CAMPUS VISITING HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY:

1st-18th each month AM times, M-F

19th-end of the month PM times, M-F

Visiting hours need to be scheduled in advance|

DAILY TEACHING & HOURS OF OPERATION: 9 AM - 9:45 PM, M - F

WE OFFER OVER

25+

PROGRAMS

WE HAVE SERVED

12000+

STUDENTS

VETERAN STAFF

40+ Years

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

PROUDLY PROVIDING

23+ Years

OF EDUCATION

CHECK OUT OUR MONTHLY SPECIALS

WHY DO WE STAND OUT ABOVE THE REST?

We are a fully licensed Real Estate School within Illinois, that offers quality, student-centered on-ground (live in person or live webinar), home-study, or online (computer-based reading) real estate classes for real estate brokers, managing brokers, post license and continuing education (CE) throughout the state of Illinois and nationwide online.

We also partner with affiliated schools that provide nationwide education for mortgage brokers and appraisers. In addition, our various affiliates can provide real estate education to assist you in securing licensing in additional states. All of the courses, whether directly through Inland Real Estate School or our affiliates are proven successful and are the best prep resources available to further your career aspirations.

There are a number of real estate school choices capable of helping you to start your new career, however your future is important enough that you’d should not leave the choice to chance. Select a proven provider of quality education and trust only the best real estate school in Illinois.

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You can expect:

Higher than average pass rate on the Illinois state licensed examination

Over 60+ years of combined staff experience providing education and training to the Illinois real estate market

Our school isn’t run by brokers or investors, our team possesses formal educational degrees plus practical real-life experience educating our students.

Our instructors respond to our student’s questions and inquiries in a timely manner and are available via the phone or email

Our updated flexible course options provide our students with the flexibility of selecting a program that meets their schedule and time availability.

Our programs are available through live classroom presentation, live webinar & home study formats.

Our passionate experienced, dedicated faculty has over 40 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate as a broker & managing broker

We have developed programs and effective methods of presentation that are proven to work

Available 1-on-1 tutoring should the student need additional assistance

Whether you are in Inland Real Estate School student or coming to us from another school, we provide real customer service, backed by the guidance you need to get through the program as well as the State exam

The best reading material available in the industry designed to help you understand the concepts to further enhance your understanding in preparation for the state exam

Having a school run and owned by 2 proven successful educators with actual market experience makes all the difference in your learning and passing the state exam; our results and referrals show it

WHY WE ARE DIFFERENT?

Welcome to Inland Real Estate School, Inc. When you invest in us, we will invest 110% in you!

As a new real estate broker, you will need to create your own identity. This will include determining what area you wish to specialize in. Part of that can include referencing your experiences from the school you attended.

Few schools have earned a reputation for supporting their students beyond the completion of their pre-licensing course and inland is the most credited Illinois real estate school when it comes to that stake. Inland Real Estate School has developed a reputation for supporting our students long after they’ve completed their education by providing consulting services focused on helping you develop your reputation and identity in order to enhance your future career.

Welcome to Inland Real Estate School, Inc. When you invest in us, we will invest 110% in you!

As a new real estate broker, you will need to create your own identity. This will include determining what area you wish to specialize in. Part of that can include referencing your experiences from the school you attended.

Few schools have earned a reputation for supporting their students beyond the completion of their pre-licensing course and inland is the most credited Illinois real estate school when it comes to that stake. Inland Real Estate School has developed a reputation for supporting our students long after they’ve completed their education by providing consulting services focused on helping you develop your reputation and identity in order to enhance your future career.

Read More

Our passionate experienced, dedicated faculty has over 40 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate as a broker & managing broker

We have developed programs and effective methods of presentation that are proven to work

Available 1-on-1 tutoring should the student need additional assistance

Whether you are in Inland Real Estate School student or coming to us from another school, we provide real customer service, backed by the guidance you need to get through the program as well as the State exam

The best reading material available in the industry designed to help you understand the concepts to further enhance your understanding in preparation for the state exam

Having a school run and owned by 2 proven successful educators with actual market experience makes all the difference in your learning and passing the state exam; our results and referrals show it

COURSE OFFERINGS

A BRIGHTER FUTURE AWAITS

Illinois Broker
Pre-License

75-HOUR PROGRAM
HOME STUDY

LIVE ONLINE

ILLINOIS MANAGING BROKER

PRE-LICENSE
PROGRAM HOME
HOME STUDY
LIVE ONLINE/CLASSROOM

Illinois Broker
Post License

30-HOUR PROGRAM HOME STUDY LIVE ONLINE/ CLASSROOM COMBINATION

TUTORING STUDY AIDES AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES

ONE ON ONE & GROUP EXAM PREPARATIONS IN-PERSON & WEBINAR

REAL ESTATE INVESTING COURSES

FUNDAMENTALS OF ANALYZING REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

COURSE OFFERINGS

A BRIGHTER FUTURE AWAITS

ILLINOIS BROKER PRE-LICENSE

75-HOUR PROGRAM

LIVE ONLINE

ILLINOIS MANAGING BROKER

PRE-LICENSE

45 HOUR PROGRAM

HOME STUDY

LIVEONLINE/CLASSROOM

ILLINOIS BROKER POST LICENSE

30-HOUR PROGRAM HOME STUDY OR

45 HOUR ONLINE/ CLASSROOM COMBINATION

TUTORING STUDY AIDES

ONE ON ONE & GROUP EXAM PREPARATIONS IN-PERSON & WEBINAR

REAL ESTATE INVESTING COURSES

FUNDAMENTALS OF ANALYZING REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

NATIONWIDE PRE-LICENSING & CONTINUING EDUCATION

INCREASE YOUR MARKETING EFFORTS, SECURE A LICENSE IN OTHER STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE BROKER PRE-LICENSE

CONTINUING EDUCATION NMLS APPROVED VENDOR, MLO ONLINE WEBINARS

NATIONWIDE APPRAISAL & CE

ADD A NEW PHASE AND BECOME A PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE APPRAISER

LICENSE RECIPROCITY

ADD AN ADDITIONAL LICENSE TO EXPAND YOUR MARKETING WORLD

SCHOOL PARTNER PAGE FOR INLAND STUDENTS AND FRIENDS

NETWORKING CRITICAL ELEMENT TO BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL CAREER FIND A PROFESSIONAL PARTNER TO HELP FILL THE NEEDS OF YOUR CLIENT

ILLINOIS CONTINUING EDUCATION

12 & 24 HOUR

PROGRAM LIVE ONLINE/CLASSROOM, WEBINAR & HOMESTUDY

NEW BUSINESS SERVICES

START YOUR NEW BUSINESS WITH A LINKEDIN PROFILE, TWITTER, BUSINESS FACEBOOK

MORE COURSES COMING SOON

CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR NEW COURSE OFFERINGS HERE AT INLAND REAL ESTATE SCHOOL

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR REAL ESTATE CLASSES?

  • 24/7 Online Course Access
  • Practice Online Exam Questions
  • Automated Reminders

  • Preparation to Pass the State Exam on First Attempt
  • Progressive Tracking Notification
  • Live Instructor Assistance

FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTION

You have options to choose from to pay your tuition

  • CREDIT CARD
  • CHECK
  • MANY CREDIT UNIONS OFFER LIFESTYLE LOANS THAT CAN BE USED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
  • PAY WITH AFFIRM-OPPORTUNITY TO QUALIFY FOR 0% INTEREST AND/OR PAYMENT PLAN

  • CASH
  • PAYPAL
  • PAYPAL 6-MONTH NO INTEREST PAYMENT PLAN ONCE QUALIFIED
  • STRIPE

What clients say about us

''By far the best class I have taken. I tried to get my broker license before but gave up because I was not given much instruction not did I have anyone to ask questions to.''

~ Carol F.

''Dave is a very effective teacher! He Makes the information easier to remember with his stories and experience. He teaches at a a good pace and is very accommodating to his students!''

~ Krystle B.

Become Our Next Success Story

Click The Button Below And Get Registered Today!

LATEST BLOGS

LATEST BLOG

Move‑In Ready Home Staging Secrets

September 24, 20255 min read

A grey couch behind a round coffee table

First impressions decide how fast a property attracts attention. Buyers scan a space and judge within seconds. That quick decision often depends on how comfortable and inviting the home feels. Thoughtful staging helps create emotional connections that make buyers imagine life inside the property. A well-prepared space highlights strengths and reduces distractions that might push buyers away. Colors, furniture placement, and lighting can guide focus toward the best features of every room. On the other hand, unstaged homes risk feeling empty, cluttered, or poorly maintained. The contrast can reduce value and slow down offers. Move-in ready home staging secrets provide strategies that make spaces feel polished, approachable, and ready for buyers to take action.

Understanding the Concept of Move-In Ready

Move-in ready home staging secrets give sellers convenience and confidence. Buyers expect a property where they can settle immediately without worrying about repairs or updates. Clean finishes, working systems, and modern touches shape that expectation. They want walls free of damage, flooring in good shape, and kitchens or bathrooms that feel fresh and usable. Sellers gain faster offers and stronger pricing because buyers see less risk. Staging then highlights this readiness by presenting the property as trendy, functional, and appealing. For this reason, agents benefit too, as listings that show move-in condition generate more interest and shorten time on the market. In short, move-in ready preparation attracts attention, builds trust, and sets the stage for quicker, more profitable sales.

Declutter with Strategy

Clutter distracts buyers and hides the property’s true potential. Organized spaces sell faster because they look larger and cleaner. Start by sorting items into keep, donate, or store categories. Renting a storage unit can help free up space quickly. In order to keep everything organized, try to learn how to make an inventory sheet when putting items in a storage unit. This will especially be helpful when multiple boxes leave the house. This habit saves time later and prevents lost items. However, storing without order creates frustration. Highlight high-impact areas such as closets, kitchens, and garages, since buyers always check them. Leaving surfaces open lets natural light enhance the room. Decluttering with purpose ensures buyers see function, not distractions, and increases chances of fast offers.

A woman standing near cardboard boxes, writing down notes

Neutral Yet Inviting Design Choices

Color influences mood and shapes perception instantly. Staging often uses neutral palettes that appeal to wide audiences. Whites, soft grays, and beige tones create calm backdrops while still feeling modern. Then again, too much neutrality can appear cold. Add warmth with throw pillows, rugs, or art in subtle shades. Greenery brings freshness without overwhelming the design. Buyers imagine their own style more easily when walls and furniture provide flexible foundations. Avoid overly bold colors that limit imagination. Neutral yet welcoming interiors strike a balance. They invite potential buyers to picture life inside the property while ensuring the space looks polished, broad, and universally attractive during every showing.

Furniture Placement That Sells

Furniture shapes how buyers experience a home. Scale and proportion matter because oversized pieces shrink space while smaller items improve flow. In contrast, empty rooms confuse buyers and make measurements hard to judge. Arrange furniture to highlight focal points like fireplaces or windows. Besides, group seating encourages conversation and comfort.  Avoid blocking pathways or doorways that limit natural movement. Balanced layouts show buyers how rooms function. Too much furniture makes spaces appear cluttered. Sellers benefit by renting or rearranging items for staging if needed. Purposeful placement guides attention, creates openness, and convinces buyers that the home is both practical and visually appealing.

A wooden coffee table between a beige couch and two chairs

Lighting That Transforms Spaces

Light changes everything about a room’s impression. Natural light adds energy, so keep curtains open and windows clean. Dark rooms discourage buyers instantly. Good artificial lighting also balances ambiance. Use layered approaches: ambient lights for overall brightness, task lights for focus, and accents for highlights. Nevertheless, harsh bulbs or uneven lighting reduce comfort. Swap outdated fixtures for modern ones that lift the mood. Mirrors bounce light around and expand visual space. Bright rooms make the interior of the home larger, warmer, and more inviting. Staging succeeds when light guides attention to a home’s best qualities. Sellers who prioritize lighting increase buyer interest and shorten the sales cycle.

Beige couch in a living room under LED lights

Final Touches Buyers Notice

Details seal impressions. Missing them weakens the entire staging effort. Fresh flowers, crisp linens, and styled bookshelves send strong signals of care. Buyers notice scents, so choose subtle aromas like citrus or lavender to make the home feel cozy. Updated hardware on cabinets or polished doorknobs communicates freshness. Another key point is that bathrooms should sparkle with fluffy towels and spotless mirrors. Cluttered counters or personal items remind buyers of the current owners instead of their future. You can stage entryways with simple décor since they create the first and last impression. Finishing touches might seem small, yet they influence emotions and drive decisions more than most sellers realize.

Staging Mistakes to Avoid

The power of staging can be reduced instantly by some common mistakes. Over-personalized décor, like family photos, makes buyers feel like visitors instead of future owners. Keep style neutral and approachable. Ignoring curb appeal is another costly error. On the other hand, clean yards, painted doors, and neat walkways invite buyers inside. Oversized furniture, outdated pieces, or too many accessories shrink the space. Strong odors or overused air fresheners distract rather than attract. Another key point is that lighting mistakes create dark or uneven rooms that lose energy. Staged homes with balance, neutrality, and attention to detail win attention quickly. Avoiding common missteps protects property value and maximizes buyer engagement during every showing.

Turning Staged Homes into Buyer Magnets

A strong finish makes buyers act with confidence. Staging that highlights cleanliness, balance, and functionality creates a lasting impact. Homes prepared with care draw more attention and stronger offers. With this in mind, sellers should focus on details that showcase move-in readiness without overwhelming buyers—ignoring presentation risks, slower sales, and reduced value. Above all, applying move-in ready home staging secrets ensures spaces feel polished, inviting, and market-ready. In short, the right staging transforms a listing into a desirable property where buyers quickly imagine their future.


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I'm so glad I chose Inland! Dave McGowan is the best instructor I've ever had in my entire educational career. The amount of knowledge he has about real estate is unbelievable!


David Becker

Had a wonderful experience and Dave is always available to help and answer questions. Great instructor! We had a great class too!


Rebecca

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Student Have To Say

I really enjoyed my time at Inland, and i would recommend the school to anybody that i know looking for a school to study real estate license courses.


Fadilah Salim

Dave is a very effective teacher! He Makes the information easier to remember with his stories and experience. He teaches at a a good pace and is very accommodating to his students!


Krystle B.

By far the best class I have taken. I tried to get my broker license before but gave up because I was not given much instruction not did I have anyone to ask questions to.


Carol F.

Find Us

2901 Butterfield Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA

On-site classroom courses

2901 Butterfield Rd

Oak Brook IL 60523

Toll Free 877-990-8409

Campus Visiting Hours by appointment only:

1st-18th each month AM times, M-F

19th-end of the month PM times, M-F

Visiting hours need to be scheduled in advance

Email:

[email protected],

to request a time above or limited AM and PM times available!

Daily Teaching & Hours of operation:

9 am – 9:45 pm, M-F

Mailing address: 20 Denada Square West, Suite 116, Wheaton, IL 60189-2000

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Campus Visiting Hours by appointment only:

1st-18th each month AM times, M-F

19th-end of the month PM times, M-F

Visiting hours need to be scheduled in advance

OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS 60523. © INLAND REAL ESTATE SCHOOL, INC. A PROFESSIONAL STUDIES INSTITUTE, INC. COMPANY, 2010. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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