If you're thinking about getting your real estate license, it's probably because you want to help people buy and sell properties. You may not be aware that there are a lot of other careers where a real estate license comes in handy. For example, you can use a real estate license in careers such as marketing, sales, and even investing. You'll use the same industry knowledge you get in real estate school to succeed in the careers listed below.
1. Property Manager
Property managers are the caretakers of investment property. They address maintenance needs and screen tenants. Good analytic skills and a keen eye for detail are useful skills here. It's also important to know local codes and ordinances.
2. Head of Marketing
Real estate companies need to advertise their business and oversee inbound and outbound leads.
"It's a plus for all marketing professionals to understand on a visceral level the business they're promoting," said Wendell Grayson, the Marketing Communication Manager for Peak Corporate Network. "That gives them the right tools to put marketing on the fast track."
3. Head of Sales
Real estate sales executives manage teams of brokers and agents who work under them. They are responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising these teams. They also set sales quotas and evaluate performance.
They often handle high-profile clients, complex sales negotiations, and customer complaints. If you're interested in this role, you'll need to be a "people person" — someone with excellent leadership and communication skills.
“Holding a real estate license has been pivotal... particularly in managing and acquiring short-term rental properties," said Andreis Bergeron, VP of Sales at Airbnb management company Awning.com. "The comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and regulatory nuances that comes with a real estate education has enabled me to make informed decisions that drive our business forward. For instance, my license has equipped me with the skills to analyze property values accurately, negotiate deals effectively, and understand the intricacies of real estate transactions.”
4. Mortgage Broker
Mortgage brokers help individuals negotiate the best deal when getting a mortgage loan. If you are good at negotiating and crunching numbers, and you like to do so from the comfort of home or office, this real estate industry career could be more rewarding than buying and selling properties.
5. Commercial Real Estate Agent
Commercial real estate is a more technical career than buying and selling residential properties. You'll need to know tax laws, ordinances, and business concepts to thrive in this 9-5 career.
You'll also need to have patience. Deals can take much longer in commercial real estate, and there can be any number of moving parts.
“Having my real estate license for over 25 years has helped me serve clients in the commercial sector, mainly in the restaurant and motel business," said Don Chin of Community Realty in Eureka, California. "It’s opened a lot of doors for successful transactions, including a large commercial land sale to KFC, which was my largest single sale to date.”
6. Real Estate Investor
Investors don't fall in love with properties the way traditional buyers do. Instead, they analyze data and select properties that have the biggest potential for profit and cash flow. If you love business and finance, this could be the real estate industry career for you.
Another benefit of being a real estate investor is that it holds a myriad of opportunities. While many people associate the field with “house flippers,” the truth is the field is much bigger than many realize.
Take ranch investor Colter DeVries, AFM, ALC, for example. He is the principal for the aptly named company, Ranch Investor. DeVries helps accredited investors who want to invest in a great western ranch without the burden of management. He uses his education and expertise to simplify ranch investing and ownership.
“While my expertise lies primarily in farm and ranch brokerage, my career has transitioned into investment management," said DeVries. "Like many brokers, I possess a broad understanding of various real estate aspects beyond my specialty. This knowledge is beneficial because the average American has other priorities — they should rely on knowledgeable resources for real estate matters.”
7. Residential or Commercial Appraiser
When someone finances a mortgage loan, the lender requires an appraisal as part of the closing process. Good appraisers have a strong knowledge of the real estate market. Their job is to assess a property’s value by reviewing its unique features. They'll also compare the property to similar ones in the area.
8. Foreclosure Specialist
There is an entire industry devoted to the foreclosure market, which has legal requirements agents must follow. Now that foreclosures are on the rise, this could be a good time to seek a career brokering foreclosures. In this role, you might assist buyers or help people restructure their home mortgages.
Colten Claus is an associate broker at 8z Real Estate in Colorado Springs. He specializes in foreclosures and distressed properties and relies on his education to navigate the challenges of the market.
“The comprehensive education and rigorous licensing process provided me with a deep understanding of real estate laws, market analysis, and negotiation techniques," said Claus. "This knowledge is crucial when dealing with complex foreclosure transactions and ensuring that my clients receive the best possible outcomes.”
9. Leasing Consultant
Leasing consultants help property owners and management companies close rental deals. You'll need sales skills and a keen knowledge of local market conditions to excel in this career.
10. Commercial Leasing Manager
Like a leasing consultant, a commercial leasing manager acts as a go-between to expedite the leasing process for commercial real estate owners. It's a more technical and high-stakes career, though, involving lots of paperwork and the ability to understand complex financial transactions.
Which Real Estate Industry Job Is Right for You?
Aceable wants everyone to find their perfect job in the real estate industry. That's why we've designed a Real Estate Career Quiz. Take it to see which of the many jobs in the industry best matches your unique skill set. Then stick around to explore our Real Estate Career Resource Center. There are loads of helpful insights and information to help you in your real estate career.
Updated 8/9/24