Starting a Real Estate Career
Obtaining a real estate license does not obligate you to sell residential real estate only. A real estate license offers an array of great career opportunities. The key to success is finding your niche. This can be selling waterfront condominiums, golf courses homes, commercial warehouses, and new construction communities. Or you can lease and manage property; annual rentals, vacation homes, or commercial office space.
Commercial Brokers
Commercial brokers assist with the sale, leasing, and management of commercial real estate. Commercial broker careers include many specializations. A broker may specialize in retail property, investment property, farmland, businesses, industrial or medical facilities and dozens of other types of property. Some commercial brokers specialize in resort management or assist government agencies with redevelopment of industrial sites or reclamation of land.
Property Management
Once an investment property is purchased or developed, it needs to be managed. The property manager handles the day-to-day operations of a property which includes staffing, contracting for services, repairs, maintenance and leasing. Often property management is a salaried position.
Professional Training
It’s not only required, but it’s important to take continuing education courses for additional professional training to advance to more lucrative real estate career opportunities. Advanced real estate designations include the GRI designation. Earning the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation is a way to stand out to prospective buyers and sellers as a REALTOR® who has gained in-depth knowledge on specific areas of real estate. The GRI symbol is the mark of a real estate professional that has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation.
Real Estate Professional Organizations
The GRI is a National Association of REALTORS® designation. Real estate trade associations and professional organizations provide a wealth of information about specific alternative real estate careers, including training, legislative updates, and industry news. The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the National Property Management Association (NPMA) are invaluable resources for property managers.
“We’re already right in the thick of the most frenzied spring home-buying season on record,” says Javier Vivas, manager of economic research at realtor.com®. The demand for jobs in the real estate business grows daily and there is always a need, especially in growing communities where people are constantly searching for new homes and properties. An alternative real estate career can offer personal and professional rewards.
A real estate license gives you the opportunity for career growth, flexibility, and high earning potential. VanEd provides all of the required coursework and exam prep that you need in order to become a licensed real estate salesperson or broker and continuing education courses in property management, commercial leasing and selling, and the GRI designation.
Authored by Barb Westfall and Renee Macdonald
Barb has been a practicing Broker in Colorado for over 18 years and has been teaching Colorado real estate for 13 years for VanEd. Barb holds a teaching degree and Real Estate Education Certifications. She is a REEA Member.
Renee is a Florida native that made her way to the Rockies. After 25 years as a licensed real estate agent, Renee now is Director of Affiliate Sales for Van Education Center
