10 Careers in Real Estate: Choosing the Right Real Estate Career for You

By: ROS Team

Within the realm of real estate, the opportunities exist beyond merely purchasing and selling properties. This field covers an assortment of professions tailored towards distinct talents, passions, and objectives. For those pondering a profession in this industry, thoroughly investigating the diverse opportunities available is paramount.

Herein, we will plunge into real estate career paths to aid you in uncovering which roadway aligns with your strengths and ambitions.

Is Real Estate a Good Career Path?

YES, A real estate career path offers high earning potential, flexibility, and diverse opportunities, but also requires entrepreneurial drive, strong communication, and resilience to handle market fluctuations and competition.

Types of Real Estate Jobs

1. Real Estate Agent:

Job Description

Real estate agents offer advice and support to customers on the sale or lease of properties. They research the needs of the client to enable maximum sales and value of real estate. Agents perform many functions such as negotiations, sales, and document management of real estate transactions. The primary duties are also to attract customers, show properties, and monitor the market pace.

Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalency
Real Estate License Required: Yes

Skills

Strong communication skills
Ability to prepare and interpret legal documents
Sales and marketing skills
Proficiency in software platforms for managing listings and transactions
Knowledge of state and federal real estate laws
Understanding of finance and mortgages

Avg Monthly Salary: $7,149

2. Real Estate Broker:

Job Description

A Real Estate Broker is a licensed professional who oversees and manages real estate transactions. They wear several hats, acting as advisors, negotiators, and facilitators for both buyers and sellers. Their responsibilities include:

Drafting and reviewing contracts
Negotiating sale or purchase prices
Marketing properties
Overseeing the work of real estate agents (if they own a brokerage)
Ensuring compliance with real estate laws and regulations

Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalency
Obtain a real estate salesperson’s license and gain experience in the field
Real Estate License Required: Yes

Skills

Management abilities
Business development skills
Marketing proficiency
Strong communication skills
Understanding of contracts and laws related to real estate
Financial knowledge
Negotiation skills

Avg Monthly Salary: $8,232

3. Real Estate Appraiser:

Job Description

A Real Estate Appraiser determines the fair market value of properties, considering factors like location, property features, and market trends. They conduct on-site inspections, analyze data, and prepare detailed reports used for various purposes like buying, selling, financing, and taxation.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree
Completion of 75 appraiser credit hours
Completion of state licensing education requirements
Real estate license is not required, but completion of appraisal education is necessary

Skills

Proficiency in math
Detail-oriented
Strong research skills
Analytical thinking

Avg Monthly Salary: $7,647

4. Property Manager:

Job Description

Property managers wear many hats! They oversee the day-to-day operations of residential or commercial properties, ensuring smooth living for tenants and maximizing the property’s value. This involves tasks like marketing vacancies, screening tenants, collecting rent, managing maintenance, and enforcing lease agreements. They also handle financial aspects like budgeting and reporting.

Requirements

High school diploma, property management certification or license, or real estate broker license.
Real Estate License Required: No, depending on the state and type of property management position.

Skills

Negotiation, project management, technology, knowledge of real estate laws, strong communication, and organization.

Avg Monthly Salary: $4,861

5. Real Estate Developer:

Job Description

A Real Estate Developer is the master of transforming ideas into property. They identify land to be developed, secure the finances, plan, develop, and coordinate every bit of the project, from the idea to the construction, and completion of the structures. They make their dreams a reality!

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or business.
Real Estate License: Preferred, but not always required

Skills

Finance, accounting, real estate, people and project management, building and construction, zoning laws

Avg Monthly Salary: $7,062

6. Home Stager:

Job Description

A Home Stager is a real estate professional who transforms homes for sale. They declutter, rearrange furniture, and add decorative touches to create an inviting and appealing space for potential buyers. Their goal is to showcase the property’s best features, fostering an emotional connection and leading to faster sales and potentially higher offers.

Requirements

Completion of a home staging course is typically required.
Real Estate License: Not required, but a background in art, design, or real estate can be beneficial.

Skills

Strong artistic abilities, understanding of aesthetics, proficiency in decorating and interior design concepts, and familiarity with technology and relevant software.

Avg Monthly Salary: $5,028

7. Mortgage Loan Officers:

Job Description

Mortgage Loan Officers guide clients through the complete home financing process. They evaluate the financials of clients, have appropriate loan solutions, support clients through the loan application process, and work with them from application to closing. In addition, Mortgage Loan Officers build clients for life, to have relationships that last for years.

Requirements

High school diploma (bachelor’s preferred)
20-hour pre-licensing education
Real Estate License Required: No

Skills

Problem-solving
Interpersonal skills
Critical thinking
Understanding laws and regulations

Avg Monthly Salary: $6,652

8. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Managers:

Job Description

REIT Managers are the financial architects behind Real Estate Investment Trusts, crafting investment strategies, acquiring and selling properties, managing finances, and ensuring investor returns. They’re essentially the CEOs of these real estate portfolios, overseeing their growth and profitability.

Requirements

None is required, although a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or real estate-related fields may be beneficial.
Real Estate License: Not required, as REIT managers typically oversee investments at the corporate level rather than directly engaging in real estate transactions.

Skills

Strong knowledge of real estate markets, including property valuation and trends.
Understanding of finance principles and investment strategies.
Business development skills to identify and pursue investment opportunities.
Negotiating skills to secure favorable deals and contracts.
Proficiency in property management practices.
Knowledge of landlord-tenant laws and regulations.
Familiarity with local, state, and federal housing laws.
Ability to analyze and assess investment risks and returns.

Avg Monthly Salary: $7,238

9. Real Estate Attorney:

Job Description

Real estate attorneys are legal professionals who guide clients through real estate transactions. They draft and review contracts, negotiate terms, conduct due diligence on properties, and represent clients in legal matters related to buying, selling, or leasing real estate. They ensure the legal aspects of the transaction are sound, protecting their clients’ interests and investments.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree
Pre Licensing law education and passing the state bar exam
Licensure as an attorney
Real estate licenses are generally not required, but attorneys may bypass prelicensing education to obtain one in some states.

Skills

Critical thinking
Negotiation
Writing
Complex problem solving
Extensive reading and research
Analytical ability
Detail-oriented
Persuasive communication

Avg Monthly Salary: $11,737

10. Foreclosure Specialist:

Job Description

A Foreclosure Specialist oversees the legal process of repossessing property due to loan defaults. They ensure compliance with regulations, prepare and manage foreclosure documents, and communicate with various parties involved, including homeowners, attorneys, and investors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, real estate, or a related field preferred.

Skills

Knowledge of foreclosure laws, regulations, and procedures
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Avg Monthly Salary: $4,758

Jobs in Real Estate Industry: How to Choose the Right One?

Choosing the right real estate career path involves self-reflection and exploration. Start by assessing your strengths and interests. Do you enjoy sales and interaction (agent), prefer analysis and data (appraiser), or thrive on organization and management (property manager)? Research different options and their requirements, considering factors like education, licensing, and work style.

Consider specializing in a niche like luxury properties or specific locations to stand out. Remember, continuous learning and networking are crucial for success in any real estate career path.

What Are the Best Real Estate Careers?

There are no best real estate careers. It all depends on your priorities and interests. Some concentrate on income while others might pursue finding a better work-and-life balance or performing some specific types of jobs. You should research different types of real estate skills, their requirements, and typical day-to-day tasks to match your interests.