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Job outlook for real estate administrative assistants in the United States
Real estate administrative assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected real estate administrative assistant job growth rate is -8% from 2018-2028.
About -286,900 new jobs for real estate administrative assistants are projected over the next decade.
Real estate administrative assistant salaries have increased 12% for real estate administrative assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 765,077 real estate administrative assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 61,168 active real estate administrative assistant job openings in the US.
The average real estate administrative assistant salary is $39,868.
Are real estate administrative assistant jobs in demand?
Real estate administrative assistant job and salary trends over time
Real estate administrative assistant jobs over time
Real estate administrative assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 765,077 | 0.23% |
| 2020 | 775,965 | 0.23% |
| 2019 | 854,354 | 0.26% |
| 2018 | 906,931 | 0.27% |
| 2017 | 943,929 | 0.29% |
Average real estate administrative assistant salary over time
Real estate administrative assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,868 | $19.17 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $38,678 | $18.60 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $37,590 | $18.07 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $36,523 | $17.56 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $35,733 | $17.18 | +2.7% |
Real estate administrative assistant jobs by state
Most common states for real estate administrative assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 265 | 38% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,534 | 22% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 140 | 19% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 550 | 17% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 162 | 17% |
| 6 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 530 | 15% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 196 | 15% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 85 | 14% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 140 | 13% |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 138 | 13% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,000 | 12% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 226 | 12% |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,437 | 11% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 764 | 11% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 690 | 11% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 625 | 11% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 446 | 11% |
| 18 | New York | 19,849,399 | 2,056 | 10% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 533 | 10% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 59 | 10% |
Most common cities for real estate administrative assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highland Park | 4 | 13% | $45,033 |
| 2 | Duluth | 3 | 10% | $32,701 |
| 3 | Bonita Springs | 2 | 4% | $34,011 |
| 4 | Chesterfield | 2 | 4% | $37,082 |
| 5 | Nashua | 2 | 2% | $38,369 |
| 6 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $32,700 |
| 7 | Miami | 4 | 1% | $33,879 |
| 8 | Omaha | 3 | 1% | $38,193 |
| 9 | Orlando | 3 | 1% | $34,118 |
| 10 | Charleston | 2 | 1% | $33,842 |
| 11 | Dayton | 2 | 1% | $34,936 |
| 12 | Chicago | 5 | 0% | $44,817 |
| 13 | Las Vegas | 3 | 0% | $40,055 |
| 14 | New York | 3 | 0% | $46,162 |
| 15 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $32,694 |
| 16 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $37,421 |
| 17 | Raleigh | 2 | 0% | $36,515 |
| 18 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $45,823 |
| 19 | Seattle | 2 | 0% | $45,102 |
Real Estate Administrative Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of real estate administrative assistant experts
Missouri University of Science & Technology
California State University, Northridge
UNC Charlotte
California State University Channel Islands
Ohio University - Lancaster Campus
University of Iowa
College of Charleston
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Dixie State University
Georgia State University
Albright College
West Liberty University
West Virginia State University
Meredith College
Florida State University
University of Alaska Anchorage
National Association of Realtors
The Appraisal Foundation
Christi Patton Luks
Professor (NTT) and Associate Chair for Academic AffairsMissouri University of Science & Technology
Linda & Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Real Estate Administrative Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Christi Patton Luks: I think that the pandemic has proven to everyone that online education can work. I think this will increase the number of undergraduates that want to take a course or two online while they are working on internship or co-op positions and professionals returning to school virtually for additional credentials and training. Some engineering jobs have been moved to work-from-home successfully, but many still need to be on site. Flexibility will continue, however.
What technical skills for a Real Estate Administrative Assistant stand out to employers?
Christi Patton Luks: I've always felt that the most important thing we teach our students is problem-solving skills. The students who can readily relate the theory to their practical experience to develop new solutions are the most valuable. Engineering students that are active on design teams or took advantage of internships and co-ops are in great position for this.
What's a good job out of college for Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Christi Patton Luks: A good job out of college is one that can be adapted to the individual's skills and interests and encourages them to stretch. Frequently, students think they want to work in a particular type of job. Once they have it, they discover that it was not what they thought it would be. Many companies rotate new employees through a variety of positions. Those are great for helping people find their own hidden talents. I know that I have discovered abilities that I would not have even attempted when I was 20.
Ray Calnan Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Real Estate, Director of Learning AssuranceCalifornia State University, Northridge
Department of Business Law
What skills stand out on Real Estate Administrative Assistant resumes?
Ray Calnan Ph.D.: Having a broad knowledge of the market and understanding the changes and requirements of real estate law. Soft skills are very important. Knowing how to communicate, negotiate, and interact with people is important in residential and commercial real estate. Commercial brokers will also require the ability to use high-level quantitative skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Ray Calnan Ph.D.: Residential is mostly focused on communication (not just email and text, but conversation virtually, in-person, and phone). Understanding social media, marketing, virtual tours, etc. Commercial uses these skills in addition to financial analysis, valuation, and market research.
What skills will help Real Estate Administrative Assistants earn the most?
Ray Calnan Ph.D.: Communication and critical thinking will help the most. These skills are what get the opportunity and help you discover how to be successful.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Real Estate Administrative Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Daniel Wright: -Focus on diversity: I am getting a lot of employers calling me for historically underrepresented students (minorities and women) whom they can hire.
-Educated Workforce: There are an ever-increasing number of students coming out of Master's in Real Estate programs, so the demand for higher educated students is increasing.
-Data Analytics: The need for and availability of technology and talent is allowing companies to increase their data analytics.
-Competitive Workforce: The pandemic has provided time for people to pursue a real estate license or real estate degree, so there is likely to be a higher supply of available candidates increasing competition, allowing for potentially lower pay.
-Capital Placement: There is a lot of capital available for placement so there may be an increase of jobs available in private equity and other capital placement type jobs.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Daniel Wright: New graduates will face the issue of in-person mentorship. It will be a challenge for graduates to understand the company culture, observe the key company players, get a sense for the company brand, and have one-on-one help as they start out. The flip side is they may have access to a broader array of people which could prove beneficial. New graduates will have spent a year in the virtual environment, so depending on the company this may be business as usual or the new graduates may find themselves "unpracticed' in social interaction within a professional environment.
There may be a bit of a rude awakening if students were used to hybrid type courses that afforded maximum flexibility and then need to shift to a fixed schedule with their employer.
What's a day at work look like for a Real Estate Administrative Assistant?
Daniel Wright: Everything is fluid so it is hard to tell at this point. Many employers are staying virtual at least through year's end while others are in-person. They will continue to utilize Zoom calls and will need to be proactive to ensure engagement with peers. The environment will require more self-discipline with limited over-the-back managers.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Daniel Wright: -MBA with concentration in real estate or Master's in Real Estate
-Undergraduate degree in finance with real estate major
-CCIM designation
-CRE Designation
-State real estate license with broker designation
-Online course certifications such as Adventures in Commercial Real Estate
-Real estate modeling courses
-Data analytics courses
How have salaries changed over time for Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Daniel Wright: -Real estate companies and transactions have become quite complex overall, so salaries continue to increase reflecting the needed education to make real estate deals successful.
-However, there continues to be a ton of small real estate companies which often pay lower salaries.
What will help Real Estate Administrative Assistants increase their earning potential?
Daniel Wright: Understanding how to leverage technology to have conversations and get work done; being responsible and professional beyond what is expected; working hard; opportunities will not just show up, they will require more intensity and effort.
Amanda Carpenter
DirectorCalifornia State University Channel Islands
Department of Career Development and Alumni Engagement
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Real Estate Administrative Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Amanda Carpenter: -Market competition- We are seeing an increase in the number of applicants per position, making entry-level employment opportunities extremely competitive. New graduates may be competing for positions with professionals who have significantly more work experience. This means, new graduates must stand out in the applicant pool distinguishing strengths and skills related to the position.
-Recruiting strategy- Employers are adjusting their recruiting strategies in response to the pandemic with more recruiters opting to source candidates virtually. In result, candidates need to polish interview skills in a virtual environment and be prepared to interview in 1:1 and group settings virtually. Employers want to see how candidates respond in these challenging situations. Demonstrating resiliency, adaptability, and the ability to pivot are key skills to demonstrate during these times.
-Remote work- a significant increase in remote work positions opening doors for candidates to consider applying for roles outside of their geographical areas to including international and across the United States.
What's a good job out of college for Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Amanda Carpenter: A solid position for a new college graduate offers training, ongoing development, organizational values alignment, and opportunities for professional growth within an organization. Gaining work experience is key and even if a new graduate is not applying for their ideal position. Staying focused on maintaining employment during this time is essential given the competitive market. Working with a staffing agency is a great way for a new graduate to explore career pathways and gain relevant work experience in temporary roles. For those who have seen job offers rescinded, this is a time to establish a career plan and maintain a keen focus on short and long-term career goals. New graduates should establish a career plan with contingency plans and always have backup options.
What technical skills for a Real Estate Administrative Assistant stand out to employers?
Amanda Carpenter: -Data analytics skills are critical technical skills that stand out to employers in today's market. According to NACE (2018), the use of data analytics is projected to have the most significant impact on an organization's operational efficiency and revenue generation.
-Source (NACE): www.naceweb.org
Brandy Bailey
Career CoachOhio University - Lancaster Campus
Student Services, Career Services
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Brandy Bailey: The coronavirus pandemic has changed the job market in many ways. For recent graduates, they should highlight the fact that they have persevered and graduated during this time. It has impacted how they live, work, and go to school for over a year now! Many jobs may be work-from-home or only require employees to go in to the workplace one or a few days a week. There is more flexibility with work schedules, and employers are putting the health and safety of employees first now more than ever before. Today's graduates may be more adaptable to change, appreciate work-life balance, and possess communication skills that allow them to utilize a variety of communication methods, not only in-person, but virtually as well.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Brandy Bailey: Take a look at the job description for which you are applying, what certifications/licenses/courses do they list? If you personally have any of them that are included in the job description, be sure to include them on your resume. Tailoring your resume, including your skills and experiences, to the job description will have the biggest impact on your job prospects. If you have taken a course that the employer deems as necessary to be able to perform the job, list it on your resume and talk about it during your interview. If you are not quite ready to graduate and apply for jobs, you may still have some time to squeeze in a course or experience that will meet the qualifications of a job that you are interested in applying for in the future. Do your research and tailor your resume and experiences to the job you are applying for to increase your job prospects.
What soft skills should all Real Estate Administrative Assistants possess?
Brandy Bailey: Soft skills may vary depending on the employer, industry, and personal opinions. My biggest ones are communication skills, adaptability, self-awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, intercultural competency, creativity or innovation, and time management.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Brian Lai Ph.D.: I think the impact of the pandemic will be around for another year or so as in-person opportunities start to return. For graduates, the disruption in the economy and lack of in-person opportunities in traditional hiring areas (e.g. DC) has made it harder to find opportunities than before the pandemic.
What type of skills will young Real Estate Administrative Assistants need?
Brian Lai Ph.D.: They need to be able to write well, specifically be able to clearly summarize and analyze ideas, policies, and arguments in a succinct manner. They will need at least a working understanding of data analysis techniques, if not some ability to analyze data. In the field of IR, the ability to network and work in a group environment will be important.
What experience really stands out on Real Estate Administrative Assistant resumes?
Brian Lai Ph.D.: Authentic experiences that mirror what they will be doing in a job. So internships in similar kinds of positions or experiential learning opportunities that mirror what positions require you to do.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Jacob Craig Ph.D.: Yes, without question. I graduated with my undergraduate degree in 2008 while the economy was in collapse, and those impacts are still reverberating.
There are some smart people thinking about this right now. Scott Galloway and Fareed Zakaria have both published compelling books about the effects of COVID on the economic trends-including the education industry. Both of those thinkers have influenced my own ideas.
What's clear is that COVID-19 really only accelerated trends that people have been discussing for some time. Education has been shifting online, movie theaters have been dying, brick and mortar retail has been on decline, and the print industry has been in distress for at least 10 years because of consolidation. Aside from the economic impacts of COVID-19 that have affected the job market, there are a few other impacts graduates should consider. But many of these are good news for graduates who can write and learn to write in new forms for new audiences.
What's key for graduates to know is that the job they want still exists. It's just not in the same industry and goes by a different name.
What type of skills will young Real Estate Administrative Assistants need?
Jacob Craig Ph.D.: In school, students are often taught to work by themselves. In some cases, they are even penalized for working with others. In some rare cases, students are asked to do a little group work but only for a short amount of time, at the end of their learning in a class.
The first thing that graduates need to know is that the workplace is nearly opposite from school. Employees, especially professional, technical, and content writer jobs, are more often than not collaborative and teams-based. The added wrinkle is that office culture is unlikely to go back to pre-pandemic occupancy rates.
So graduates need to know is that odds are good that at least part of their job will be remote. And that might be the case for at least part of the time. Announcements from tech, finance, and insurance about their latest work-from-home policies keep making the news. So not only are the chances good that they'll be working in teams, their team members and co-workers won't be in the same room with them. They'll be working collaboratively through writing. This is good news for English graduates. Much of the writing someone in a professional, technical, or content writing job are products meant for public readership. Like press releases that are sent to news outlets. But all of that writing is built on a network of notes, memos, policies, and text threads meant for co-workers. Remote work just means that co-workers will be writing each other more and more often. English graduates who can make texts for public audiences and write effectively to co-workers are positioned to do well.
The second thing that students need to know is how to start and stop writing in the context of someone else's draft. They will rarely begin with a blank screen and end with a finished text.
The third thing is that it's likely small businesses will take some time to bounce back. In those workplace settings, it is likely that an employee will need to have a range of knowledge and skills because their job will combine parts multiple roles. So a copywriter in a small marketing firm might need to also know something about SEO and social analytics and visual design. In larger offices, however, jobs tend to be much more specialized and team-based. So graduates need to be comfortable working in teams where they have an assigned role, and they need to be able to receive work in-process, complete their assigned part, and hand that work off still in-process.
And finally, students need to learn how to learn new technologies. Learn just through documentation, without a human tutorial. Even if employees are exclusively using the Microsoft Suite, it will be used for writing, editing, project management. It will be used to collaborate and present. Depending on where a student studies and what classes they take, those digital pieces might not be a part of their coursework. So, at the very least, students need to know that the workforce will constantly ask them to learn new technologies and new uses for familiar technologies.
What experience really stands out on Real Estate Administrative Assistant resumes?
Jacob Craig Ph.D.: I believe strongly in dexterity and a language of expertise. That means that if a student can show they can adapt to new demands by learning a new way of working, learning about a new audience, learning how to address a new purpose, learning a new genre or style, and learning a new technology, that employee attractive. Especially at the entry-level, the ability to learn and adapt is valuable. Being able to talk about their experience using a persuasive vocabulary is often useful. For instance, if students can describe their approach to communication without using cliches (short and sweet, clear) and something along the lines of purpose, audience, situation, genre, medium--that's persuasive.
Dr. Robert Longwell-Grice EdD
Recruitment & Scholarship CoordinatorUniversity of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Office of Student Services
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Real Estate Administrative Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Robert Longwell-Grice EdD: Despite the pandemic, careers that have direct contact with people continue to be in high demand. these include careers in teaching and social work. they are considered depression-proof careers. given the increased diversity in the USA, adding a second language to any career will be amazingly useful. Two-year degrees will not be seen as useful. If people are seeking post-secondary credits they need to think about a specific trade certificate, or a four-year degree.
What Real Estate Administrative Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Robert Longwell-Grice EdD: Most colleges want to see a gap year that is connected to making the world a better place. An internship or a job with a non-profit can be life changing for ones personal development, and ones career. These can be local with an agency in ones community, or national with an agency like City Year or Americorps. Gap years should focus on 'soft skills' where possible so working with the public is ideal. Having said that, any job will give young people valuable experience. My gap year included driving a taxi in Dubuque, Iowa. Boy did I learn a lot about working with people!
What general advice would you give to a Real Estate Administrative Assistant?
Dr. Robert Longwell-Grice EdD: 1) Assume your first job won't be your last one. It is very common to change jobs/careers/employers; 2) Be a life-long learner. Earn additional credentials/degrees. Attend workshops in your field; 3) Educate yourself about issues of diversity. The world is a diverse place. Your ability to be comfortable with diverse populations will be welcomed by any employer.
Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.
Department Chair and Associate Professor of EnglishDixie State University
English Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Real Estate Administrative Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.: There will be a lot more jobs that have telecommute options or requirements. Perhaps the office will never fully go away, but the pandemic has shown employers just how effective and cost-saving it can be to have people work from home. It saves money on things like office space and travel reimbursements. We'll see an increase in purely work-from-home jobs, but the biggest change will be the morphing of jobs into hybrid telecommute positions, where employees will still need to physically be in the office at times, but a good chunk of their work will be completed at home.
What skills stand out on Real Estate Administrative Assistant resumes?
Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.: Writing skills have always been valued by employers, but anything that shows an ability to write, produce, or communicate in digital spaces will stand out. While employers are becoming increasingly comfortable having employees work and collaborate digitally (from home or elsewhere), they may still be reluctant to train employees how to do that. They want to see evidence that applicants will know how to use technology and stay productive without extensive training and without a supervisor having to stand behind them. That isn't to say training won't take place, but employers want to use their valuable time and resources training employees on their own systems, policies, and procedures; they don't want to have to show new-hires how to use Zoom, how to format a memo, how to write an email, or how to co-edit a document using OneDrive.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Real Estate Administrative Assistants to find work opportunities?
Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.: The great thing about a degree in English is that graduates can find work anywhere: teaching, freelance writing, technical writing, content production, editing, reporting-you name it. There are ample jobs in small towns and large cities in all of these areas. English degrees are also highly valued in a variety of jobs-such as sales, public relations, marketing, and paralegal work-because employers know these applicants, from day one, will have strong skills in writing, communication, critical thinking, and creative thinking.
What skills stand out on Real Estate Administrative Assistant resumes?
Lynn McKee: From entry-level grads, employers are looking for hard skills, like Argus certification, proven Excel skills and CoStar proficiency. Some experience from internships is also important to get a grad over the "no CRE experience" hurdle.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Real Estate Administrative Assistants to find work opportunities?
Lynn McKee: We believe the most promising job markets will be the growth markets of the Southeast and Southwest (Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Austin, etc...). These markets are positioned to receive company and population relocations out of the extensive coastal markets as companies disperse their workforce and talent pools. Real estate demand and therefore job opportunities will follow this relocation pattern. More difficult markets will be these large coastal markets (New York, San Francisco, Boston, Washington, LA, etc...) which have existing deep pools of real estate talent but potentially diminishing real estate demand and therefore job opportunities.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Real Estate Administrative Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Lynn McKee: The job market was very active in 2019 and early 2020 and then shut down in March as the pandemic spread. Many employers laid off employees, particularly junior level analysts and associates for lack of work and budgetary constraints. We are now seeing these employers starting to rehire the laid off employees and considering new employees.
We've seen the number of job postings increase and a few grads from last year have received offers in late 2020 and so far in 2021. However, our entry level grads must often compete with laid off analysts and associates which already have a few years of experience under their belt. This makes for a still challenging job market for entry level grads. We expect this dynamic to improve as the pandemic wanes, the economy comes back and companies decide to grow to meet future investment opportunities as the year progresses.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Guillaume de Syon Ph.D.: In the short term, yes, partly because the learning varied in coverage and sometimes quality. Compressed courses may have included the same objectives as regular, semester-long ones, but reading and writing had to be rescaled. Even courses running a regular semester were affected by distance learning.
Furthermore, internships and other campus jobs were frozen, thus affecting income, but also experience the graduates could share with potential employers. It is too soon to tell how much more of an impact the pandemic will have, but the fact that it will have affected at least two college years will prompt a reevaluation of the campus experience.
What type of skills will young Real Estate Administrative Assistants need?
Guillaume de Syon Ph.D.: The same as the ones they needed before. Employers want a combination of experience as well as writing and reading capacities. There may even be a greater need for decent writing, as the shift to online has affected the workforce. On the positive side, successfully negotiating the pandemic conditions could be considered a sign of adaptability.
What experience really stands out on Real Estate Administrative Assistant resumes?
Guillaume de Syon Ph.D.: It all depends on the job one seeks, but longer service with one employer suggests stability. Adding an internship or two, even short ones (e.g. from summer) reveals openness of mind. This is important in the case of a humanities degree. Employers welcome these, but do want to see that the applicant has put their skills to work. Finally, stressing one's technical skills in various programs or generic software is good, even if acquired on the go (who knew of "Zoom" before the pandemic?). It also points to adaptability, especially when starting in an office at the entry level.
Dr. Darrin Cox
Professor of HistoryWest Liberty University
College of Liberal Arts
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Real Estate Administrative Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Darrin Cox: The need for adaptability. Companies are going to focus more on hiring people with a wide array of skills and abilities that provide them the kind of adaptability needed for the modern workspace. It's one of the reasons why I think humanities and social science degrees will be in more demand in the coming years. At their core, these degrees are about analyzing how we interact in the social world while providing specific training in critical thinking, reasoning, and writing. Basically, employers will be looking for those who are tech savvy, but less so in terms of how to operate specific applications or technology and more so in ways that they can be adapted to best suit the needs of the company.
What Real Estate Administrative Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Darrin Cox: Reading. Then read some more. Read a wide array of materials from multiple perspectives related to your fields of interest and on topics that impact your immediate world. Reading will increase your specific knowledge in these areas, introduce you to competing interpretations, and hopefully stimulate critical thinking as you reconcile new information and perspectives into your own conclusions. Oh, and then read some more. Did I mention you should read?
What general advice would you give to a Real Estate Administrative Assistant?
Dr. Darrin Cox: Be open to new opportunities and be patient. Degrees in the humanities and social sciences don't just open a single door to a specific job like some others might. They open a wider array of doors that may not be as clearly defined in a recruiter's job placement or headspace. Remember, STEM fields might experience more initial salary, but overall they experience slower salary growth and higher attrition rates than those in the humanities and social sciences. Indeed, people specializing in degrees that train "soft skills" (like history) actually end up earning more than all other degrees on average, due in part to being able to slide more deftly into other positions because their skill set hasn't become obsolete as technology changed.*
*Nytimes
Anne McConnell Ph.D.
ProfessorWest Virginia State University
English Department
What general advice would you give to a Real Estate Administrative Assistant?
Anne McConnell Ph.D.: I would say it's important to be very attentive to the way you communicate with your employers, managers, and co-workers. Even sending an e-mail can be an opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism and communication skills. Some people think that no one knows how to write anymore, or how to communicate in a professional way. I don't think that's true. But we don't always think about how our writing can be a tool to communicate our competence and seriousness. If you know how to write and communicate professionally-which college grads do-then make sure to demonstrate that in the workplace.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Real Estate Administrative Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Anne McConnell Ph.D.: While we all hope and expect life to get 'back to normal' at some point, we also live in a new reality now. Some of the adaptations we have made in order to work during the pandemic might indeed stick around. I think employers want to hire someone who can be flexible and productive in a variety of environments. Can you work at home and manage your schedule and workload if you're not 'coming to an office' every day? Are you an independent worker who can meet goals without a lot of hand-holding? Are your communication skills strong?
I don't have much to say about potential job trends, but I do think that employers understand that, no matter the job, they need people who have strong critical thinking and communication skills. English majors are prepared to do that, and I know of English graduates who have been hired in a variety of fields, specifically because they are strong writers and thinkers.
What Real Estate Administrative Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Anne McConnell Ph.D.: I would encourage someone taking a gap year to branch out, seeking work experiences and employment situations that expose them to new skills and allow them to interact with a diverse set of people. Sometimes we find ourselves in a bubble-communicating with the same people, who tend to share the same ideas-and a gap year provides the opportunity to extend beyond that. Employers value employees who have open, flexible minds, and seeking out experiences that demonstrate that openness can be helpful.
What type of skills will young Real Estate Administrative Assistants need?
Angela Robbins Ph.D.: History majors are in high demand in government, business, and non-profits because of the knowledge and skills they gain in the classroom. History majors, in particular, are especially good at contextualizing-that is, explaining how an event or discussion fits within the big picture. This includes how things that are going on today-such as the Capitol riot on January 6-connects to the Constitution, the balance of powers, the way democracy works, and related issues such as the implications of propaganda and misinformation. This goes well beyond merely expressing an opinion or debating two sides of an issue. Students of history do their research and practice skills of analysis, collecting and scrutinizing evidence rather than taking something at face value or only relying on a single source. We take sources apart to evaluate the credentials of their creators and search for bias. We examine sources from various creators so we take into account multiple experiences and points of view. Then we synthesize-or bring the sources together-in order to communicate what it all means. These skills are desired by employers and translate well into many careers and work environments. Seeking good evidence to answer questions and solve problems, whether that's in the classroom today or working with clients later, is a skill that employers highly value.
Students are practicing other skills that are necessary to success in the workplace, whether that will be in person or online. Time management, seeing a project through from start to finish, hosting and contributing to meetings, working on a team-whether it's two people or ten-and creating appropriate types of presentations to communicate ideas are all things our students can tell their employers they will come in with so they can hit the ground running. In addition, our majors develop self-awareness, empathy, and an appreciation of diverse opinions and approaches to problems through investigation of the life experiences of historical figures and their classroom discussions with classmates. Certainly, every employer wants you to learn the specifics within their sector, but these skills are fairly universal and will benefit majors as they move from the classroom to career.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Angela Robbins Ph.D.: That has yet to be seen, but WFH is here to stay in many sectors. This crisis has had many negative effects, both short term and long term, on workers. We are a women's college, so how this crisis has affected women in the workplace is particularly salient. For some, WFH has been an option and also a positive, because they have kept their jobs while practicing safety measures. But women with young children at home have been the most negatively affected as they try to balance work and family commitments, particularly when children can't be in school or day care. Some mothers have had to give up their jobs because of these conditions. More moms than dads have walked away from their jobs to care for their children, often because moms earn less and also because society expects women to put child care above career aspirations. So the normal mechanisms which, when in place, allow women to pursue the same career opportunities as men but, when missing, make it nearly impossible for women to pursue their career goals, threaten the gains women have made as professionals over the past couple of generations. That's another alarming aspect of this crisis.
Women in the service sector have been hit the hardest, perhaps keeping their jobs, but without the flexibility to work from home and stay safe and keep their families safe. This shines a spotlight on how many working women are in low-paying jobs and viewed as somehow dispensable and essential at the same time, which is not the focus of this feature but is a critical discussion about compensation and worker rights in America. It also impresses upon college women how a college education not only improves their future earnings potential-which is something we have traditionally emphasized-but also offers them a degree of job security. This crisis drives home the reality that, if it's at all possible to stay in college now, it will pay off in the long run. We are witnessing this in real time, so it's not just an idea about what might be. The evidence is in front of us. But for these future working moms to be able to keep their careers on track, we have to do a better job with child care, flexible work schedules, and pay equity, too. This is something that feminists have emphasized for generations.
What experience really stands out on Real Estate Administrative Assistant resumes?
Angela Robbins Ph.D.: History majors-and in fact, all students in the Humanities-practice skills in the classroom which have real-world, job performance implications, as laid out above. In my experience, students need to do a better job of communicating on their resumes what exactly those skills are so they do stand out. Job-seekers might list critical thinking skills, leadership skills, and the ability to work on a team on their resumes, for example, but for them to be able to point to specific examples from their classes and projects, and to be able to talk about those in interviews, is especially valuable. Internships also really stand out, because employers want to know that students have practiced these skills outside the classroom and have gained real-world experience, too.
What type of skills will young Real Estate Administrative Assistants need?
Mariya Letdin Ph.D.: Skills needed to enter the workforce have not changed, but I think the emphasis on preparation has increased. The pandemic has made it more challenging to train new hires, and thus graduates with strong analytical skills and some experience (internships, project work) at the time of hire may fair better.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Real Estate Administrative Assistants?
Mariya Letdin Ph.D.: I think there will be an enduring impact on the commercial real estate industry and on the graduates who seek employment in it. First, allocation of capital is shifting between different asset classes and cities as a result of the pandemic. Second, the trajectory of careers may be different for some graduates who are not able to find employment in the sector or city of their choice. Thus, their careers may not be as linear as they would have been.
What experience really stands out on Real Estate Administrative Assistant resumes?
Mariya Letdin Ph.D.: Experience in the area where graduates are seeking employment is, of course, best. That said, any work experience that demonstrates discipline, achievement, and drive to succeed is very valuable.
How do you envision technology impacting Real Estate Administrative Assistants in the next 5 years?
Terry Fields: Technology has been a tool for this field in development, marketing, facilities management, financial analysis, and administration. In the next five years, there will be a continued shift toward electronic signatures and document solutions, artificial intelligence and virtual/augmented reality in marketing, and smart building systems, including sustainability, security, monitoring, and unit amenities. One of the trending topics today is how the COVID-19 pandemic might reshape the landscape for how employees work moving forward and the implications that would have on the commercial and residential industries. If employees can be as productive working remotely as they can in an office, why should companies carry the overhead of commercial leases or assets? Similarly, if people are not tethered to their employer and office location, how might their housing decisions change?
Another popular topic that has been developing, well before the pandemic, is the role of retail property in the rise of e-commerce. Most people agree that retail property has a place in the omnichannel of retailers, but how it looks and functions moving forward will be impacted by the digital space. In the end, people need a place to live, and companies need space to operate, manufacture, store, distribute, and sell goods/services. What that space looks like, how it is owned and operated, and where it is located will shift as technology and the general economy shift. Five years is a short timeline for real estate, but current trends may start the progression toward larger shifts in the industry.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Real Estate Administrative Assistants to find work opportunities?
Terry Fields: One of the wonderful things about working in real estate is that it is literally everywhere. Furthermore, real estate management involves the overseeing of existing real estate assets that require management, despite conditions in the general economy (within reason). Therefore, positions in this industry tend to be less cyclical or location-dependent. The real estate market lags behind the general economy, so real estate growth will tend to follow in areas of job growth, population growth, and the subsequent real estate development to meet the business and housing needs. Over the past several years, development phases have been seen all over the country, including Seattle, Austin, Nashville, and Boston. The industry consistently posts more career availability than candidates, and a graduate that is flexible and able to remain mobile is more likely to see their career progress more quickly and with greater options.
What type of skills will young Real Estate Administrative Assistants need?
Terry Fields: In my experience, the attribute that will dictate the future success of a graduate most accurately is strong emotional intelligence. This has been the case in the past, and it will continue to be critical to the success of real estate managers. Inherent in this skill is the ability to know yourself, to know your audience (clients, co-workers, supervisors, vendors, etc.), and to most effectively deliver communication that is clear, considerate of the audience, and empathetic. Employees that have this skill are better practitioners, better team members, and better leaders. They form stronger relationships, manage conflict more effectively, and grow their circle of influence. In competitive markets, if the "tide goes out," these are the individuals that build a personal reputation and loyalty that make their presence even more critical to the success of the organization.
In addition to emotional intelligence, two hard skills that will benefit young graduates are financial and technical competencies. The ability to comprehend the big picture of their role, expressed in dollars and graphs, will enable them to more effectively communicate with supervisors and correlate their daily activities with the mission and objectives of the organization. Being able to identify trends, variances, correlations, and causations in the spreadsheets will make their work as practitioners more effective and signal to their supervisors the higher level of thinking required for promotions in this industry. Technical competency will also continue to play a critical role in moving forward. Communication and financial skills are often expressed through the use of technical tools, including spreadsheets, virtual communication apps, presentation and design software, and property management and marketing solutions. Graduates with a strong grasp of technology and an ability to quickly learn new systems will be better able to demonstrate and communicate their value in a professional way.
What general advice would you give to a Real Estate Administrative Assistant?
Dr. Jessica Lautz: This is a unique time in the economy. The U.S. is finding new priorities that are important, cooking at home, the value of pets, and the importance of virtual tools. All of these changes come with the growth of new job sectors.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Real Estate Administrative Assistants in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Jessica Lautz: Within the real estate sector, there has been increased growth in virtual tours, virtual listings, and even virtual open houses. Real estate consumers are looking at new ways to explore properties without leaving their homes. These tools are important in finding new ways to do business in this heavy tech world. Changes like these are inevitable moving forward.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Real Estate Administrative Assistants to find work opportunities?
Dave Bunton: There is always a need for appraisers around the country, and no area is necessarily better than the other. It's more about what an aspiring appraiser would like to focus on, whether it be high rises or historic properties.
What general advice would you give to a Real Estate Administrative Assistant?
Dave Bunton: During the pandemic, we've seen an increase in the number of people hoping to join the appraisal profession. This makes sense because appraisal work allows you to work out of your home independently, has flexible hours, and takes advantage of the latest technology. While many industries have had to make these shifts after the pandemic started, appraisers have been working this way for years, and we're pleased that folks looking to start or shift their careers are discovering these benefits in the appraisal profession.
What type of skills will young Real Estate Administrative Assistants need?
Dave Bunton: Appraisers are self-starters and good communicators. They have to be tech-savvy and motivated to solve problems. They also need to be organized and analytical to deliver the end product to their client.