Is a Career in Real Estate Investment Trusts Right for You? (15 In-Demand Jobs in Real Estate: Highest Paying and Entry-Level Opportunities)

Absolutely! A career in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) is a promising pathway. If you are driven, have a robust network, and possess skills in sales and marketing, the real estate sector offers numerous exciting opportunities. The industry encompasses various roles that leverage different skills based on your interests and strengths.

Professionals in the real estate market play a vital role in facilitating significant transactions that often transform lives. Joining this field allows you to pursue a fulfilling career where you empower clients with essential information to make informed decisions.

Explore these 11 promising job roles in Real Estate Investment Trusts:

1. Community Development Manager Jobs (Overview)

2. Property Manager Jobs (Overview)

3. Real Estate Attorney Jobs (Overview)

4. Lease Administrator Jobs (Overview)

5. Appraiser Jobs (Overview)

6. Compliance Specialist Jobs (Overview)

7. Escrow Officer Jobs (Overview)

8. Foreclosure Specialist Jobs (Overview)

9. Real Estate Agent Jobs (Overview)

10. Title Examiner Jobs (Overview)

11. Real Estate Consultant Jobs (Overview)

Top 7 Highest-Paying Jobs in Real Estate

The real estate sector is closely intertwined with the financial industry. Most homebuyers require a mortgage, necessitating real estate professionals to possess a solid understanding of financial services like brokerage, loan processing, underwriting, and more. Consequently, careers in real estate tend to be lucrative yet highly competitive.

Here are some of the highest-paying jobs in real estate:

1. Commercial Real Estate Broker

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Commercial real estate brokers specialize in guiding clients through the intricate process of buying, selling, or leasing commercial properties, including office spaces and retail locations. Their primary role is to act as intermediaries between landlords and tenants, ensuring smooth negotiations and transactions.

2. Community Development Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $67,000

   Community development managers focus on economic and social development within specific communities, aiding individuals and families in improving their quality of life. They liaise with local authorities, social services, and community members to foster change.

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3. Property Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $48,000

   Property managers oversee the day-to-day operations of real estate properties, handling tasks like rent collection, maintenance coordination, and tenant relations. Their compensation often includes a percentage of the property’s monthly rental income, plus additional management and maintenance fees.

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4. Mortgage Loan Officer

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Mortgage loan officers assist clients in securing the right mortgage for their property purchases. They guide borrowers through the application and approval process, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate. Compensation typically includes a percentage of the total loan amount.

5. Real Estate Attorney

   Average Annual Salary: $84,000

   Real estate attorneys provide legal advice and services related to property transactions, ensuring clients navigate the complexities of real estate law. They are responsible for preparing and reviewing contracts, documents, and facilitating successful closings.

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6. Lease Administrator

   Average Annual Salary: $54,000

   Lease administrators manage all aspects of lease agreements, from drafting new leases to overseeing existing contracts. They must remain organized and up-to-date with technology to track lease data efficiently.

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7. Real Estate Zoning Manager

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Real estate zoning managers oversee site development and ensure compliance with local zoning regulations during property transactions. This role often involves coordination with government agencies and requires strong project management skills.

8 Entry-Level Jobs in Real Estate

Many individuals are drawn to real estate careers because entering the field is relatively straightforward. Compared to other professions with similar earnings potential, pursuing a career in real estate can be more accessible, often requiring just a real estate license rather than a college degree.

1. Appraiser

   Average Annual Salary: $55,000

   Appraisers assess the value of real estate properties, requiring site visits and office work. While some positions may necessitate a bachelor’s degree, licensure and certification are often the primary requirements.

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2. Compliance Specialist

   Average Annual Salary: $59,000

   Compliance specialists ensure that real estate transactions adhere to local regulations, which can vary significantly. Staying updated on these regulations is crucial for guiding clients effectively.

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3. Escrow Officer

   Average Annual Salary: $45,000

   Escrow officers facilitate real estate transactions as neutral parties, ensuring that all contractual terms are fulfilled. They manage funds, documents, and communicate critical deadlines to all parties involved in the transaction.

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4. Foreclosure Specialist

   Average Annual Salary: $45,000

   Foreclosure specialists manage the foreclosure process for properties, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations throughout the process.

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5. Residential Real Estate Broker

   Average Annual Salary: N/A

   Residential brokers assist clients in buying and selling homes, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and managing all associated paperwork. This role demands strong knowledge of the housing market.

6. Real Estate Agent

   Average Annual Salary: $93,000

   Real estate agents work under brokers and are responsible for client-facing tasks, including property listings and negotiations. Though a college degree isn’t required, agents must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a license.

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7. Title Examiner

   Average Annual Salary: $48,000

   Title examiners investigate property titles and public records to identify any legal issues that may affect property sales. They conduct extensive research and often do not need a college degree.

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8. Real Estate Consultant

   Average Annual Salary: $94,000

   Real estate consultants provide strategic advice to clients, particularly in commercial real estate, conducting market research to inform investment decisions.

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Why Pursue a Career in Real Estate?

Real estate appeals to individuals from diverse backgrounds for various reasons. If you’ve ever engaged in a property transaction, you’ve likely interacted with real estate professionals. Here are compelling reasons to consider a career in this field:

• Rewarding Experience: If you are passionate about real estate, you’ll enjoy assisting clients with significant purchases, making the work fulfilling.

• Diverse Career Paths: Gaining experience in real estate opens doors to various career opportunities, from property management to investment.

• Flexible Schedule: Many real estate professionals enjoy the freedom to set their own schedules, allowing for a better work-life balance.

• Financial Potential: Numerous roles in real estate offer commission-based pay, leading to significant earning potential.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Real Estate

Successful real estate professionals possess skills in marketing, sales, and customer relations. While a degree is not mandatory for many roles, it can enhance competitiveness. Here are some key points regarding education and certification:

• No Degree Required: While not mandatory, a degree in business, finance, or a related field can provide a competitive edge.

• Real Estate Degrees: Some institutions offer specialized real estate programs, equipping students with essential knowledge for the industry.

• Licensing: To practice as a real estate agent, you must obtain a license in your state, which often requires completing specific coursework and passing an exam.

What Do Real Estate Professionals Do?

Real estate agents and brokers assist clients with buying, selling, and renting properties. They typically earn commissions from transactions, which can lead to substantial incomes. Working in real estate can be gratifying and financially rewarding, but it demands hard work, competitiveness, and dedication.

While many associate real estate careers with becoming an agent or broker, numerous other opportunities exist that do not require these roles. This versatility makes real estate a dynamic and appealing career path for many.

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.