real deal, and they'll show you where you're weak before you waste money on a failed attempt.
Attend all your classes. This sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people skip a session and then panic. Attendance is tracked, especially for in-person classes. If you're taking online courses, make sure you're logging in and completing the modules. An system knows if you're just clicking through without reading. Trust me, it knows.
Pass the final exam. At the end of your pre-licensing course, you'll take a final exam. You need to pass this before you can apply for your state license exam. Long & Foster's pass rates are pretty solid, but that's because they drill you on the material. Take advantage of their review sessions if they offer them.