Lee Institute

Brookline, United States

2.4

14 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 617-734-3211
Website:
www.leeinstitute.com
Address:
310 Harvard St, Brookline, MA, 02446
Coolidge Corner
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
80 ft322 Harvard St
640 ftCoolidge Corner
650 ftCoolidge Corner - Outbound
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Today

Today –
Local time (Brookline) 12:37 Sunday, 1 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

The Lee Institute has been business since 1956 and has been operating as Massachusetts only school for real estate training until the early 1970’s. Since then the school has continued its success as leader in preparing their students for a professional career in real estate. It is very simple how this works. Our own textbook has build its success through the help of many who have studied and provided feedback and after many years of production we are proud to announce the publication of the 13th edition available now for our students. The Lee Institute has been the top referral for those seeking a license. The Boston community and the surrounding areas provide great support for our business and we have grown because of this. The lee Institute also provide the community with the service of their own online courses for all license agents looking to complete their continuing education credits. We look forward in servicing our community for years to come

History

Established in 1956.

The Lee Institute School of Real Estate was established and incorporated in 1956. At this time the Massachusetts law regarding real estate licensing had not been regulated until 1960 and since then all those interested in practicing real estate must be licensed. The Lee Institute efforts were quite straight forward. Our strategy was to provide the best training and assistance to those seeking the license. So much of our effort in history was focused on helping the students learn, understand and grasp the necessary information to pass the exam through our textbook. Now we are proud to announce the 13th edition textbook for your studies. For over 56 years the Lee Institute has been very selected in their teaching methods and because of this has been the teaching grounds for thousands of other schools to learn, teach and create materials from these methods as they joined the educational service of real estate license training. We look forward for many years ahead to continue the service.

Meet the Business Owner

Richard G.

Business Owner

The owner and president of Lee Institute is Richard A. Giovangelo. Mr. Giovangelo is a real estate instructor and real estate insurance broker in addition to the operational manager of the school. Since 1998, Mr. Giovangelo had owned and operated the Lee Institute School. Mr. Giovangelo had received his Bachelor degrees from Framingham University in Food Science and has also developed a professional career as an saxophonist musician. As of 1995, his interest had turned to real estate and management and was hired by the Lee Institute to help assist in the administration work at the school. Lee Institute since the 1960’s has been providing the bonding service to real estate brokers for licensing. As owner Mr. Giovangelo continue to service the bonds for all licensing brokers, cooperation, LLC’s, and partnerships in the real estate business. Mr. Giovangelo’s goal is to continue the successful operation of the company by providing the best service and education to its community.

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14 reviews of Lee Institute

No registration required
Place rating: 1
Boston, MA
This school claims that they offer an approved 40 hour online salesperson course, «the only school approved to do it» is what they told me. It sounded fishy (and also expensive compared to other schools) so I called around to different schools and they all told me the same thing, that the salesperson course is not allowed to be done online, online classes are not board approved and that they must be done in a class room with an instructor on site. So I called the real estate board in Boston myself to hear it directly from them, and lo and behold, all the other schools were right. The person I spoke with at the board told me flat out that NO school in Massachusetts is approved to give any online Salesperson course. All courses must be done in a class room with an instructor present. So that settles that for me. I only want to take a course that is actually board approved, and I certainly don’t want to go to a school that lies and deceives its students.
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
I honestly can’t say enough about Lee Institute and more specifically, Rich. I had some health issues that prevented me from completing the course within the 90-​day time frame and almost a year later, when I should have had to pay the course fee over again, was only charged a $ 50 fee (the very lowest they offer). Rich has stayed late in the office so I can finish a cd and has always been there to answer any questions I’ve had in regards to getting this completed. I hope to be completed by next Wednesday but none of it would’ve been possible without they’re unending understanding. If you need a flexible course with top instructors, I’m telling you that this is the place and you’ll be disappointed going anywhere else.
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
I have highly enjoyed my real estate salesagent class at Lee institute. first they have a huge amount of word of mouth recommendations. I’m pretty sure 90% of students found out about it through word of mouth, including myself. it’s a household name in real estate schools.
Lee institute offers first time education, continuing education, sales agents, brokers, etc. they are located conveniently right in Coolidge corner by the theatre. very accessible by t and car. there is a huge parking lot in the back. the entrance looks small and dated (like most things in Boston) and you walk up the stairs to the classroom at the right. there’s a lobby area and a large classroom (about 25’x25’ with tons of tables and seats. Lets face it the place is dated but you’re not paying for an upgraded building, you’re investing in your education and starting a new career for a low price and great education. they also have a huge amount of different schedules they cater to. need 4 10 hr days in a row? need 3 times a week for 2 weeks? need two weekends? they have every schedule available.
they have their own books, and the teachers I had were Tony and rich. they were extremely informative. it was a lot of information to learn but the teachers are very efficient and personable. I appreciate the time and effort they take to teach so in depth and make sure no one is confused on any question, chapter, test. I missed a few hours and it’s very easy to schedule make up time. Lee institute and it’s teachers really want their students to pass the test on the first time. so much so that if you take it and fail the test you can use them again.
I don’t at all agree with the negative reviews. it seems like they were students who didn’t read the agreements of signing up for the class because you can’t get a refund on a cancellation if you’ve already attended. other seem like they don’t know how credit card processors work. they have a contract for signing up for class so make sure you know what you’re signing up for.
I would highly recommend this school I am so excited to move forward with my new career thanks to Lee institute! rich is a great teacher and will help you with anything you need. also I’ve told people that I’ve been going to Lee institute, just über drivers, or people in general and everyone knows where I’m talking about, and some have even gotten their real estate schooling through them. they help a large amount of people. I live on the north shore and I went to the Brookline location.
Place rating: 1
Fitchburg, MA
I wish there was a zero star option. Very unfortunate this man continues to harass and threaten me over a year and a half later. I am a successful professional who is simply explaining her unfortunate situation with this company. This happened in July — August of 2013 and I was forced to bring a lawsuit on Lee Institute to get my money back for a class he cancelled. And here we are with the president still harassing me with comments like these. This just shows why you should choose where to get an education from very carefully and not put your money anywhere that you have not fully researched. Please be careful in choosing where you get educated for Real Estate.
Place rating: 1
Boston, MA
If I could give no stars, I would. I went there only out of convenience. I took my sales license at AREA in Waltham, it is a good school. I went to Lee for my Brokers course. You will never pass it if you follow their book. The test is no comparison to what is on the current test. The Brokers, is very different from the sales test. They use alot of trick questioning.
By far, do not use them for Brokers, they are very outdated. And the owner, told me to call when I took exam, well, let’s just say he didn’t want to hear about my not passing it. He was extremely rude, a guess, anyone that has gross dogs in his office all day. What do you expect, and I have two dogs of my own and am a dog person. But, sometimes just not professional.
If you take Brokers, exam go online to testing center and pay for their practice test. It will be a huge help, I wish someone told me.
Place rating: 4
Boston, MA
I passed the MA RE Salesperson Exam.
I was pretty engaged the classes, took good notes, asked questions. After the class ended, I wanted to take the exam ASAP, however the earliest available date was almost a month away. I still took that date, but called PearsonVue (the exam company) every day for cancellations.
I was able to get something scheduled on a Saturday at 8 AM, which left me with 2 days to study. So,
— I went back to my class notes and reviewed them.
— Reviewed Lee Institutes excellent Salesperson License exam textbook (13th edition).
— Made index cards to remember the terms.
I passed the test and received my license with only 2 days of studying. The course is definitely intense, but totally worth it.
Place rating: 5
Winchester, MA
I work for a real estate office and decided it was finally time to get a license and do the fun stuff. Everyone at my office recommended Lee Institute.
I’m really not sure why this place has bad reviews. Sure, being in a room learning material for a test annnywhere isn’t exactly going to be the most thrilling place, but we’re not reviewing an amusement park here. Negative reviewers most likely expected to pass the exam immediately upon leaving the last class… as a college student, let me tell you that simply showing up to a class does not guarantee you an A! You need to study, too! Their textbook is the perfect study tool.
Lee institute really gets the job done, and Rich seems to be a really great guy who is completely devoted to the school and getting it’s students prepared. I’ve learned what I’ve needed to learn and their textbook is one of a kind and actually really helpful in preparation for the exam (I’ve gotten the most recent 2013 addition).
They’re super conscious of peoples’ busy schedules and are reaaally willing to work with you to get your hours done (which helped me a whole lot during an unexpectedly busy week). Show up, listen to the lectures and study the book, and you will get your license.
*also, according to previous comments, the customer service must have gotten MUCH better. Whenever I had a question about class or hours or payment, someone answered the phone and was able to assist me.
Place rating: 1
Framingham, MA
Never have I been more disappointed in a «reputable school» as I am with Lee
Institute.
First: I paid $ 400 to be subjected to 88 degree temperature while trying to
learn.
Second: The manual/​book we studied from had more spelling errors and
inaccuracies than a course book should ever have. It is also out of date.
Third: The restroom facilities provided were the MOST REVOLTING ones I have
ever been in. So much so that I started going to The Upper Crust pizza shop
to use the restroom.
Fourth: As likeable as our teacher grew to be, his teaching methods were not
easy to follow and I felt that he took his time going through sections that
the class felt we’re conceptually easier and seemed to speed through
sections more complex.
I will say though that with the stifling conditions the teacher sacrificed
his own comfort for that of all of us, did all he could to make us
comfortable and never once complained.
I will never recommend this school. And I want some sort of compensation for
the awful experience.
You all would be SHOCKED at the response I received from Ron the administrative director. He was rude, unprofessional and unapologetic for the deplorable conditions and teachers stating that I WAS THE ONE with the problem.
NEVER GO HERE. NEVER RECOMMEND HERE.
Place rating: 1
Upton, MA
Postponed class AGAIN today. Called me the day before… No consideration for people and their time. The class was not full enough. At least they are giving a full refund. Still left a pretty bitter taste in my mouth. Will bring my business elsewhere thanks.
Place rating: 4
Boston, MA
I am actually surprised by the overall low rating of Lee. I recently took the 40 hour salesperson certification class. It was 4 — 10 hour days in a row… pretty brutal but not as bad as I was anticipating. The was a ton of material to cover but the teachers handled everything well. The booklet I received was useful and the practice tests were challenging and just as helpful. I passed my exam today on the first attempt. For convenience and quality teachings I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area looking to get their Real Estate License.
Place rating: 1
Waltham, MA
I signed up 12 hr CE course last Nov. I took 6 hr course which was a total waste of time. They canceled 2nd 6 hr course due to lack of student participation. I’ve called them 3 times since then for refund, and still did get it. This place is poorly run. The worst experience I’ve ever had with any real estate schools. Definitely not recommend to anyone.
Place rating: 1
Boston, MA
THIS IS A MESSAGE FOR CURRENTLY LICENSED SALES PEOPLE! Do NOT take their online continuing education courses.
Here’s why:
–the questions at the end of the modules have nothing to do with the material before them
–many of the questions are poorly worded, or the answers to these questions are poorly worded
–you have to pass these tests in order to finish the requirements for license renewal
–i emailed Lee twice with no response and called the customer service number to get an unqualified person who couldn’t help me
–Honestly, the list goes on, but you get the point
In short, I thought I’d be able to sit in my office and fulfill my obligation, but it ended up taking longer than just going to a course for a day.
Place rating: 1
Quincy, MA
HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!
Can you believe «Rich» the president yelled at me for calling on a Friday afternoon because he was trying to get out of the office and to call back on Monday!!!
Not only did they cancel the weekend course I was suppose to take but told me last minute and then sent me to this office in Norwood to learn from some other guy who apparently hasn’t seen the exam in years. Got a day and a half of lessons and this is what they charge $ 270 for? I didn’t even leave with a booklet with a stamp in it to prove i took the course to take to the exam. Having took another Real Estate course (and 3 failed exams), the instructor never covered half the stuff that is on the test. I feel sorry for the girl who had to come that weekend as well as she will find most of the topics on the exam new to her.
Place rating: 3
Brookline, MA
The offices are a bit shabby/​ghetto, but it gets the job done. Took class in one weekend. A more updated looking text would be nice too. Leon was a great teacher and kept our attention for what could have been a painfully boring weekend.