Getting your real estate license shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. You want straightforward education that actually prepares you for the exam—not textbook fluff that puts you to sleep. Colibri Real Estate promises exactly that, but does it deliver?
I’ve spent countless hours testing online real estate schools, and here’s what you need to know about Colibri. This review cuts through the marketing noise to give you the real deal. No sugar-coating, no affiliate pressure—just honest insights from someone who’s been in the trenches.
What Makes Colibri Real Estate Different From Other Schools
Colibri Real Estate stands out because they actually understands what modern students need. Most online schools feel like digital textbooks with a few quizzes thrown in. Colibri takes a different approach that focuses on practical learning and real exam preparation.
Their platform runs smoothly without those annoying glitches that plague other schools. You won’t spend time fighting with broken videos or crashing browsers. The interface feels intuitive, like using your favorite app rather than struggling through outdated software.
What really sets them apart is their “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee. If you don’t pass your state exam after completing their course, they’ll refund your money. Not every school offers this level of confidence in its program.
The company covers over 40 states with approved courses, making them one of the most widely available options. Whether you’re in California or Wyoming, chances are Colibri has state-approved courses for your area.
Their instructors are actual real estate professionals, not just academics reading from scripts. This means you get insights from people who’ve actually sold properties and worked with clients.
Course Options and Pricing That Actually Make Sense
Colibri offers four main package levels, so you’re not stuck paying for features you don’t need. Their Basic package includes just the prelicensing course, perfect if you’re on a tight budget.
The Exam Prep package adds practice tests and study materials for better exam preparation. Most students find this level provides good value without breaking the bank completely.
Exam Prep Plus includes live webinars and instructor Q&A sessions for extra support. This package works well for people who learn better with direct instructor interaction.
Their Ultimate Learning package throws in career tools and additional resources for new agents. It’s overkill for most people, but some students appreciate having everything in one place.
Pricing ranges from $147 to $941, depending on your state requirements and chosen package. California courses cost around $370 for the Exam Prep Plus package, which competes well with other schools.
They frequently run sales with 15-25% discounts, so check for coupon codes before purchasing. The company also offers payment plans to spread costs over several months if needed.
The Good: What Colibri Gets Right
The note-taking feature deserves special mention because it’s actually useful, unlike most school platforms. You can take notes directly in lessons, and the system tracks exactly where you wrote them. This beats scrambling with separate notebooks or documents that you’ll inevitably lose somewhere.
Live classes are available in select states, giving you real-time interaction with instructors. These aren’t just recorded videos played back—they’re actual live sessions with local experts. The instructors bring energy and make learning enjoyable rather than painful.
CompuCram exam prep comes included with most packages, providing solid practice tests and flashcards. Their simulated exams mirror actual state tests better than many competitors’ practice materials.
Student support goes beyond basic email responses with 40 hours of live Q&A monthly. You can actually talk to instructors and get personalized help with confusing concepts. The Exam Crammer webinar series provides focused exam prep after course completion.
Course progression tracking keeps you motivated without feeling overwhelmed or pushy like some schools. You always know where you stand and what’s coming next in your studies.
The Not-So-Good: Where Colibri Falls Short
The content relies heavily on text, which can feel boring for visual learners. You’ll do lots of reading rather than watching engaging videos or interactive content. If you learn better through visual or audio methods, this might frustrate you.
Mobile experience needs serious improvement because the platform works best on desktop computers. Colibri themselves recommend using computers for the “better course experience,” which isn’t great for busy students. There’s no dedicated mobile app, making on-the-go studying nearly impossible without frustration.
Livestream courses aren’t available in all states, limiting options for students who prefer live instruction. Some states only offer self-paced courses, which might disappoint people wanting real-time interaction.
Basic packages don’t include exam prep materials, forcing budget-conscious students into higher-priced options. This feels like unnecessary upselling when exam preparation should be standard across all packages.
How Colibri Compares to Other Real Estate Schools
Kaplan Real Estate offers more interactive content but charges higher prices for similar features. Their courses include more visual elements, but you’ll pay extra for that enhanced experience. Kaplan also provides better mobile access, which matters for busy students studying during commutes.
The CE Shop focuses heavily on video content with animated lessons that engage visual learners. Their mobile experience surpasses Colibri’s platform, but they don’t offer live classes in most states. Pricing sits in the same range, making it a legitimate alternative worth considering.
AceableAgent excels in mobile learning with a dedicated app that actually works well. Their podcast-style lessons appeal to auditory learners who prefer listening over reading dense text. However, they cover fewer states and don’t provide live instructor access like Colibri.
Real Estate Express (now part of Colibri) used to be a separate competitor, but it merged. This consolidation eliminated some market competition but improved course quality and platform stability significantly.
State Availability and Course Requirements
Colibri Real Estate covers 40 states with fully approved prelicensing courses that meet state requirements. Popular states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York all have complete course offerings available. Some states work through partner schools, but the courses maintain consistent quality and state approval.
Post-licensing courses are available in 20 states for agents needing continuing education credits. These courses help maintain your license and often include valuable professional development content beyond basic requirements.
Continuing education courses cover all 50 states, though some redirect to McKissock Learning for fulfillment. The courses satisfy state requirements while providing practical knowledge for working agents and brokers.
Broker prelicensing courses operate in 13 states for agents wanting to advance their careers. These advanced courses prepare experienced agents for broker responsibilities and business ownership opportunities.
Course hour requirements vary by state, affecting both pricing and time commitments for completion. California requires 135 hours, while some states need only 40 hours of education.
Who Should Choose Colibri Real Estate
Students who prefer text-based learning and don’t mind desktop-focused studying will find Colibri suitable. The platform works best for people who learn well through reading and taking detailed notes. Self-motivated students who don’t need constant hand-holding typically succeed with their self-paced format.
People wanting live instructor access should seriously consider Colibri’s higher-tier packages with webinars and Q&A. The instructor support provides valuable guidance that many other schools simply don’t offer at competitive prices.
Budget-conscious students can start with basic packages and add exam prep materials later if needed. This flexibility allows you to control costs while still accessing quality education that meets state requirements.
Students in states with live class options should definitely explore this feature for enhanced learning. The live classes provide accountability and interaction that pure self-study lacks for many people.
Final Verdict
Colibri Real Estate delivers solid value for students seeking reliable, state-approved real estate education without unnecessary frills. Their platform works well, instructors provide genuine support, and the pass guarantee shows confidence in their program.
The text-heavy format won’t suit everyone, and mobile limitations frustrate students wanting flexibility. However, desktop users who learn well through reading will find the courses comprehensive and well-structured.
For most students, the Exam Prep Plus package provides the best balance of features and value. You get course content, practice materials, and instructor access without paying for extras you won’t use.
Consider Colibri if you want proven education with instructor support at reasonable prices. Look elsewhere if you need mobile-friendly learning or prefer video-heavy content over traditional text-based instruction methods.