22 Real Estate Career Paths (With or Without a License)
This article is part of a larger series on How to Become a Real Estate Agent.
There are many real estate career paths to consider if you want to work with properties, finances, deeds, and clients seeking to buy or sell real estate. From real estate agents and mortgage brokers to home inspectors and photographers, real estate offers many rewarding career options with or without a real estate license.
Here is a directory of 22 career paths in real estate to consider if you want diverse options from which to choose.
1. Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agent Job Description: As a real estate agent, you’ll engage in listing, marketing, and selling real property. You must be highly organized and work independently, putting in long hours. You also need in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market and trends. You can choose a specialty in this career since there are different types of real estate agents, but it’s not required. Types of Real Estate Agents:
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Duties in a real estate agent career involve touring homes and being a middle person between sellers and buyers, assisting them through the selling process and closing. Real estate is an excellent career choice if you’re looking for a flexible schedule and variety—combining research, estimating property values, and keeping up with real estate trends.
You’ll need prelicensing education approved by your state licensing board and pass the real estate exam to get your real estate license. The state licensing board will do a background check and sometimes fingerprinting. You must complete continuing education classes between license renewal periods to keep your hard-earned license.
The real estate prelicensing education curriculum won’t teach you how to be a great salesperson. However, to be successful in real estate, develop your sales skills by reading books, mentoring or job shadowing experienced agents, and taking classes and professional development courses. Then you need to get out there and put your newly acquired skills into practice so you can become an ace.
If a real estate agent seems like the right career for you, take a look at these articles:
- How to Get a Real Estate License in Every State
- How to Prepare for a Real Estate Job Interview in 7 Steps
- 24 Critical Questions to Ask a Broker in a Real Estate Interview (+ Free Download)
McKissock Learning dashboard (Source: McKissock Learning)
If you need help finding prelicensing courses, we recommend McKissock Learning, which provides real estate education in most states. When preparing to renew your real estate license, McKissock offers continuing education in all 50 states. If you join its CE Plus program, you receive extra benefits like job aids and product and service discounts to grow your business.
2. Real Estate Referral Agent
Real Estate Referral Agent Job Description: If you don’t like selling homes, try a career as a referral agent. It’s one of the few careers similar to a real estate agent that doesn’t require selling. Referral agents are licensed real estate professionals who generate and refer leads for active real estate agents for a slice of the sales commission. Referral fees are typically 25%. You can make a large sum of money in this career without ever stepping foot in a home by referring people in your network to competent agents. Stats:
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Performing in this role requires you to be tech-savvy and have interpersonal skills to connect clients with other agents. A referral agent is one of those related occupations to a real estate agent that is great if you’re nearing retirement or want a side hustle. Generate passive income and maintain your real estate license without being active in the field.
A referral agent is one of the different careers in real estate where you must maintain your real estate license with continuing education. It’s best for real estate agents with a large sphere of influence or willing to develop one. Unless you have a broker’s license, you must operate under the supervision of a real estate broker, just as you would as a real estate agent.
If you want to get a head-start on finding referrals and getting paid as a referral agent, take a look at the following articles:
- Nine Ways to Get Real Estate Referrals & Grow Your Business
- Real Estate Referral Fees & How They Work (+ Free Template & Calculator)
3. Real Estate Broker
Real Estate Broker Job Description: If you’re an experienced real estate agent and want to move up the ladder, upgrade your license to a real estate broker's license. You have many of the same responsibilities as an agent, like listing and selling properties, but you can hire and manage other real estate agents. There are different types of real estate brokers to consider. Types of Real Estate Brokers:
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Upgrading to a real estate broker’s license is an obvious next career path for a real estate agent and an exciting and challenging career move where you can develop more substantial business management acumen. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to work independently from a broker.
If you’re a new agent, you’ll need to work for a few years as a real estate agent before you can apply for a broker’s license. In addition to your current education and field experience, you’ll need prelicensing broker education and pass another state exam.
To be successful as a real estate broker, you must develop business and people management skills as you’ll be responsible for managing a team or whole office of other agents. In addition, your state may require you to get a surety bond to protect you and your agents from misconduct accusations and litigation.
For more information on how to get a broker’s license, pass the exam, and open your brokerage, these articles will get you started:
- How to Become a Real Estate Broker in 6 Steps
- How to Pass the Real Estate Broker Exam in 8 Steps
- Real Estate Broker Salary: How Much Do They Make on Average?
- The 7-Step Guide to Starting a Real Estate Brokerage
4. Real Estate Coaches & Trainers
Real Estate Coaches & Trainers Job Description: If you have a dynamic personality, real estate expertise to share, and love motivating and educating real estate professionals, you’ll find real estate coaching and training very rewarding. As a real estate coach or trainer, you’ll provide education, mentoring, support, and training to real estate professionals. You’ll motivate others to take action, succeed in their careers, and, most importantly, provide accountability for real estate agents to follow their action plans and reach their goals. Stats:
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In this real estate career, you can work with teams, individuals, or entire brokerages. It requires public speaking and presenting to teach your clients, grow your brand, and establish credibility. Many coaches use online platforms with video, audio, phone, and chat for live classes and webinars or prerecorded content and podcasts. Writing books and offering in-field training can be additional tools to support clients.
It is one of the best jobs for real estate agents who love inspiring and teaching others how to achieve their goals. You’ll need strong leadership skills to guide and hold your real estate agents accountable.
5. Home Stager
Home Stager Job Description: As a home stager, you’ll do short-term staging to make the homes appealing to potential buyers. If you’re creative and have strong aesthetics, knowing how to choose complementary colors and arrange furnishings around a focal point, you’ll have fun working with real estate agents and homeowners. Stats:
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You can work with a variety of clients in this artistic field, like homeowners, real estate professionals, television and movie sets, and businesses that need short-term interior design. You may decide to rent or buy some furnishings and decor to stage empty homes or use the homeowner’s existing furnishings.
If you don’t want the overhead of storing items, you can use virtual home staging software to design your room layouts and add virtual furnishings. These look as real as if the rooms were fully decorated and allow you to choose among different styles that complement the type of home.
Many home stagers have taken in-person or online home staging courses, interior design, art, or photography, but you don’t need it if you’re a natural. Working as an apprentice for an experienced home stager is an excellent way to get hands-on experience before starting a business or launching this career.
Here are a few articles offering home staging tips and learning more about virtual home staging:
- Top 9 Home Staging Tips that Guarantee a Quick Sale
- 6 Best Real Estate Virtual Staging Companies 2023
6. Title Examiner
Title Examiner Job Description: Title examination is an excellent career for history buffs and would-be archeologists who love digging into historical property records and examining past property transfers, deeds, liens, and boundaries. Uncover historical ownership disputes, encumbrances, incorrect deed recordings, and anything that can prevent real estate transfer to new owners. Stats:
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To excel in this career, you’ll need meticulous attention to detail and know how to research. Knowing title insurance requirements for your home state is also essential. After unearthing title histories, you will report your findings to the lenders, homebuyers, sellers, real estate agents, and real estate attorneys involved in the home sale.
After the closing, you head over to the local registry of deeds and record the new deed. You must respect confidentiality, be a strong communicator, and be a problem-solver to be successful in this career.
If you want to learn more about what’s needed from homebuyers and sellers at a real estate closing, check out our guide:
7. Real Estate Investor
Real Estate Investor Job Description: To generate income, a real estate investor must locate and evaluate income-producing properties to buy. You must understand real estate financing, calculations, and market trends. Depending on the type of investing you choose to do, you will also need to be familiar with contractors, property managers, attorneys, real estate agents, etc., to assist with properties. Types of Real Estate Investing:
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To be a successful real estate investor, start by gaining in-depth knowledge of the real estate market and learn how to evaluate income-producing properties or read a REIT prospectus. Strong negotiation skills are necessary to bid on potential properties at a price that creates rental income.
It’s helpful if you have experience in project management, business development, and property management because you will do all of these. To avoid trouble, study local, state, and federal housing laws. You’ll need to understand the difference between cash flow and equity and learn about calculations like cap rate, gross rent multiplier (GRM), and return on investment (ROI). That way, you’ll avoid costly mistakes.
Brush up on your real estate financing acumen, like hard money and fix-and-flip loans, commercial real estate financing, and conventional loans, so you can choose the right financing for your project. Getting started is challenging unless you have money to purchase your first investment property or a partner who can provide startup funds.
These guides can get you started to determine if you want to be a successful real estate investor:
- Investing in Real Estate: The 10-Tip Guide for Beginners
- Top 10 Benefits of Investing in Real Estate (+ Possible Cons)
- How to Find Investment Properties for Sale in 5 Ways
- How to Write a Real Estate Investment Business Plan (+ Free Template)
Demo of Roofstock mobile web investing tool (Source: Roofstock)
If you’re looking for investment properties or need help managing your portfolio, Roofstock is a one-stop platform that advertises investment opportunities and provides end-to-end solutions for any size portfolio. Roofstock specializes in turnkey investment properties, so you can start investing in tenant-occupied properties right away. Take a look at their single-family properties to get started today.
8. Property Manager
Property Manager Job Description: Property managers work for investors and landlords to manage everything—from small multi-unit residential properties, apartment complexes, and portfolios of real estate to business and commercial units. You also may be an on-site property manager with staff. The property types can include short-term vacation rentals and residential dwellings for homeowners who are away for an extended period. Stats:
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Property managers must know housing laws and building codes to ensure the safety of tenants and protect the rights of everyone involved. The role best suits individuals who want to add another revenue stream or someone with management experience looking to start a new business.
Your daily responsibilities include managing tenants, writing leases, coordinating property maintenance, paying bills, and outsourcing to subcontractors. Additionally, you must show vacant units to prospective tenants, collect rents, organize move-in and move-out maintenance, and create invoices and reports for property owners.
In most states, property management requires real estate broker prelicensing education and passing a state exam. Some states require certification, property management licensing, and other training. If you don’t have experience managing property, you can gain it by working as an administrative assistant or leasing agent. Property management is challenging but rewarding if you love working with people, project management, and real estate.
We’ve provided these articles about property management and software to help get you started in this real estate career:
- What Does a Property Manager Do & How Much Do They Cost
- 6 Best Property Management Software for Small Business
Doorloop Tenant screening tool (Source: Doorloop)
Doorloop property management software can simplify these tasks and organize your workload. It works for landlords and property managers of every size. Managing tenants and rental properties by providing solutions in one easy-to-use platform that has accounting, leasing, communication, and property management tools for you and your tenants.
9. Leasing Agent
Leasing Agent Job Description: If you’re a real estate agent looking for a niche that provides regular income, becoming a leasing agent might be the best choice. Leasing agents are licensed real estate agents who work under a property management company or real estate brokerage. Instead of sales, you focus on leasing vacant units in a certain property. To make this real estate career, you must know local, state, and federal laws, write rental agreements, and show units. Stats:
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As a leasing agent, you can show and lease all property types or focus only on one type, like residential or commercial real estate. You must be a people person, enjoy negotiating, and be flexible, as you will be the go-to for tenant questions.
This is a good career choice for a licensed real estate professional wanting to work in a niche market or for a property management company. It’s one of those jobs similar to a real estate agent but made easier with a focus on one or a few buildings. Though commissions from rental income are lower than real estate sales, the income is faster since tenants don’t require home inspections and lengthy financing approvals.
If you’re interested in this career, here are some articles that can help you learn more about different types of leases:
- How to Lease Commercial Real Estate: The Ultimate Guide
- How to Find and Lease Retail Space in 6 Steps (+ Checklist)
- How to Find and Lease Office Space in 6 Steps
Advertise vacancies online (Source: TenantCloud)
To find qualified tenants, you will perform background checks and rental history. TenantCloud, an online property management software, is designed to simplify these tasks. TenantCloud handles everything—from listing properties and screening tenant applications to maintenance requests and rent collection. If you’re a property manager that has one or multiple properties, TenantCloud is a necessary tool to save you time and money.
10. Real Estate Appraiser
Real Estate Appraiser Job Description: Your role as a real estate appraiser is to gather property data and create comprehensive reports for homebuyers. These reports will determine the fair market value of the property for new mortgages and refinancing. It’s similar but more in-depth than a comparative market analysis (CMA). Stats:
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As an appraiser, you’ll work for lenders, banks, government agencies, and sometimes property owners who want to know what their homes are worth. If you don’t want to work independently, you can find jobs at appraisal companies.
Your role is to evaluate a few comparable properties (comps) in the region with the subject property, add or subtract valuation points for differences between each, and arrive at a fair market value. You’ll feel at home in this role if you’re an analytical thinker and good at math.
Currently, there is a shortage of real estate appraisers in the United States, so it’s a promising career with low competition—making it easier to find work or start an appraisal business. It’s one of the excellent real estate career paths if you prefer a flexible job with fieldwork and office work.
For more information on becoming a real estate appraiser, check out our articles:
11. Real Estate Assistant
Real Estate Assistant Job Description: You will need administrative skills in this fast-paced career. As a real estate assistant, you can find work with brokerages, teams, or real estate agents. You’ll handle their lead generation and marketing, act as a courier, execute direct mail campaigns, and assist agents with open houses and appointments. Stats:
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This real estate career path requires computer and technology skills, scheduling, lead generation, marketing, and organization. It’s also a customer-facing role for walk-ins and phone calls, so excellent communication and a pleasant demeanor are vital. Real estate assistants handle confidential documents, so they must be organized and discreet.
Real estate assistants who have a real estate license can perform more tasks, so carrying a license typically pays a higher salary. If you have worked as an administrative assistant, this also increases demand for your work. An assistant is a promising real estate career for those who love working in a fast-paced office and can multitask.
This article teach you more about what a real estate assistant does and their role in real estate teams:
ProspectsPlus! targeted mail mapping (Source: ProspectsPLUS!)
An example of software you may encounter in this role can be found at ProspectsPLUS!, which provides direct mailing campaigns and other print materials used by many real estate agents. Using its Map My Mail tool allows you to target an area by geography, demographics, lifestyle, and interest. It guarantees that 92% of your mailings will be delivered.
12. General Contractor
General Contractor Job Description: As a general contractor, you coordinate and oversee large and small construction projects, from kitchen renovation to entire residential and commercial subdivisions. It involves coordinating the delivery of building materials, estimating project scope and costs, and supervising a crew of subcontractors and employees. Stats:
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This career is great if you’re well-organized, detail-oriented, and have excellent communication skills. Being a multitasker and good project manager is essential in the real estate contractor career path since you’ll be in charge of balancing tasks and managing a crew.
It’s compulsory in some states to pass a state contractor licensing exam. Since you’re dealing with electricity, plumbing, and property structures, a license and a lot of experience are critical so you don’t seriously injure yourself or others or damage property.
Before you start a construction project, you must acquire permits from the local building department as well as comply with housing and environmental laws and building codes and regulations. You’ll coordinate with architects to review designs and blueprints, create invoices, and collect payments. You’ll rely on technology and project planning software to simplify your duties.
To learn more about becoming a general contractor, look at our 6 Best Online Contractor License Schools.
13. Architect
Architect Job Description: Architecture is a front-facing role where you will meet with customers, prepare scaled drawings, draft structures and specs, and manage and oversee projects like homes, buildings, and structures. It involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create your blueprints and designs based on input from your clients. In addition to computer-drawn designs, you will need to draft by hand during the conceptual stages of your design. Stats:
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To be successful as an architect, you’ll need proficiency in geometry, algebra, and trigonometry to create sketches and use drafting and design software. It involves calculating probabilities to avoid issues that may arise during construction. Attention to detail is necessary for this career, your designs, people’s safety, and the structure’s stability.
If you’re seeking jobs in real estate other than agent and have the patience, becoming an architect takes about 10 or 11 years. It begins with a five-year bachelor’s degree in architecture, followed by a one- to five-year master’s degree, and includes a three-year paid internship. Architects also need to pass the Architect Registration Examination.
14. Real Estate Photographer
Real Estate Photographer Job Description: In this career, you will take pictures to capture the interior and exterior aesthetics of a property in your photos or videos and virtual tours. To make the images pop, you will use photographic equipment plus strategic lighting to highlight the home's best features. Filters and photo editing software are needed to adjust images during and after your photo shoot. Your real estate agent clients want excellent images and quick turnaround so they can get them uploaded to their online real estate listings and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Stats:
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Launch your real estate photography career by purchasing or renting photography equipment and a high-density resolution (HDR) camera. If you love taking pictures, viewing interior design shows, and pouring over the pages of design books, magazines, and real estate listings, then this is a great career choice for you.
Real estate photography is one of the different careers in real estate where you can still work with homeowners and tour homes. Showcasing properties online depends on great real estate photos, so practice sharpening your skills and this career will offer you a rewarding role in the homeselling process. It provides a flexible schedule and variety, balancing your travel to and from properties and in-office work to upload, edit, and send your photos and videos.
Our real estate photography articles can help you launch your career. They provide tips, editing tools, creating virtual tours, and what to charge your clients:
- Real Estate Photography Pricing, Types & Hiring Guide
- 6 Best Real Estate Photo Editing Software
- How to Create a Virtual Tour for Real Estate in 8 Steps (+ Examples)
15. Land Developer
Land Developer Job Description: This real estate career seeks people who can start with raw land and plan what will be built on it. You will design and arrange where utilities will go and add streets, building lots, and sidewalks to your designs. You will also work with general contractors and oversee the construction of commercial, residential, and industrial projects. When projects are complete, you list and sell them or hire a real estate agent. Stats:
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Real estate land development is a great career choice for individuals interested in zoning laws and regulations, building codes, and design. You need strong people management, financial, business, and analytical skills to succeed in this real estate career.
To start your development project, you’ll rely on municipal, state, and federal laws, including environmental laws, to ensure projects are up to code, and no harm is done to the environment. You’ll coordinate with architects and builders and work closely to see the project to fruition, so it requires being a team player.
There’s no formal education to become a real estate developer. However, most have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, real estate, management, business, accounting, or finance. Many have a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and some states require land developers to have a real estate license.
The first step to becoming a land developer is to find raw land. Check out our guide, How to Buy Land: A Step-by-Step Guide, Types & Pros & Cons.
16. Real Estate Attorney
Real Estate Attorney Job Description: If you want a career as a real estate attorney, your job is to prepare and record deeds, perform title searches, arrange real estate closing documents, settle real estate disputes, write leases and eviction notices, and represent your clients in court. You’ll advise homebuyers, sellers, and businesses and work for banks, lenders, insurance companies, and sometimes real estate agents. Stats:
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Real estate attorney careers require a lot of research, and you must know real estate, local, state, and federal laws to serve your clients best. You may be self-employed or be part of a firm and supervise administrative assistants, paralegals, and sometimes other real estate lawyers in their practice. You’ll draft documents for closings and mortgages. You may also choose to teach law at a college or university.
If you’re ready to start, you’ll need about seven years of education before entering the field. After a four-year bachelor’s degree, before entering law school, earning your J.D. takes another three years. After graduation, you must pass the bar exam to get a license to practice law in your state. In some states, real estate attorneys get a real estate license because they don’t have to meet the prelicensing education requirements.
This is among the real estate career paths that take a long time to become established, but if you like a rigorous education, have strong analytical thinking skills, can persuade and negotiate, and love to do research, this is a career path in real estate worth considering.
Check out these articles for information on issues you may encounter as a real estate attorney:
- Fair Housing Act in Real Estate: Protect Your License & Clients
- RESPA Violations: Definition, Examples & How to Avoid Them
17. Real Estate Writer
Real Estate Writer Job Description: Real estate writing includes freelancers and employees who create content for online and print publications. In this career, you’ll write for homebuyers and sellers, real estate agents, investors, property managers, and other real estate professionals. You can publish your content on agent websites as well as online journals or publications. You also may contribute to print real estate-related publications. Stats:
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As a real estate subject matter expert (SME), you bring your years of experience to the role, which helps inform your readers. You will write informational content, case studies, tips, stories, and resource guides. This real estate career requires strong analytical and writing skills, using technology, word processing, research, teamwork, communication, and the ability to receive and implement feedback on your articles.
Being an SME is not required for a real estate writing career if you have a writing portfolio and have worked in journalism, marketing, as a freelance writer, or blogger, and if you have a background in real estate and writing. Writing is one of the alternative careers for real estate agents if you have real estate knowledge and experience, a proven track record, and can write well.
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18. Home Inspector
Home Inspector Job Description: If you’re exploring careers in real estate besides sales and understand a home’s mechanical functions, a career as a home inspector might be a good fit for you. Home inspectors are hired to inspect properties for homebuyers as part of a real estate purchase agreement. Homeowners occasionally hire inspectors to fix any deferred maintenance before selling their houses. In your home Inspector career, you’ll inspect properties from top to bottom, identifying any mechanical or structural issues that need repair. After the inspection, you’ll prepare a report for your clients, including safety issues and general repairs. Stats:
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As a home inspector, you will inspect what’s visible and accessible, like plumbing, wiring, foundation cracks, water damage, leaky roofs, obvious structural damage, and deferred maintenance. You’ll likely require a specific number of home inspector education hours, which range between 60 and 150, plus complete an apprenticeship under an experienced home inspector, which is mandated by your state.
A licensed home inspector is a solid career option if you have experience in a trade like carpentry, plumbing, or electrical. It’s an excellent career if you enjoy working with people and are meticulous at finding anything that needs to be repaired.
To see the state-by-state requirements to become an inspector and the best inspector schools in the country, read through our articles:
AHIT free sample home inspector webinar (Source: AHIT)
If you’re ready to get your license, check out American Home Inspector Training (AHIT). It provides home inspector prelicensing and continuing education in in-person or online course formats. It also offers exam prep, professional development, and certification courses to further your education and jump-start your career.
19. Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer
Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer Job Description: Mortgage brokers and loan officers are mortgage loan originators (MLO) who gather information and guide buyers and investors through getting a mortgage to purchase properties. Loan originators are bank or lender employees, and a mortgage broker works independently or for a mortgage brokerage. Both assist consumers with completing a loan application, securing financing, and closing on their properties. Stats:
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As a loan officer or mortgage broker, you’ll offer customers the best mortgage rates and programs for their real estate purchase. Mortgage brokers work with multiple lenders or “shop the loan” to find the lowest rates and programs available, and receive a commission from the closing proceeds. In contrast, loan officers are paid a salary from their institution.
This career requires understanding real estate finance, truth in lending, and other banking laws. You’ll gather information from borrowers and check their credit and employment history, assets, debt-to-income (DTI), and determine the property’s loan-to-value (LTV). You must have impeccable customer service skills. It also requires collecting all the necessary information and documentation from buyers to submit it to mortgage underwriters for approval.
A career in real estate finance is an excellent option if you like to work with numbers and experience the joy of helping someone succeed in purchasing real estate. It involves a lot of desk and computer work, and you must be organized. You’ll need to explain the mortgage process and stay on top of loan programs and interest rates so that you can find the best mortgage product for buyers. This will help you build a strong reputation and generate more customers.
If this sounds like a real estate career path up your alley, look at our article, 10 Best Mortgage Lead Generation Ideas, to discover ideas and how to begin to build your career.
20. Real Estate Marketing Manager
Real Estate Marketing Manager Job Description: Real estate marketing managers plan and execute projects to generate buyer and seller leads and promote real estate agent, team, and brokerage brands. In this real estate career, you’ll create and design promotional campaigns and decide on ad placements, such as social media, e-mail, agent websites, television, radio, billboards, and print materials. Stats:
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As a marketing manager, you’ll work independently or have a team to delegate the project’s tasks. If you’re creative, understand what drives buying decisions, are curious, are good with words, and have strong communication skills, this is an excellent career choice. You’ll frequently use technology, graphic design, data analysis, and analytics to create the best marketing message for your real estate agents.
You don’t need a real estate license for this job, but if you have worked as a real estate agent, it can aid in understanding buyers’ and sellers’ mindsets when creating ad campaigns. Your marketing materials must effectively sell your client’s brand and generate leads.
If you’re contemplating alternative jobs for real estate agents or a career in marketing, we have the resources you need to decide if it’s right for you and begin your career. Check out these articles:
- 17 Vital Real Estate Marketing Statistics
- Free Real Estate Marketing Plan, Template & Strategy
- 6 Best Real Estate Marketing Companies in 2023
21. Notary Public
Notary Public Job Description: A notary public, or notary, is an official who is an impartial witness to clients signing essential documents like leases, mortgage documents, and deeds. You are responsible for verifying their identification, witnessing their signatures on the documents, and guaranteeing they are not fraudulent. Stats:
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Some states require you to complete a course and pass a written exam. After that, you’ll need to file official state paperwork and obtain a notary stamp and journal to keep records of all notary activities in case a document is lost, altered, or challenged in court.
Notaries are non-traditional real estate careers for people who want a flexible schedule or a side hustle. This real estate career path is an excellent choice if you’re organized, efficient with paperwork, and detail-oriented. You must know how to read legal documents to communicate complex legalese to signers.
Career options include working independently for a notary company, real estate agency, or financial institution. Many municipal and government agencies have local notaries. You may prefer to work as a traveling notary who goes to people’s homes for document signatures rather than sitting behind a desk.
If becoming a notary sounds like a career path, check out our state-by-state requirements guide on starting 7 Steps on How to Become a Notary in Each State & Own a Notary Business.
22. Land Surveyor
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For a land surveyor career, you need the stamina to walk long distances and work outdoors in all kinds of weather, often on rugged terrain. You must be detail-oriented, have strong communication skills, and have the ability to envision buildings and other structures on the vacant land being surveyed.
Most states require you to work as an apprentice under a licensed surveyor for four years before obtaining a surveyor’s license. The licensing education varies by state, and you must take two exams. There are also continuing education requirements for license renewal.
It may seem like an unusual real estate agent career path. However, surveyors must always locate boundaries, review construction sites, and work on resource extraction projects, and they will therefore stay in demand. It’s a great real estate career if you love working outdoors and have an analytical mindset.
Bottom Line
In this directory, we showed you how to work in real estate without being an agent, in addition to becoming an agent or broker. There are many real estate careers available for those who want to be in the real estate industry with varying amounts of education and experience. Find the one that fits your skills and interests most to begin a successful career.