Thinking about a career in real estate? It's a field with a lot of different opportunities, from helping people find their dream homes to working in commercial investments.
If you're looking to learn about the various paths available in this industry or just starting to explore your options, you're in the right spot. Let's dive into what careers real estate has to offer and see if one might be the right fit for you.
Quickstart Guide To Landing A Career In Real Estate
- Polish your resume. Before you jump into the real estate job market, make sure your resume is up-to-date and polished. Resume writing services can help transform your resume into a standout document that catches employers' attention, highlighting your skills and experiences in the best light.
- Connect with a like-minded community. The UnBREAKable Community is a fantastic place for professionals to meet, exchange advice, and support each other. It's an ideal environment for networking and learning from those who are walking a similar path.
- Search for jobs on ZipRecruiter. Make use of job posting sites to find your next opportunity in real estate. Platforms like ZipRecruiter offer a wide array of listings in the real estate sector. They provide an easy way to apply and get your freshly polished resume noticed by potential employers in the real estate industry.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
8 Of The Best Careers In Real Estate
1. Commercial Real Estate Broker
Median National Salary: $98,747/year
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent + real estate and broker's license
Job Duties: A commercial real estate broker is responsible for facilitating the sale, purchase, or lease of commercial properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, or industrial facilities. They use their expertise in real estate market analysis, negotiation, and client representation to connect buyers, sellers, and tenants, and provide guidance throughout the commercial real estate transaction process.
2. Real Estate Manager
Median National Salary: $84,002/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A real estate manager is responsible for overseeing the operations and financial performance of real estate properties, including residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. They use their expertise in property management, tenant relations, and financial analysis to ensure that properties are well-maintained, profitable, and compliant with regulations, while also managing leasing, maintenance, and financial activities.
3. Property Manager
Median National Salary: $58,335/year
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Job Duties: A property manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of real estate properties, including residential or commercial buildings. They use their expertise in property maintenance, tenant relations, and financial management to ensure that properties are well-maintained, profitable, and that tenant needs are met.
4. Home Inspector
Median National Salary: $60,345/year
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Job Duties: A home inspector is responsible for evaluating the condition of residential properties to identify any potential issues or safety concerns. They use their expertise in building codes, construction practices, and property inspection to provide detailed reports to potential buyers or sellers, helping them make informed decisions about the condition of the property.
5. Real Estate Agent
Median National Salary: $85,793/year
Education Required: No formal education, but all real estate agents must be licensed to practice
Job Duties: A real estate agent is responsible for facilitating the sale, purchase, or rental of residential or commercial properties on behalf of clients. They use their expertise in real estate market trends, negotiation, and client representation to guide buyers and sellers through the real estate transaction process and help them achieve their property-related goals.
If you are looking to hire a real estate agent, check out our real estate agent job description. If you want to become a real estate agent, learn how to write a realtor resume.
6. Escrow Officer
Median National Salary: $62,500/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: An escrow officer is responsible for managing the closing process of real estate transactions, including overseeing the transfer of funds and documents between the parties involved. They use their expertise in real estate law, financial transactions, and contract management to ensure that all aspects of the closing process comply with legal and financial requirements, providing a neutral third-party service for the completion of real estate deals.
7. Foreclosure Specialist
Median National Salary: $57,098/year
Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent
Job Duties: A foreclosure specialist is responsible for managing the foreclosure process for lenders, including coordinating legal proceedings and property sales. They use their expertise in real estate law, foreclosure regulations, and property valuation to navigate the complex process of foreclosure, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and facilitating the resolution of delinquent loans.
8. Real Estate Appraiser
Median National Salary: $91,772/year
Education Required: Bachelor's degree
Job Duties: A real estate appraiser is responsible for evaluating the value of properties by considering various factors such as location, condition, and market trends. They use their expertise in property valuation, market analysis, and appraisal techniques to provide accurate and impartial assessments that help buyers, sellers, and lenders make informed decisions about real estate transactions.
You may also want to explore our guide to the best paying jobs in real estate investment trusts.
Requirements And Skills To Find A Good-Paying Job In Real Estate
Securing a well-paying job in real estate isn't just about having the right credentials; it's also about honing a specific set of skills that can set you apart in this competitive field. Here's what you need to focus on:
Educational and Licensing Requirements
Most real estate positions require at least a high school diploma, but increasingly, roles with higher pay scales demand further education, such as a bachelor's degree in real estate, business, finance, or a related field. Additionally, nearly all sales positions require a real estate license, which involves completing pre-licensing courses and passing a state exam.
Strong Sales and Negotiation Skills
The ability to sell and negotiate effectively lies at the heart of many high-paying jobs in real estate. Whether you're closing a deal on a property or negotiating terms with clients, strong sales techniques and negotiation skills are crucial for success and can directly impact your earnings.
Understanding of Market Trends
A deep understanding of real estate market trends and economic factors that influence property values is essential. This knowledge allows you to provide valuable advice to clients, make informed decisions, and spot opportunities that others might miss.
Networking and Relationship Building
Real estate is a relationship-driven industry. Building a wide network of contacts, including clients, other real estate professionals, and industry stakeholders, can lead to more opportunities and referrals, significantly impacting your income potential.
Digital Proficiency
In today's market, a good grasp of digital tools, from property listing platforms to social media and real estate software, is indispensable. Being tech-savvy can improve your efficiency, help you reach a broader audience, and enhance your service offering.
Adaptability and Continuous Learning
The real estate market is dynamic, with laws, regulations, and market conditions constantly changing. Being adaptable and committed to continuous learning ensures you can navigate shifts in the market and regulatory landscape, keeping you ahead in the game.
Best Places To Find A Career In Real Estate
Job Posting Sites
Job posting sites, like ZipRecruiter, are a go-to resource for finding real estate jobs. These platforms list a wide range of opportunities across the real estate sector, including sales, property management, and real estate development roles. They allow you to filter searches by location, job type, and experience level, making it easier to find positions that match your skills and interests.
For more information, read our complete ZipRecruiter review.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
Real Estate Associations
Many real estate associations have job boards or career resources for their members. These can be invaluable for finding specialized positions within the industry. Associations often list jobs that are highly relevant to their members' expertise, including roles in commercial real estate, property appraisal, and real estate consulting.
Networking Events
Networking events, including conferences, seminars, and meetups, are excellent places to find job opportunities in real estate. These events allow you to meet industry professionals, learn about upcoming trends, and discover job openings through conversations. Building relationships at these events can lead to job referrals and insider information on unadvertised positions.
LinkedIn is not just a social networking site; it's a powerful tool for job seekers in the real estate industry. By connecting with real estate professionals, joining industry groups, and following real estate companies, you can uncover job opportunities. LinkedIn's job search feature also allows you to apply for listed positions directly through the platform.
Real Estate Brokerages and Companies
Directly visiting or contacting real estate brokerages and companies can be an effective way to find job openings. Many firms prefer to hire through direct applications or referrals. Visiting their websites often reveals career pages where they list current job openings, internship opportunities, and information on how to apply.
The Bottom Line
A career in real estate opens up many possibilities, from the thrill of closing your first sale to the satisfaction of helping families find their perfect home.
As you gear up to take your next step in the real estate industry, don't forget to explore job posting sites for a wide range of opportunities. And if you're looking for a one-stop-shop to kickstart your job search, ZipRecruiter offers access to numerous real estate job listings from across the country. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, ZipRecruiter can help you find the job that's right for you. Start your search today and step into the exciting world of real estate careers.
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