Real Estate Career Paths

69 Questions

What is required to work as a Real Estate Agent?

In-depth knowledge of the local real estate market

What is essential for a real estate investor to avoid costly errors?

Familiarity with housing laws and financial metrics

What is the primary responsibility of a property manager?

Managing tenants and properties

What is a key skill required for a real estate investor?

All of the above

What type of real estate investment involves buying and renting homes for short-term rental?

Vacation rental investing

What is the role of a leasing agent?

Focusing on leasing vacant units in a property

What is a key task for a property manager?

Managing tenants and collecting rent

What type of real estate agent focuses on businesses and income-producing properties?

Commercial real estate agent

What is the primary role of a real estate referral agent?

Referring clients to other agents

What is the primary responsibility of a managing broker?

Supervising agents and overseeing transactions

What is required to become a real estate broker?

Real estate salesperson's license, time in the field, broker prelicensing, and continuing education

Why is a real estate referral agent a good career choice for those nearing retirement?

Because it allows for a flexible schedule and passive income

What is the average income of a Real Estate Coach or Trainer?

$61,900

What is the primary role of a Home Stager?

To make homes appealing to potential buyers

What is the primary skill required for a Real Estate Coach or Trainer?

Mentoring and leadership

What is the primary responsibility of a Title Examiner?

To examine historical property records and report findings

What is the primary skill required for a Home Stager?

Art and design

What is the career growth rate for a Real Estate Coach or Trainer?

20%, above average

What is the primary goal of a Real Estate Investor?

To locate and evaluate income-producing properties

What is the primary task of a real estate appraiser?

Determining property value for homebuyers

What is a key characteristic of a real estate assistant's job?

Handling confidential documents

What is the role of a general contractor?

Coordinating construction projects and supervising crews

What is a common task of a real estate assistant?

Executing direct mail campaigns

What is a requirement for working as a general contractor?

Contractor's license

What is a key skill required for a real estate appraiser?

Analytical thinking

What is a primary skill required for a General Contractor?

Time and project management

What type of software is used by Architects to create designs?

Computer-aided design (CAD)

What is the primary role of a Real Estate Photographer?

To capture properties' interior and exterior aesthetics

What is a key aspect of a Land Developer's job?

Planning the layout of raw land

What is a key skill for a General Contractor?

Math

What is a benefit of a Real Estate Photographer's career?

A flexible schedule and work environment

What is a crucial skill required for a Real Estate Attorney?

Negotiation skills

What is a primary responsibility of a Real Estate Writer?

Creating content for online and print publications

What is a common requirement for many real estate careers?

A real estate license

What is a key aspect of a Real Estate Attorney's job?

Drafting documents for property transactions

What is a commonality among many real estate careers?

Strong analytical skills

What is the primary role of a home inspector?

To inspect properties for home buyers as part of a real estate purchase agreement

What is required to become a home inspector?

An apprenticeship and 60 to 140 hours of home inspection education

What is the role of a mortgage broker or loan officer?

To gather information and guide buyers and investors through getting a mortgage

What is the primary task of a real estate marketing manager?

To plan and execute projects to generate buyer and seller leads

What skill is required for a real estate marketing manager?

Graphic design, wordsmith, and data analysis

What is the median income of a mortgage broker or loan officer?

$65,740

What is the career growth rate for a home inspector?

-2%, declining

What is the median income of a real estate marketing manager?

$138,730

What is the primary responsibility of a mortgage broker?

To find the best mortgage rates and programs for clients

What is the primary responsibility of a Notary Public?

Verifying identification and witnessing signatures on documents

What is a requirement for becoming a Land Surveyor?

Four years of work experience and a bachelor's degree

What is the average full-time income of a Notary Public?

$41,419

What skill is essential for a Land Surveyor?

Physical stamina and visualization

What is a benefit of being a Notary Public?

Flexible work or a side job in real estate

What is the career growth rate for Land Surveyors?

5%, above average

As a real estate agent, you’ll engage in listing, marketing, and selling ______.

properties

You also need in-depth knowledge of the local real estate ______ and trends.

market

Referral agents make a large sum of money by ______ people in their network to competent agents

referring

A home stager’s skills include ______, strong aesthetics, decorating, design, technology, and software.

art

Real estate investors need to assess ______-generating properties and REITs.

income

Leasing agents are licensed ______ agents who work under a property management company or real estate brokerage.

real estate

Commercial property investment focuses on ______ and residential complexes.

businesses

A real estate ______ assesses property values for lenders, banks, government agencies, and property owners independently or with an appraisal company.

appraiser

A ______ estate assistant requires administrative skills in this fast-paced career.

real

As a ______ contractor, you coordinate and oversee large and small construction projects, from kitchen renovation to entire residential and commercial subdivisions.

general

A notary public verifies the ______ of clients signing essential documents.

identification

Land surveyors determine ______ lines and mark their boundaries.

property

Architects use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create __________.

blueprints

You will also work with general contractors and oversee commercial, residential, and industrial project ______.

constructions

A Real Estate Attorney will advise homebuyers, sellers, and ______.

businesses

Home inspectors occasionally inspect properties for _______________ before selling their houses.

homeowners

A Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer gathers information and guides _______________ and investors through getting a mortgage to purchase properties.

buyers

A Real Estate Marketing Manager plans and executes projects to generate _______________ and seller leads and promote real estate agents, teams, and brokerage brands.

buyer

Study Notes

Real Estate Career Paths

There are many real estate career paths to consider, with or without a real estate license.

1. Real Estate Agent

Median income: $49,980
Career growth: 3%, average
Duties: listing, marketing, and selling properties, working with clients
Requirements: high school or equivalent, prelicensing courses, and exam
Skills: communication, preparing and interpreting legal documents, sales, marketing, software platforms, state and federal laws, and finance

2. Real Estate Referral Agent

Average income: $60,750
Career growth: 3%, average
Duties: referring clients to other agents, generating leads, and earning referral fees
Requirements: high school or equivalent, real estate prelicensing, and continuing education
Skills: networking, lead generation, strong communication, real estate market knowledge, and persuasion

3. Real Estate Broker

Median income: $62,190
Career growth: 3%, average
Duties: managing agents, listing and selling properties, and handling business development
Requirements: high school or equivalent, real estate salesperson's license, broker prelicensing, and continuing education
Skills: management, business development, marketing, communication, understanding contracts and laws, finance, and negotiation

4. Real Estate Coaches & Trainers

Average income: $61,900
Career growth: 20%, above average
Duties: providing education, mentoring, and support to real estate professionals
Requirements: coaching certification, counseling degree, and subject matter expertise
Skills: mentoring, supporting, training, communication, and leadership

5. Home Stager

Median income: $61,590
Career growth: 4%, average
Duties: arranging furniture and decorations to make homes appealing to potential buyers
Requirements: home staging course
Skills: art, strong aesthetics, decorating, design, technology, and software

6. Title Examiner

Median income: $50,490
Career growth: 0.22%, below average
Duties: examining property records, researching deeds, and identifying potential issues
Requirements: high school or equivalent
Skills: detail-oriented, meticulous research, and real estate deed laws

7. Real Estate Investor

Average income: $82,794
Career growth: 3%, average
Duties: locating and evaluating income-producing properties, managing investments
Requirements: none, but knowledge of real estate, finance, and business development is essential
Skills: strong knowledge of real estate, finance, business development, property valuation, negotiating, property management, and investments

8. Property Manager

Median income: $60,670
Career growth: 5%, above average
Duties: managing properties, handling rentals, and coordinating maintenance
Requirements: high school diploma, property management certification or license, or real estate broker license
Skills: negotiation, project management, technology, real estate laws, and communication

9. Leasing Agent

Average income: $85,793
Career growth: 3%, average
Duties: leasing vacant units, showing properties, and drafting rental agreements
Requirements: high school or equivalent, real estate agent or broker prelicensing, and real estate license
Skills: management, business development, marketing, communication, understanding contracts and laws, finance, and negotiation

10. Real Estate Appraiser

Median income: $61,560
Career growth: 5%, above average
Duties: gathering property data, creating reports, and determining fair market value
Requirements: bachelor's degree, 75 appraiser credit hours, state licensing education, and licensing exam
Skills: math, detail-oriented, research, and analytical thinking

11. Real Estate Assistant

Median income: $44,080
Career growth: -10%, declining
Duties: handling administrative tasks, assisting agents, and generating leads
Requirements: high school or equivalent
Skills: office administration, technology, real estate knowledge, basic math, communication, and multitasking

12. General Contractor

Median income: $101,480
Career growth: 5%, above average
Duties: coordinating and overseeing construction projects, estimating costs, and supervising crews
Requirements: high school or trade school diploma, apprenticeships, and contractor's license
Skills: time and project management, math, reading blueprints, carpentry, supervisory, and people skills

13. Architect

Median income: $82,840
Career growth: 5%, above average
Duties: designing and managing projects, creating blueprints, and overseeing construction
Requirements: bachelor's degree, three-year internship, architect prelicensing, and exam
Skills: technical design, computer-aided design (CAD), math, creating and reading blueprints, building and construction, math, legal, problem-solving, communication, and drawing

14. Real Estate Photographer

Median income: $40,170
Career growth: 4%, average
Duties: taking pictures and creating virtual tours, editing photos, and working with agents
Requirements: high school or equivalent and on-the-job training
Skills: technology, photography, design, and camera equipment

15. Land Developer

Average income: $118,528
Career growth: 3%, below average
Duties: designing and arranging land development projects, working with general contractors, and overseeing construction
Requirements: none, but knowledge of real estate, finance, and business development is essential
Skills: design, project management, finance, business development, and real estate laws### Real Estate Careers
A Land Developer needs a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or business, and skills in finance, accounting, real estate, people and project management, building and construction, and zoning laws.
A Real Estate Attorney requires a Juris Doctor (J.D.), prelicensing law education, state exam, and licensure, with skills in critical thinking, negotiation, writing, complex problem solving, extensive reading, research, analytical, detail-oriented, and persuasive communication.
A Real Estate Writer needs a Bachelor's degree, is subject matter expert, and real estate or broker licensing, with skills in writing, editing, spelling, grammar, outlining, analytical thinking, teamwork, and meeting deadlines.
A Home Inspector requires an apprenticeship and 60 to 140 hours of home inspection education, with skills in communication, meeting deadlines, and having a background in trades.
A Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer needs a high school diploma (Bachelor's preferred), 20-hour prelicensing education, and licensing exam, with skills in problem-solving, interpersonal, critical thinking, and understanding laws and regulations.
A Real Estate Marketing Manager requires a Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, English, graphic design, art, or MBA, with skills in attention to detail, creativity, graphic design, wordsmith, technology, data analysis, project management, communication, and curiosity.
A Notary Public requires notary education and state exam, with skills in understanding deeds and legal documents, computer literacy, and people skills.
A Land Surveyor needs a Bachelor's degree, surveyor licensing, and four years of work experience, with skills in detail-oriented, communication, physical stamina, visualization, problem-solving, and communication.

Requirements and Statistics

Land Developer: no real estate license required
Real Estate Attorney: no real estate license required
Real Estate Writer: real estate license preferred
Home Inspector: no real estate license required, but home inspection certification is required
Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer: no real estate license required
Real Estate Marketing Manager: no real estate license required
Notary Public: no real estate license required
Land Surveyor: no real estate license required

Career Statistics

Land Developer: median income $135,740, career growth 8%
Real Estate Attorney: median income $135,740, career growth 8%
Real Estate Writer: average income $54,289, career growth 4%
Home Inspector: median income $64,480, career growth -2%
Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer: median income $65,740, career growth 3%
Real Estate Marketing Manager: median income $138,730, career growth 6%
Notary Public: average full-time income $41,419, career growth 7%
Land Surveyor: median income $63,080, career growth 5%

Real Estate Career Paths

There are many real estate career paths to consider, with or without a real estate license.

1. Real Estate Agent

Median income: $49,980
Career growth: 3%, average
Duties: listing, marketing, and selling properties, working with clients
Requirements: high school or equivalent, prelicensing courses, and exam
Skills: communication, preparing and interpreting legal documents, sales, marketing, software platforms, state and federal laws, and finance

2. Real Estate Referral Agent

Average income: $60,750
Career growth: 3%, average
Duties: referring clients to other agents, generating leads, and earning referral fees
Requirements: high school or equivalent, real estate prelicensing, and continuing education
Skills: networking, lead generation, strong communication, real estate market knowledge, and persuasion

3. Real Estate Broker

Median income: $62,190
Career growth: 3%, average
Duties: managing agents, listing and selling properties, and handling business development
Requirements: high school or equivalent, real estate salesperson's license, broker prelicensing, and continuing education
Skills: management, business development, marketing, communication, understanding contracts and laws, finance, and negotiation

4. Real Estate Coaches & Trainers

Average income: $61,900
Career growth: 20%, above average
Duties: providing education, mentoring, and support to real estate professionals
Requirements: coaching certification, counseling degree, and subject matter expertise
Skills: mentoring, supporting, training, communication, and leadership

5. Home Stager

Median income: $61,590
Career growth: 4%, average
Duties: arranging furniture and decorations to make homes appealing to potential buyers
Requirements: home staging course
Skills: art, strong aesthetics, decorating, design, technology, and software

6. Title Examiner

Median income: $50,490
Career growth: 0.22%, below average
Duties: examining property records, researching deeds, and identifying potential issues
Requirements: high school or equivalent
Skills: detail-oriented, meticulous research, and real estate deed laws

7. Real Estate Investor

Average income: $82,794
Career growth: 3%, average
Duties: locating and evaluating income-producing properties, managing investments
Requirements: none, but knowledge of real estate, finance, and business development is essential
Skills: strong knowledge of real estate, finance, business development, property valuation, negotiating, property management, and investments

8. Property Manager

Median income: $60,670
Career growth: 5%, above average
Duties: managing properties, handling rentals, and coordinating maintenance
Requirements: high school diploma, property management certification or license, or real estate broker license
Skills: negotiation, project management, technology, real estate laws, and communication

9. Leasing Agent

Average income: $85,793
Career growth: 3%, average
Duties: leasing vacant units, showing properties, and drafting rental agreements
Requirements: high school or equivalent, real estate agent or broker prelicensing, and real estate license
Skills: management, business development, marketing, communication, understanding contracts and laws, finance, and negotiation

10. Real Estate Appraiser

Median income: $61,560
Career growth: 5%, above average
Duties: gathering property data, creating reports, and determining fair market value
Requirements: bachelor's degree, 75 appraiser credit hours, state licensing education, and licensing exam
Skills: math, detail-oriented, research, and analytical thinking

11. Real Estate Assistant

Median income: $44,080
Career growth: -10%, declining
Duties: handling administrative tasks, assisting agents, and generating leads
Requirements: high school or equivalent
Skills: office administration, technology, real estate knowledge, basic math, communication, and multitasking

12. General Contractor

Median income: $101,480
Career growth: 5%, above average
Duties: coordinating and overseeing construction projects, estimating costs, and supervising crews
Requirements: high school or trade school diploma, apprenticeships, and contractor's license
Skills: time and project management, math, reading blueprints, carpentry, supervisory, and people skills

13. Architect

Median income: $82,840
Career growth: 5%, above average
Duties: designing and managing projects, creating blueprints, and overseeing construction
Requirements: bachelor's degree, three-year internship, architect prelicensing, and exam
Skills: technical design, computer-aided design (CAD), math, creating and reading blueprints, building and construction, math, legal, problem-solving, communication, and drawing

14. Real Estate Photographer

Median income: $40,170
Career growth: 4%, average
Duties: taking pictures and creating virtual tours, editing photos, and working with agents
Requirements: high school or equivalent and on-the-job training
Skills: technology, photography, design, and camera equipment

15. Land Developer

Average income: $118,528
Career growth: 3%, below average
Duties: designing and arranging land development projects, working with general contractors, and overseeing construction
Requirements: none, but knowledge of real estate, finance, and business development is essential
Skills: design, project management, finance, business development, and real estate laws### Real Estate Careers
A Land Developer needs a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or business, and skills in finance, accounting, real estate, people and project management, building and construction, and zoning laws.
A Real Estate Attorney requires a Juris Doctor (J.D.), prelicensing law education, state exam, and licensure, with skills in critical thinking, negotiation, writing, complex problem solving, extensive reading, research, analytical, detail-oriented, and persuasive communication.
A Real Estate Writer needs a Bachelor's degree, is subject matter expert, and real estate or broker licensing, with skills in writing, editing, spelling, grammar, outlining, analytical thinking, teamwork, and meeting deadlines.
A Home Inspector requires an apprenticeship and 60 to 140 hours of home inspection education, with skills in communication, meeting deadlines, and having a background in trades.
A Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer needs a high school diploma (Bachelor's preferred), 20-hour prelicensing education, and licensing exam, with skills in problem-solving, interpersonal, critical thinking, and understanding laws and regulations.
A Real Estate Marketing Manager requires a Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, English, graphic design, art, or MBA, with skills in attention to detail, creativity, graphic design, wordsmith, technology, data analysis, project management, communication, and curiosity.
A Notary Public requires notary education and state exam, with skills in understanding deeds and legal documents, computer literacy, and people skills.
A Land Surveyor needs a Bachelor's degree, surveyor licensing, and four years of work experience, with skills in detail-oriented, communication, physical stamina, visualization, problem-solving, and communication.

Requirements and Statistics

Land Developer: no real estate license required
Real Estate Attorney: no real estate license required
Real Estate Writer: real estate license preferred
Home Inspector: no real estate license required, but home inspection certification is required
Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer: no real estate license required
Real Estate Marketing Manager: no real estate license required
Notary Public: no real estate license required
Land Surveyor: no real estate license required

Career Statistics

Land Developer: median income $135,740, career growth 8%
Real Estate Attorney: median income $135,740, career growth 8%
Real Estate Writer: average income $54,289, career growth 4%
Home Inspector: median income $64,480, career growth -2%
Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer: median income $65,740, career growth 3%
Real Estate Marketing Manager: median income $138,730, career growth 6%
Notary Public: average full-time income $41,419, career growth 7%
Land Surveyor: median income $63,080, career growth 5%

Explore the various career paths available in real estate, including agents, brokers, inspectors, and more, with or without a license.

Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards

Convert your notes into interactive study material.