More Than Just Sales: Multiple Career Paths With a Real Estate License

Did you know that becoming a real estate agent is but one of many viable career paths made possible with a license in real estate?

These lesser-discussed career choices may not grab the spotlight or headlines as often as your local neighborhood home-selling superstar, but depending on your unique skills and personality, they may actually suit you better than the traditional sales agent role.

With that in mind, let's explore your possibilities together!

1. Mortgage Broker

If you're a natural matchmaker with an affinity for finance, then a career as a mortgage broker may be a perfect fit for you. These professionals act as intermediaries, connecting borrowers with lenders, and making the dream of owning a property possible for many. As a mortgage broker, you research an array of loan options to find the best mortgage rates and terms for your clients, while assisting them with applications and managing the process right through to closing. This career path brings satisfaction, knowing the pivotal role you play in helping people make one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives.

Even for those with a real estate license, additional education and licensing specific to becoming a mortgage broker would be required.

2. Property Manager

If ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of properties gets you excited, then consider becoming a property manager. They're in charge of overseeing rental properties and making sure that landlords and tenants are satisfied.

Some of their responsibilities include:

• Marketing vacancies

• Signing leases

• Collecting rent

• Handling maintenance and repairs

The educational requirements for property managers can vary by state, but most employers will look very favorably on those with a real estate license. Additional certification, while not usually mandatory, will be sought by those in this career as a matter of continuing education.

3. Real Estate Appraiser

The detail-oriented will find this role right up their alley. Real estate appraisers estimate the value of properties for sales, leases, mortgages, and tax assessments. Here, your analytical skills will give you an edge. Communication skills will also be required as you provide written reports to support your findings.

While a real estate license will provide a great foundation for you, additional education and certification are required to become a real estate appraiser.

4. Real Estate Investor

A Real Estate Investor is a savvy individual proficient in identifying profitable property investments. They leverage their understanding of market patterns and financial trends to invest in a diverse portfolio, including residential, commercial, or industrial properties. Their engagements extend to numerous facets of the real estate sector, such as individual sellers or buyers, businesses, brokers, and more.

While some investors may hold a business or finance degree, others rely on industry experience and investment acumen. Irrespective of educational background, expertise in financial planning and market analysis is crucial. Licenses or certifications in real estate can further bolster credibility.

5. Land Developer

Love building things from the ground up? Land developers purchase large parcels of land, divide them into smaller plots, improve those plots through grading, and installing utilities, and then sell them for a profit.

Managing a development project from start to finish requires a range of skills and knowledge, such as:

• Organization and leadership

• Negotiation

• Financial analysis

• Knowledge of local laws and regulations

• Vision and creativity

• Risk assessment

Education requirements, which can vary greatly depending on the specific aspects of land development you want to undertake, usually include a bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus a mix of additional graduate-level education, experience, and certification.

6. Leasing Consultant

If you're a people person, dive into a role as a leasing consultant. You'll be helping people find their dream apartments or homes to rent, walking them through the leasing process, and ensuring all their needs are met.

Skills and knowledge needed include:

• Customer service

• Sales

• Communication

• Negotiation

• Organization

• Fair housing laws and regulations

The need for a real estate license will vary by state but will always be looked at as a plus. The same is true for those holding a college degree.

7. Foreclosure Specialist

For those with an affinity for real estate and problem-solving, the work of a foreclosure specialist is a perfect blend of these interests. In this role, you will utilize your expertise to manage and resolve cases of mortgage default, helping homeowners navigate what they might view as a complex and stressful process.

Educational prerequisites can fluctuate depending on the state. However, a high school diploma is the consistent minimum requirement. Many employers may also require a real estate license or professional certification in foreclosure and some amount of related experience. You should refer to your local real estate authority or governing body to verify eligibility requirements.

8. Commercial Real Estate Agent

In this career path, you'll deal with commercial rather than residential properties — think office buildings, retail spaces, and more. It's a different ball game with larger transactions, but equally rewarding!

The education and licensure requirements start off the same as for someone on track to become a residential real estate agent. But once licensed, most wannabe commercial real estate agents pursue further education, experience, and certification specific to the world of commercial real estate.

Which Real Estate Career Path 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 you can take to see which of the many jobs in the industry best matches your unique skill set. Stop by to take the quiz, then stick around to explore Aceable Real Estate School's entire Real Estate Career Resource Center. There are loads of helpful insights and information to help you in your real estate career.

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