Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted Real Estate Licensing Education in South Carolina
Pinnacle Real Estate Academy has been dedicated to transforming real estate education since its founding in 2012. What began as a local Grand Strand institution has rapidly evolved into a multi-state educational leader, now offering comprehensive licensing courses across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Our unique educational philosophy focuses on transformation rather than simple memorization, with instructors who are active real estate professionals bringing authentic, real-world insights into every classroom experience. We are unwavering in our commitment to delivering the most innovative tools, the most current information, and the most supportive learning environment in the real estate education industry. This dedication to excellence has been recognized through our repeated designation as the Best Vocational/Real Estate School in the Grand Strand for an impressive 11 consecutive years. At Pinnacle Real Estate Academy, we offer an extensive range of educational formats including in-person instruction, live via Zoom, and self-paced online options to accommodate the diverse learning preferences of our students. Our comprehensive curriculum spans the real estate spectrum from foundational licensing to broker credentials, property management certifications, continuing education, and professional development courses. Our instructional team represents the pinnacle of industry expertise, with each educator possessing extensive field experience that enriches their teaching approach. Jennifer Nicely, our visionary founder and CEO, stands as a nationally recognized real estate educator, keynote speaker, television co-host, and author, having trained thousands of real estate professionals across multiple states.We maintain deep involvement in the broader real estate community, with Jennifer serving in leadership capacities within the Real Estate Educators Association, the Sea Haven Board of Directors, and various committees associated with the SC Real Estate Commission and South Carolina Realtors Association. We further distinguish ourselves through the creation of the National Real Estate Educators Library, a groundbreaking resource designed specifically for real estate educators nationwide. Our success is demonstrably evidenced by consistently high pass rates and a 7-day-a-week student support system that underscores our commitment to educational excellence. Through our innovative teaching methodologies and strategic use of cutting-edge technology, we ensure that each student's journey toward professional real estate achievement is not merely possible, but assured. Beyond our classroom walls, our impact extends into community engagement initiatives such as annual Thanksgiving meal drives and school supply donation programs, reflecting our holistic commitment to positive community influence. At Pinnacle Real Estate Academy, we transcend the role of a conventional educational institution by positioning ourselves as your strategic partner in building an extraordinary real estate career. Our comprehensive support framework extends well beyond graduation, providing ongoing resources and guidance to help our students establish and grow successful real estate businesses. With educational facilities in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee, combined with our robust online offerings, we are well-positioned to serve students across multiple states as we continue pursuing our ambitious expansion strategy.
Services
Real Estate License
Property Management License
Continuing Education
Professional Development
Broker License Training
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Award-winning instructors with industry expertise
- Innovative and interactive teaching methods
- Consistently high pass rates for licensing exams
- Seven-day-a-week student support system
- Locally owned and operated with state-specific expertise
Associations and certifications
- REEA Gold Standard
What people say
Award-winning instructors
Consistently high pass rates
Unmatched customer service
Innovative teaching methods
Best real estate school
Services
Real Estate License
Our comprehensive real estate licensing courses prepare students for success in the industry. Covering essential topics from real estate principles to state-specific requirements, our innovative curriculum combines classroom learning with practical applications. With multiple delivery formats including in-person, live via Zoom, and online self-paced options, we make it easy for students to complete their licensing requirements at their convenience.
Property Management License
This specialized program equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in property management. The curriculum covers property operations, tenant relations, legal compliance, and financial management for rental properties. Designed to meet state requirements, our courses are available in various formats to accommodate working professionals seeking to expand their real estate expertise into property management.
Continuing Education
We provide state-approved continuing education courses to help licensed real estate professionals maintain their credentials. Our CE programs keep agents and brokers current with changing regulations and industry practices while offering opportunities to expand their skill set. With flexible online options and expert instructors, our continuing education courses support ongoing professional development.
Broker License Training
Our broker license courses prepare experienced real estate agents for advancement to broker status. The comprehensive curriculum covers business management, legal responsibilities, and advanced transaction processes required for broker licensure. With both in-person and online options, our training provides the knowledge professionals need to run their own brokerage or manage agents in a brokerage setting.
Professional Development
We offer specialized courses to help real estate professionals enhance their careers beyond basic licensing. These programs cover business planning, negotiation skills, leadership development, and marketing strategies tailored to real estate professionals. Our expert instructors deliver practical insights that students can immediately apply to grow their businesses and advance in the industry.
People
Jennifer Nicely
CEO and Broker-In-Charge
Jennifer Nicely is a nationally recognized real estate educator, TV co-host, and author who founded Pinnacle Real Estate Academy in 2012. With a career in real estate since 2004, she has trained thousands of professionals across multiple states and serves in leadership roles within industry organizations. She is the current President of the Real Estate Educators Association.
Chris Kavanagh
Director of Education
Chris Kavanagh joined Pinnacle Real Estate Academy as Director of Education after obtaining his South Carolina real estate license in 2011. With extensive experience in real estate sales and leadership programs, he brings practical knowledge to his role as both agent and trainer, focusing on helping clients maximize their real estate ventures.
Melissa Urso
Instructor and Broker
Melissa Urso is a multilingual real estate instructor and broker with over 20 years of teaching experience. Having obtained her Broker-In-Charge license in 2017, she combines her linguistic skills with real estate expertise to serve diverse clients across multiple states, bringing a unique perspective to her instruction at Pinnacle.
Beth Williamson
Instructor and REALTOR
Beth Williamson is a seasoned real estate professional with 23 years of industry experience and multiple professional designations. As an instructor at Pinnacle, she brings extensive practical knowledge and educational expertise, having earned the Gold Standard Instructor designation and serving on boards for real estate organizations.
Jason Whedon
Director of Expansion
Jason Whedon leads expansion efforts for Pinnacle with a diverse background in education, real estate, and business leadership. With prior experience in corporate sales and fire department service, he brings a unique perspective to real estate education, combining corporate best practices with practical field experience in the Grand Strand area.
Questions
What real estate licensing courses do you offer?
Pinnacle Real Estate Academy offers comprehensive real estate licensing courses for South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Our curriculum includes pre-licensing courses, broker licenses, and property management licenses, available through in-person, live via Zoom, or online self-paced formats.
How long have you been in the real estate education business?
Pinnacle Real Estate Academy has been a leader in real estate education since 2012. Founded by Jennifer Nicely, we've grown from a local Grand Strand institution to a multi-state educational leader with ambitious expansion plans.
What sets Pinnacle apart from other real estate schools?
What sets Pinnacle apart is our commitment to transformation over memorization. Our instructors are active real estate professionals who bring real-world insights into every classroom, and we utilize innovative teaching methods with cutting-edge technology to ensure your success.
Do you offer continuing education for licensed real estate professionals?
Yes, we offer state-approved continuing education courses to help licensed professionals maintain their credentials. Our CE programs keep agents and brokers current with changing regulations and industry practices while offering opportunities to expand their skill set.
Are your courses available online?
Yes, all of our South Carolina and North Carolina courses are available through online self-paced formats. Tennessee courses are offered as home study courses using custom workbooks. We also offer in-person and live via Zoom options for maximum flexibility.
Where are your physical locations?
Pinnacle Real Estate Academy has two primary locations: our headquarters at 9626 N Kings Hwy in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and an office at 301 S Perimeter Park Dr Suite 100 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Colleen Huemmer
Jan 25, 2022
Report
I just finished our Pre-licensing course test with Melissa Urso. She is the most incredible teacher ever. She kept the class engaged, upbeat and had such a way about her teaching where one subject would flow into another and every chapter felt like a review because of it. Most of all, she instilled confidence and reassurance in each and every one of her students. I highly recommend Pinnacle Real Estate Academy and if you have the chance to choose her as your teacher, you will be ready for that exam.
Bryan Hemingway
Oct 28, 2021
Report
I went to fortune academy years ago and I failed to retake a failed portion of the class exam the six month time period I forgot about so I had to start over and I've heard of Pinnacle and several people suggested that I go there so I considered it one day I was working in realtor house her name was April and highly recommended them and i cam honestly say it was the best choice my instructor CHRIS FULLER was awesome she was very informative she made sure we understood the information I can tell she is passionate about real estate and helping others
Valerie Lyons
Oct 02, 2021
Report
Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
I moved out of State and needed a refresher course for my State exam and found Pinnacle. This Academy is top notch. My instructor Rich was knowledgeable , professional, and kept the class interested. If you need classes this is the place to go...
I moved out of State and needed a refresher course for my State exam and found Pinnacle. This Academy is top notch. My instructor Rich was knowledgeable , professional, and kept the class interested. If you need classes this is the place to go...
Whitney Collins
Sep 29, 2021
Report
Pinnacle RE Academy is the absolute best place to get your real estate license classes at! Jenny and her amazing team are truly top notch, they are super knowledgable and they care about you not only passing your test but having the tools and resources you need to succeed in this business. I think of Jenny as a mentor and role model in this industry and we are all truly better for having her and Pinnacle training new agents in our market. I look forward to seeing and learning from them all again when I take my broker's classes this winter!
Carol Chervenak-Baird
Sep 28, 2021
Report
From start to finish, my experience was fantastic. I took the pre-licensing course with Kris. Kris is a natural born teacher. She provided us with all the information needed to pass the test. Kris doesn't just present the information, she goes out of her way insure that you understand the information instead of memorizing it. The way Kris taught the class, was fantastic. As we went through the class, Kris consistently incorporated previous chapters into current ones so that you were always reviewing and learning at the same time. I'm thrilled with Pinnacle & Kriss.
Monica Sporer
Aug 03, 2021
Report
A change in careers led me to Property management class at Pinnacle. The entire team was fantastic especially during rescheduling because of Covid-19. Rich instructed with depth and left me in an excellent place , able to ace the state exam. I am now fully licensed and practicing with a reputable property management company! Highly recommend!