What Happened to Real Estate Express? The Inside Story

Real Estate Express, once a dominant player in the online real estate education landscape, hasn’t exactly “disappeared.” However, its trajectory has seen some significant shifts. In short, what happened is this: Real Estate Express was acquired by Colibri Group, a larger professional education platform, in 2017. While the Real Estate Express brand continues to exist and offer courses, its operations, technology, and content development have been significantly integrated into Colibri’s broader ecosystem. This integration has led to changes in its offerings, pricing strategies, and overall market presence, some of which have been perceived by customers as a decline in the previously stellar quality and customer service that defined the brand in its early years. The story is one of acquisition, integration, and the inevitable evolution (and perhaps some compromises) that come with being part of a larger corporate entity.

The Rise and Acquisition of Real Estate Express

Before Colibri Group entered the picture, Real Estate Express was known for its innovative approach to real estate pre-licensing and continuing education. They were early adopters of online learning, offering a user-friendly platform, engaging content, and a relatively affordable way for aspiring agents and seasoned professionals to meet their educational requirements. Their success was built on a strong reputation for quality and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

The acquisition by Colibri Group was a strategic move. Colibri, with its diverse portfolio of professional education brands, sought to expand its reach in the real estate sector. Real Estate Express provided them with an established brand and a significant market share. However, with the acquisition came a restructuring of operations.

Integrating into the Colibri Group Ecosystem

The core changes following the acquisition involved integrating Real Estate Express’s technology infrastructure into Colibri Group’s unified platform. This meant migrating content, streamlining administrative processes, and aligning marketing strategies. While the intention was likely to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs, this integration had unintended consequences.

• Changes in Course Structure: The course content was revised to fit the standardized format used across Colibri’s other brands. Some long-time users felt that this resulted in a loss of the unique pedagogical approach that had initially made Real Estate Express stand out.
• Customer Service Challenges: As support operations were centralized, some customers experienced longer wait times and difficulty resolving issues, leading to dissatisfaction.
• Pricing Fluctuations: Colibri implemented new pricing strategies across its real estate education brands, leading to some perceived increases in costs for Real Estate Express courses.
• Focus on Volume: Shifting focus towards higher volume operations and standardized materials created a scenario where the original bespoke support, premium materials, and personalized service dwindled.

The Current State of Real Estate Express

Today, Real Estate Express remains a viable option for online real estate education. However, it’s essential to understand that it operates within the Colibri Group framework. The brand continues to offer a range of courses, from pre-licensing to continuing education, across various states. However, potential students should conduct thorough research and read recent reviews to assess whether the current offerings align with their needs and expectations.

While some customers still report positive experiences, others express concerns about the quality of customer service and the relevance of course materials. It’s crucial to consider these factors before making a decision. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits of the established brand name against potential drawbacks related to the post-acquisition integration.

Competitors in the Online Real Estate Education Space

The real estate education market is highly competitive. Several other providers offer online courses and resources for aspiring and practicing real estate professionals. These competitors include:

• Kaplan Real Estate Education: Known for its comprehensive course offerings and experienced instructors.
• The CE Shop: Offers a wide range of continuing education courses and a user-friendly platform.
• Mbition to Learn Real Estate: Provides pre-licensing and exam prep courses with a focus on interactive learning.
• PrepAgent: Renowned for its exam preparation tools and resources.
• 360Training: A broad vocational training provider that includes real estate courses.

When choosing an online real estate education provider, it’s essential to compare course content, pricing, instructor expertise, and customer support options. Reading reviews and testimonials from other students can also provide valuable insights.

FAQs About Real Estate Express

Here are some frequently asked questions about Real Estate Express and its current status:

1. Is Real Estate Express still in business?

Yes, Real Estate Express is still in business. It continues to offer online real estate courses, primarily for pre-licensing and continuing education, under the ownership of Colibri Group.

2. Has the quality of Real Estate Express courses declined since the acquisition?

Customer reviews are mixed. Some users report positive experiences, while others express concerns about changes in course content and customer service. It’s recommended to read recent reviews before enrolling.

3. Who owns Real Estate Express now?

Colibri Group owns Real Estate Express. The acquisition took place in 2017.

4. What types of real estate courses does Real Estate Express offer?

Real Estate Express offers a variety of courses, including pre-licensing courses, exam preparation courses, and continuing education courses for licensed real estate agents.

5. How does Real Estate Express compare to its competitors?

Real Estate Express competes with several other online real estate education providers, such as Kaplan Real Estate Education, The CE Shop, and Mbition to Learn Real Estate. Each provider has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to compare offerings and read reviews.

6. What are the pros and cons of using Real Estate Express?

Pros: Established brand, wide range of courses, online convenience.

Cons: Mixed customer reviews, potential changes in course quality, and customer service concerns.

7. How much do Real Estate Express courses cost?

The cost of Real Estate Express courses varies depending on the state, course type, and package selected. It’s recommended to check the Real Estate Express website for current pricing information. Prices fluctuate, so it is essential to check often.

8. Does Real Estate Express offer any guarantees?

Real Estate Express typically offers a pass guarantee for its pre-licensing courses. If you don’t pass the licensing exam after completing the course, you may be eligible for a refund or additional study materials. Review the specific terms and conditions of the guarantee before enrolling.

9. Is Real Estate Express accredited?

Accreditation varies by state and course type. Check the Real Estate Express website or contact customer support to verify the accreditation status of the courses you’re interested in. Ensure the accreditation meets your specific state’s requirements.

10. How long does it take to complete a Real Estate Express course?

The time it takes to complete a Real Estate Express course depends on the course type and your individual learning pace. Pre-licensing courses typically require a significant time commitment, while continuing education courses can be completed more quickly.

11. What kind of support does Real Estate Express offer to its students?

Real Estate Express offers customer support via phone, email, and online chat. However, some customers have reported challenges with the responsiveness and effectiveness of the support team since the Colibri Group acquisition.

12. Are there any alternatives to Real Estate Express for online real estate education?

Yes, several other online real estate education providers are available. Consider exploring options such as Kaplan Real Estate Education, The CE Shop, and Mbition to Learn Real Estate to find the provider that best meets your needs. It is often a great idea to evaluate several competing options before making a final selection.

Conclusion: Navigating the Real Estate Education Landscape

The story of Real Estate Express is a cautionary tale about the complexities of acquisitions and integrations. While the brand continues to exist and offer valuable educational resources, it’s essential for prospective students to understand the changes that have occurred since the acquisition by Colibri Group. By conducting thorough research, reading recent reviews, and comparing offerings from multiple providers, aspiring and practicing real estate professionals can make informed decisions about their education and career development. The key takeaway is to be informed and proactive when choosing a real estate education provider in today’s dynamic market.