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Top 10 real estate jobs and who’s hiring

Real estate is a booming industry, so don’t miss out on available job opportunities. Explore our list of the top 10 real estate jobs.

The U.S. real estate sales and brokerage industry grew at an average yearly rate of 2% between 2018 and 2023. It’s a massive industry with plenty of opportunities for those willing to put in the work.

Whether you’re studying real estate or recently graduated, we’ve got you covered. This article will introduce you to the top 10 entry-level real estate jobs, plus companies currently hiring on Handshake.

Is real estate a good career path for you?

Are you considering a career in real estate but aren’t if you’re the ideal candidate? Here’s a quick rundown of the skills and personal attributes needed to succeed:

  • Strong communication skills to interact with clients and negotiate deals
  • Good sales abilities to showcase properties and close deals
  • Financial management skills to understand real estate market trends and opportunities
  • Self-motivation to pursue leads and generate new business
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Attention to detail and problem-solving skills to handle complex transactions and resolve disputes
  • A passion for helping people find their dream homes or invest in profitable properties

Now, let’s talk about the volume of jobs available in the real estate industry. The employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to grow by 5%. Various positions are available, including residential real estate, financial services, and commercial real estate. Some positions can be part-time or full-time, and there are opportunities for advancement and entrepreneurship.

Best degrees for real estate jobs

If you’re considering a career in the real estate industry, several degrees can help you get there, including:

  • Business administration. This degree can prepare you for real estate management, marketing, and finance. Jobs include real estate brokerage manager, assistant property manager, and investment fund manager.
  • Digital marketing. A degree in digital marketing can help promote realty and attract clients interested in home buying. This degree can help you become a successful realtor, marketing specialist, or content strategist.
  • Accounting. This degree can provide a foundation for real estate finance and investment. Jobs include real estate accountant, financial analyst, and real estate investment analyst.
  • Economics. A degree in economics can help you understand real estate market trends and conditions, making you an asset in roles like real estate investor, market analyst, and economist.
  • Architecture or engineering. This degree can provide knowledge of building design and construction, which can be useful in roles like real estate developer, construction manager, and licensed real estate agent.

A degree in one of these fields can give you an advantage and help you stand out among other job candidates.

Industries where you can build a real estate career

In real estate, experience outside the industry can be just as valuable as experience within it. Some industries that offer opportunities to build a successful career in real estate include:

  • Finance. Banks, private equity firms, and investment management companies have real estate investment arms for professionals with real estate experience.
  • Construction. Experience in construction or a related field can provide insight into the building and design of properties.
  • Architecture. An architecture background can provide an understanding of property design, planning, and building laws.
  • Law. Law experience can be useful for those in real estate, including property and contract law.
  • Marketing and advertising. Experience in marketing and advertising can be useful for promoting properties or real estate businesses.

Scroll down for a list of companies hiring on Handshake.

Top 10 entry-level jobs in real estate

Before you rush out and read ALL the job posts and sign up for job alerts, let’s narrow your search. Here are the top 10 entry-level real estate jobs to have on your radar:

1. Real estate agent

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps clients buy, sell, and lease properties. They work with clients to understand their buying or rental needs and use their local real estate market knowledge to find properties.

Median salary: $48,770 per year

Qualifications:

  • At least 18 years old
  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • A certain number of hours of approved real estate education, depending on the state
  • Pass a state licensing exam

Skills:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Marketing and sales skills
  • Knowledge of real estate laws and regulations
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Understanding of local real estate market trends and conditions

2. Real estate assistant

Real estate assistants provide administrative and organizational support to real estate agents, brokers, and property managers. They’re responsible for answering phone calls and emails, scheduling appointments and property showings, preparing documents and reports, and managing client information and records.

Median salary: $41,447 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Familiarity with real estate software and tools
  • Experience in administrative or customer service roles

Skills:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and other common software tools
  • Knowledge of real estate laws and regulations

3. Property management assistant

A property management assistant supports property managers in managing residential, commercial, or industrial properties. They ensure that rental properties are well-maintained, rent is collected on time, and any issues or complaints are addressed promptly.

Median salary: $48,606 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience in administrative or customer service roles
  • Knowledge of property management laws and regulations

Skills:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of property maintenance and repair processes

4. Leasing consultant

A leasing consultant works for property management companies or landlords to help find and screen prospective tenants. They’re responsible for marketing properties, conducting property tours, and managing lease agreements.

Median salary: $47,165 per year

Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with real estate software and tools
  • Sales and marketing experience
  • Knowledge of leasing laws and regulations

Skills:

  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Sales and marketing skills
  • Attention to detail

5. Real estate appraiser trainee

Real estate appraiser trainees work under the supervision of licensed appraisers to learn how to assess the value of properties. They may visit properties, research market data, and analyze factors that affect property values, such as location, condition, and comparable sales.

Median salary: $45,907 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Completion of approved real estate appraiser trainee courses
  • A trainee license from the state licensing board

Skills:

  • Analytical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other common software tools
  • Familiarity with local real estate market trends and conditions

6. Real estate investor

A real estate investor purchases properties with the intent of earning a profit. They may buy properties to rent out, renovate and sell for a profit, or hold onto them for long-term appreciation.

Median salary: $119,731 per year

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of real estate market trends and conditions
  • Financial acumen and investment knowledge
  • Business management skills

Skills:

  • Analytical skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • Familiarity with real estate financing and investment strategies

7. Real estate transaction coordinator

A real estate transaction coordinator assists agents and brokers in managing the tasks and paperwork involved in buying or selling a property. They ensure all necessary documents are completed accurately and on time, schedule inspections and appraisals, and communicate with everyone involved.

Median salary: $46,138 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Familiarity with real estate software and tools
  • Experience in administrative or customer service roles
  • Knowledge of real estate laws and regulations

Skills:

  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Knowledge of real estate transaction processes and procedures

8. Real estate customer service representative

A real estate customer service representative assists clients in buying, selling, or renting properties. They respond to inquiries, provide information about available properties, and assist with the application and lease signing process.

Median salary: $35,984 per year

Qualifications:

  • Experience in customer service or administrative roles
  • Knowledge of real estate laws and regulations

Skills:

  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Understanding of local real estate market trends and conditions

9. Real estate marketing coordinator

A real estate marketing coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns to promote real estate properties. They work with real estate agents and brokers to create marketing plans, design and produce marketing materials, and manage social media and digital marketing campaigns.

Median salary: $60,548 per year

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field
  • Experience in marketing or advertising roles
  • Knowledge of real estate marketing trends and strategies

Skills:

  • Marketing and advertising skills
  • Creativity and design skills
  • Knowledge of social media and digital marketing platforms and strategies
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and other common design software tools

10. Real estate data entry clerk

A real estate data entry clerk enters and manages real estate data. They may work for real estate agencies, title companies, banks, and financial institutions specializing in real estate transactions.

Median salary: $38,331 per year

Qualifications:

  • Proficiency in data entry and computer software
  • Experience in administrative roles

Skills:

  • Strong attention to detail
  • Organizational skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other common software tools

Let Handshake help you find a real estate job

The real estate industry offers various career opportunities for individuals with different skill sets and qualifications. From traditional roles like real estate agents and appraisers to more specialized roles like marketing coordinators and data entry clerks, plenty of jobs are available for those interested in pursuing a real estate career.

If you’re a current student or recent graduate, Handshake can be a valuable resource. Handshake can help you find the perfect job opportunity and launch your career in the real estate industry!

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