Real estate jobs offer fantastic fast-paced sales careers. In addition to having a variety of career paths, most real estate careers include immense benefit packages, including high annual salaries. In addition, these careers provide flexible schedules while you work with members of your community to help them purchase or sell their homes.
However, there are key differences between each career path, including the work you’ll be doing, the education you’ll need, and the salary you’ll earn. So, if you’re interested in real estate agent jobs, read on to learn more about the many career paths you can take and the real estate education requirements you’ll need to meet.
Real estate agent jobs are the most well-known careers in real estate. While common, these jobs are one of the best options for individuals who are outstanding in sales and enjoy communicating directly with clients who want to buy or sell properties. Most agents start in residential real estate, with other agents branching out into commercial properties further in their careers.
Agents also have the option to take advantage of freelance opportunities. A freelance real estate agent builds up their own client base and coordinates the purchase or sale of land, houses, or offices on behalf of owners and buyers.
Alternatively, you can choose to work for a real estate business and earn wages and commission on your sales. While the former may provide higher payouts, it’s more work and a higher risk than the latter option.
To become an agent, you will need to complete state approved real estate courses. The length of these courses can range from 45 to 75 hours, depending on your state’s requirements. Approved real estate courses will teach you about legal practices and key principles that will make you an effective and lawful agent during your career.
A commercial real estate agent has a similar job description to a regular agent, but they work on the sale of commercial properties instead of residential ones. Additionally, these careers will require you to know about businesses and finance as you’ll be working with a lot more data than you would be with a home.
Finally, some states may require you to acquire a commercial real estate certification, while others may require the completion of the same state-approved real estate courses.
Though these career paths are similar, commercial real estate agents typically have a far higher earning potential.
If you’re already a real estate agent and you’d like to further your career, becoming a real estate broker includes a higher salary and new job opportunities.
Real estate brokers are the ones hiring new real estate agents. Agents that do not work independently sign up with a broker, but brokers can choose to work independently or begin their own brokerage. Brokerages represent real estate properties and are licensed to manage documents needed for property sales and negotiate sale agreements.
Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to work as an agent for a specified period before you can get a license as a real estate broker. In addition, some states require you to complete additional training courses or pass an examination before they issue you a license.
Real estate developers are one of the most lucrative real estate careers. As a developer, you’re in charge of purchasing land and having residential or commercial real estate properties built on the land. Your job description will include planning and coordinating construction, hiring teams to complete the building, and handling financing for the project.
To become a real estate developer, you’ll need at least a four-year degree in a related field, such as business real estate, architecture, or civil engineering. You’ll also need a healthy knowledge of finances, economics, and the real estate market.
If you’re interested in becoming a real estate developer one day, becoming an assistant can help you further that goal. As a real estate development assistant, you’ll get the opportunity to learn the ropes and learn what you’ll be expected to do as a developer. You’ll assist in many of the same tasks that a developer performs to get jobs done. But, like many real estate jobs, you’ll need first to complete a degree or an approved real estate course in your state.
Another lucrative real estate career is a job as a real estate wholesaler. Wholesalers look for properties with owners who need to sell the property quickly for one reason or another. The property might need serious renovation to sell well, but the property itself may be in a prestigious neighborhood or an area where property values are rising.
Real estate wholesalers then assess the cost of renovations, the profits that could be acquired for completing those renovations and negotiate with the owners to sell. Finally, the wholesaler will take the information they’ve uncovered to investors and earn a cut from the sale of the property or the profits made from the investment.
There are attorneys in nearly every industry, and real estate is no different. Real estate careers are not limited to the selling of properties. If you are interested in becoming a lawyer, you can choose to specialize in real estate.
Real estate attorneys handle legal underwriting, title transfers documentations, and other details. They also work directly with clients purchasing or selling their homes to ensure that the sales are completed legally and aid in transaction processes. Becoming a real estate lawyer requires extensive education, including a Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctor Degree, and successfully passing the LSAT and bar exams.
Real estate appraisers are another type of real estate job that works on selling or purchasing a property. Appraisers help determine the value of commercial and residential properties, including how location and the property’s unique characteristics impact that value.
If you’re interested in becoming a real estate appraiser, you will first need to complete a basic appraiser education course approved by your state. These hours are generally about 75 hours long. Additionally, you will need to pass a state exam and have knowledge of economics and finance.