In Person Classes

Note: this page is current as of Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

I took the self-study residential leasing agent course. You can read the lessons yourself or listen to the audio book. If you get confused or misunderstand something, the chapters continuously goes over lots of the same material to have a better understanding. Learned so much. Fingers crossed for the exam!!!

Ashley Stalling

This was an excellent class. Ernesto was an amazing teacher. He was extremely thorough, HILARIOUS & helpful.

Fantagega Taylor

Ernesto Camarillo was our instructor. He always showed up on time. Wasted no time teaching. He was professional and caring. I am very excited about the whole process.

Orlando Torres

Mr. Ernesto explained the terminology very well and gave great examples to support his teachings. It was a great learning experience, much appreciation to Mr Ernesto!

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Sam is an amazing instructor, very happy and content for choosing to go here. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO!

Jennifer Camacho

Having access to the portal and all the quizzes were very helpful. The class was very engaging even while being virtual. Will definitely recommend others..

Alicia

Very informative sessions. Some of the best instructors

Samantha H

My teacher was really good. He made understanding the textbook easy , was very patient with everyone. Answered any questions we had. We would have mini quizzes at the end of every class which would help a lot.

Jonathan

What I really enjoyed and appreciated from CRES are all the tools available when taking the all online course. You guys offer everything from study review videos, practice test questions, flash cards etc. These tools were very helpful and informative when doing the self teaching portion. Also the online support every time I had a questions. I honestly can't think of anything I didn't enjoy that the course offered and I thank you CRES for offering opportunities for people and myself included to educate themselves and get their real estate license.

Juan Macias

The online material was easy to manage and the accessibility to review materials made this course challenging yet easy to work through.

Courtney Clay

I took Michael Greene's class which I found helpful and well taught. The resources provided by the school, including quizzes, videos of each class for review, extra math problems, etc. were very helpful. I benefited from Sam Zakarian's videos which reinforced what I had learned in class and helped me as I studied.

Cathy L. Krieger

THE TOP CHICAGO REAL ESTATE SCHOOL AROUND THE AREA EVERYTHING WAS GREAT ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Elmer Boso

Well structured class, and Frank is a fantastic instructor!

Andrew Friedman

I was impulsive when I signed up for RE classes. Selecting CRES happened when I was armed with nothing more than a gut feeling and zero knowledge. I am thankful every single day that my rash decision-making skills finally worked in my favor. I’m so blessed to have the founder of CRES—Sam Zakarian—as my now boss at Century 21 Universal. This branch is headed by the great Jeff Sangerman as well as some of the loveliest agents (and people) out there. Even if you don’t join C21 Universal, Sam has taught almost everyone I know within the industry. At the very least, you’ll be inspired. Chances are, though, you’ll end up conquering that goal you’ve always wanted to pursue but never got around to actually making it happen. Now is your chance. CRES is a gem. GO FOR IT!!!!!!!

Amy

Learning made easy!!! Very informative five week course!!! Passed test on first try!!! Many people from other schools talked about how hard becoming a broker was and how many attempts they took before passing!!! I highly recommend this school it's worth every penny!!!

Ava Smith

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at CRES. I found that the instructor (Frank Muldowney) was honest, straightforward, and EXTREMELY knowledgeable. I'd recommend his class to anyone looking to get their license but more importantly to those who want to be SUCCESSFUL in the industry. The classes were interesting w/ up to date material and easy to follow. I wouldn't hesitate to take it again and have recommended CRES/Frank Muldowney to many of my colleagues. 5 stars!

Ava L. Hadaway

When I made the decision to become a licensed real estate broker, within days I signed up at CRES and within weeks I passed the state exam. Kim Bates is extremely helpful, understands what it takes to make it in this business and is the Director of a school that does just that. Sam Zakarian is a pro’s pro - his knowledge of Real Estate is extreme. His passion and excellent skills as an educator are beyond words. if you haven’t taken the real estate brokers course with Sam Zakarian, then you haven’t taken a real estate brokers class.

Reid Hyams

It was a pleasure taking the real estate course at CRES. I have learned not only the material to pass the exam, but also selling techniques and the overall history of the real estate industry. Frank is a great teacher with tons of knowledge to share!

Olivia Martinez

I would highly recommend CRES to anyone looking for Real Estate classes. Frank is a great instructor with a ton of experience in Real Estate (over 40 years). All his real-life examples helped me a lot to really understand the material. I'm very happy that I choose this company and this location.

Nataliia Small

I purchased the living social deal for the class. I had an issue that Kim Bates was immediately able to resolve with her prompt responses to my emails. At the beginning of the course (and throughout), my instructor Sam Zakarian was honest and direct. His teaching methods did not let me forget the material. His amusing stories helped maintain my attention throughout the entire class as well. Like every course though, there is some self-training. The book provided by CRES was a useful tool to guide me in the preparation for the midterm and final. At the conclusion of the course, I scored a 96% on the final and one week later passed the state exam. Thank you CRES!

Lalo G

When I was searching for a real estate school, I needed to find a school that was conducive to my schedule. Being a working professional, I couldn't just take two weeks off and attend classes all day. Chicago Real Estate School was the only school that offered a Saturday class and that worked perfectly for me. Sam Zakarian was my instructor for the Saturday class. I'll be honest, studying real estate can be boring but Sam changed all of that!!!! He made class fun and very intriguing with his personal stories about his experience in the business. The class was awesome!!!!

Cornelius Camp

I took the 5 week class this spring and had a great experience. Sam was a wonderful teacher, he gets to the point and lets you know what to study and how the class is doing as we go along. It does take a lot of studying on your own at home to keep up, and you have to take good notes so you remember the multiple (helpful) examples he can give you based on all his experience. Still, if you put in the effort you can pass the state and national exams on your first try! Kim has been super friendly and very helpful both in registering for the class and even after passing the test. I would highly recommend this course!

Liz Weber

Great experience. Wow, lots of material, 500 pages worth. But Sam was a great instructor. He's got a passion for the business and wants you to be a good ethical agent. I passed the state exam one week after completing the course, on my first try! Sam was definitely part of the reason for that - he made you understand the information along with tips for taking the state exam. Highly recommend this organization. I even got a follow up call from the director, Kim. She spent time discussing my next steps in my real estate career. Great customer service, knowledgeable people.

Elizabeth Isaacs

Sam Z. is an amazing guy and teacher. Lot of real world examples to explain the real estate concepts. Excellent value for money.

Jawal Sayed

I am a Florida licensed Real Estate agent (Illinois Broker equivalent) I’m relocating my residency (but not yet) to Chicago and am trying to gain licensure in Illinois via reciprocity. I drove to the IDFPR, talked to Brokerages in person and via telephone; all to be shoed away from help. In my Final attempts I personally stopped by this school and called the number on the face of the building and spoke to Danielle. Words cannot express the helpfulness that was given to me by her and clear direction in regards to obtaining my Illinois license. I’m not even a student! Unpaid help is unheard of, period. I recommend this school to anyone solely based on my experience with Danielle alone. My wife will be a student there in the next few weeks. Danielle if you’re reading this, thank you so much

Douglas Mallon

I highly recommend CRES! The instructor's manner of instruction was very easy to follow and he was very helpful. He prepares his students with all the right material they need in order to feel confident in taking the test. He also gives great advice on how to set you up for success after school.

Joslynn Blatchford

I nothing but good things to say about my instructor and the school. I loved how the the class is very interactive and interesting rather than boring and strict. I liked that my instructor Frank wrote the book in such a way that makes it much easier to understand and read. I would strongly recommend the school anyone who wants to get their real estate brokers license. Special shout out to Kim who registered me for the course and has been awesome answering all my questions.

Eric Solano

Chicago Real Estate School was recommended to me by an agent already working the field. He recommended Sam, however the classes that lined up with my schedule were taught by Frank Muldowney. Right off the bat, you can tell Frank knows his stuff. I was highly receptive to his matter-of-fact attitude and teaching style. Along with Frank's superb demeanor, the good experience started from the moment I called to register. Kim was incredibly friendly and a pleasure to speak with. CRES=A+

Matthew

I have had nothing but the BEST experience there is with Chicago Real Estate School. Sam Zakarian definitely knows everything there is about real estate and Kim Bates goes above and beyond to answer any of your questions you may have before and after you are done with the course. Thanks to Sam I've been in Real Estate for a little over 43 months I've Sold almost $11 Million and Counting.

Martin Abraham

Our instructor Frank did a fantastic job of using his personal stories, history, and outside resources to teach the content for the state and national exam. He brought full passion every night for the entire time. I highly recommend you make sure you take Frank as an instructor!

Charles Kipp

As a high school teacher in the city of Chicago, I know there is nobody better to learn about real estate than Sam Zakarian and Chicago Real Estate School (CRES). Thank you, Sam! I just passed the State/National exam on the first attempt. The class was professional and challenging and there is nothing better than being so prepared! It was worth every penny! Thank you!!!

John Rotkvich

This school was amazing and I am thankful that I chose to take this class with them. Sam Zakarian was our teacher and he was both knowledgeable and entertaining. He has almost the entire book memorized. If you are thinking of taking this class you should not go anywhere else. If you listen to Sam you will be prepared for the State exam. Haha, that rhymes!

Dave Johnson

No better person to educate you on Chicago/Illinois Real Estate practices than Sam Zakarian. He. Knows. His. Stuff. Period. Straight-forward and well versed in what you need to know to pass his class and the state exam. Does a great job of reorganizing the topics/material so as to give you a solid foundational understanding strong enough to build and expand upon. Thanks Sam!

Sam Traub

I learned a great from our instructor Frank Muldowney, he brings a great experience that really helped me understand all the rules and laws related to real estate in IL. It will serve me in my career and I am grateful for the experience. The school kept all of the promises and operated professionally.

Greg Ortega

The study material was easy to follow and understand. The instructor was knowledgeable and gave us excellent test taking tips. I highly recommend this school. I passed my first time sitting for the exam.

Kimberly Townsend

Ernesto is an excellent knowledge instructor. He is always willing to answer any questions you ask and make the class so easy to understand.

Martha Anakaren Cabral Vargas

Mr. Zakarian is so inspiring, he taught us everything we are supposed to know. He made the class fun, enjoyable and gave us real life examples so we could get familiar with many concepts, made complicated, simple. His personality is strong and at least, personally, it makes me want to higher my standards, he is an expert on this field. It has been an honor to be his tutee.

Juana Y. Arizmendi

 

25 hours of instructor-led Classroom Sessions, plus 50 hours of Online Study, including required quizzes.

 

Looking for financial assistance? See if you qualify
for a REEF Scholarship here

Upcoming Schedule – You will select 1 of the below schedules, after registration. Each session is 3 hours. Saturdays will be two regular sessions for 6 hours total.

Classroom


July 1 – July 24

Tuesday/Thursday
6:00 pm-9:00 pm

8 Classroom Sessions
7300 N Western Ave, Chicago
Instructor: Michael Greene
5 seats remaining!


July 12 – August 2

Saturday 
9:00 am-3:00 pm

4 Classroom Sessions
7300 N Western Ave, Chicago
Instructor: Ernesto Camarillo
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July 28 – August 20

Monday/Wednesday
9:00 am-12:00 pm

8 Classroom Sessions
7300 N Western Ave, Chicago
Instructor: Sam Zakarian
.

What’s Included

25 Hours of Interactive Sessions with a Live Instructor in the classroom

35 Hours of On-demand Video, Covering All 17 Chapters, Including Math

3 Textbook Versions: Hardcopy, PDF and Audiobook

Chapter Quizzes (take as many times as you want)

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540-question Practice Exam

125 Random Question Timed Sample Test (take as many times as you want as it always changes)

11-hour Test Prep Video Series (“cram sessions”)

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Flashcard Module, with Over 600 Terms & Definitions!

If you are interested in obtaining your Broker (Agent) license we promise a great experience throughout. Our classes are all taught by experienced instructors who possess a very high energy level and love to teach.

Payment Plan Available

Starting a new career as a Real Estate Agent is surprisingly affordable. CRES makes it easy to get started TODAY, by offering a payment plan for all of our courses, classroom and online. (No credit approval required!)

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