Many people get their real estate license in the hopes of becoming an agent. This plan doesn’t always work out for everyone. Some people get into real estate and then find they hate it. They might hate the time it takes to build up clients or hate the competition. The more people that get their license, the more professionals in the career they must compete against to sell homes. This means working even harder to obtain and maintain clients. If you’re in the real estate field, you might find yourself feeling the same way. The great news is you can change your whole career without feeling like you wasted your time and money on your license. Many jobs that aren’t directly real estate still require you have a license.
1. Marketing Managers
Salary Range: Bottom 25% earn $97,710. Median annual salary $141,490. Top 25% earn $185,320 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 6% by 2029 (faster than average)
Marketing managers develop, implement, and execute marketing plans for an organization. This attracts new customers while retaining old ones. Daily responsibilities involve managing and coordinating with staff, research, and consulting with media and advertisement agencies. Depending on the size of the agency, they might oversee one area, but others might manage an entire area. This career requires long hours during holidays and weekends. Traditionally, they’ll work a standard 9-5 or 8-5 business hours. However, there may be times when they need to come in earlier or leave later.
Transferable Skills:
- Analytic skills
- Communication skills
- Creativity
- Knowledge of social media and trends
- IT skills
2. Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $14,000. Median annual salary $58,650. Top 10% earn $142,000 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 3% by 2029 (as fast as average)
Appraisers evaluate a property’s estimated value before it’s sold, taxed, mortgaged, developed, or insured. As an appraiser, you will take note of the building’s structure like renovations, roof issues, or problems with the foundation. You’ll note the characteristics of the surrounding area if it has parks, a noisy highway, or a high crime. After you visit the property, you will analyze and compare it to homes in the area, if it has income potential, prior appraisals, location, and view. Many assessors work for local governments on property tax assessments. Some use mass appraisal techniques using computer systems. They will also keep a detailed record of every property in their jurisdiction.
Transferable Skills:
- IT skills
- Organizational skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Time management skills
- Analytic skills
- Customer service skills
3. Public Relations Specialists
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $36,000. Median annual salary $62,810. Top 10% earn $112,260 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 7% by 2029 (faster than average)
Public relations specialists interact with the public on behalf of an entity. You’ll often see celebrities use these in times of scandal. However, any company, business, government, or politician will have one. A PR specialist’s job is to reach the public with their client’s message. You will often use media or social media to cultivate and create a certain image. When a PR specialist first begins their career, they will often just collect information on their client’s life or assist in the organization of a press conference. As they progress, they will write press releases and speeches, and coordinate programs.
Transferable Skills:
- Time management skills
- Detail-orientated
- Social media and multimedia knowledge
- Project management experience
- Creativity
- Strong communication and written skills
4. Home Stager
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $20,500. Median annual salary $48,517. Top 10% earn $81,000 as of May 2021
Job Growth: The BLS doesn’t collect data on Home Stager jobs. However, around 34% of realtors use a stager.
Home stagers are responsible for the overall look of a house on the market. Additionally, they will provide information on the property to the buyer. Home stagers will organize and rearrange the furniture in a way that makes the home inviting and warm. The prospective buyer should get a sense of how their house will look when furnished. As a home stager, you will spend a large portion of your time with the lead agent and buyers. You’ll update both on listings and schedule to see the house. While a real estate license isn’t required, you’ll have a much better understanding of the buying and selling process. You’ll also be able to participate in the talks of a sale instead of acting as a middleman for the agent and seller.
Transferable Skills:
- High attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Understanding of real estate
- Creativity
5. Business Broker
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $51,500. Median annual salary $125,928. Top 10% earn $200,000 as of April 2021
Job Growth: 2% (slower than average)
Business brokers work either for a company or themselves and assist in the process of buying small businesses, mainly main street businesses. Brokers work with the buyer to negotiate an ideal price, complete necessary paperwork, and fulfill any licenses or permits that might be required. They’re paid through commission. The commission comes from a percentage of the transactions they assist with or arrange. Some states don’t require a broker to become licensed, but others do.
Transferable Skills:
- Organizational skills
- Detail-orientated
- Social media and marketing skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
6. Real Estate Instructor
Salary Range: Bottom 10% $71,696. Median annual salary $85,986. Top 10% earn $101,533 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 7% by 2028 (as fast as average)
This career will vary based on state requirements. Many states and employers will only require a real estate license with some type of teaching experience. Others will ask you have a degree along with the license. Real estate instructors should come with experience in the field. They should know local and state regulations or laws. As an instructor, you want to have a deep understanding of real estate and contracts too. Your job is to prepare students to take the state license test and teach them how to become successful once they get licensed.
Transferable Skills:
- IT skills
- Detail-orientated
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Public speaking skills
- Strong written communication
7. Foreclosure Specialist
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $30,500. Median annual salary $42,966. Top 10% earn $63,500 as of April 2021
Job Growth: 5% by 2028 (faster than average)
Foreclosure specialists deal with a foreclosed property. You’ll work with property owners to check their documents related to the foreclosure. These documents may include insurance policies, appraisals, liens, or inspection reports. Sometimes, you may encounter an error in a document, and you’ll work to resolve it. You’ll communicate with the proper channel like an insurance company, lender, or municipal court. The job is heavy on paperwork and confidential documents. You’ll be required to file paperwork, meet deadlines, review a client’s financial history, and verify signatures.
Transferable Skills:
- Detail-oriented
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- IT skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Patience
- Multitasking skills
- Strong knowledge of the banking industry rules and regulations
8. Airbnb Leasing/Selling Agent
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $36,700. Median annual salary $57,820. Top 10% earn $94,330 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 7% by 2028 (as fast as average)
This career is more based on the freelanced side of things. It combines your knowledge of buying and selling real estate but with Airbnbs. You can potentially buy the property to rent it out and collect a commission or you can sell the house at a higher value. Those who choose to rent out properties will be responsible for explaining the lease terms and dealing with any complaints from tenants. You may also be responsible for collecting the rent. Some take the second route to let potential buyers stay a few nights, up to a week in the home before buying it. You must know of any HOAs, zoning laws, or regulations for the town before you jump right in and do this.
Transferable Skills:
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Patience
- Organizational skills
- Customer service/sales skills
- IT skills
9. Real Estate Developer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $24,000. Median annual salary $78,166. Top 10% earn $128,000 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 12% by 2022 (as fast as average)
Real estate developers acquire land or property for corporations or investment firms. They work with other brokers, organizations, or other developers to negotiate deals. As a real estate developer, you may write reports on appraisals, market forecasts, or statical data for the expansion of a company. You might specialize in residential, commercial, or industrial property development. This job requires you to work long hours, travel, and consult with many people from different organizations.
Transferable Skills:
- Problem-solving skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytic skills
- Communication skills
- Project management experience
10. Real Estate Investor or Entrepreneur
Salary Range: Bottom 25% earn $40,000. Median annual salary $118,112. Top 10% earn $139,500 to $400,000 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 7% by 2028 (faster than average)
Those in this field invest passively or actively in real estate. This can mean buying a property and making repairs to then sell it for a profit. It can involve buying investment properties to generate income for the long term. The job comes with heavy financial risk. You may buy a piece of land and it fails to sell for the asking price or at all. Those who want to go into this career need to consider that it costs quite a bit of money to purchase the land or property and mustn’t purchase it without research.
Transferable Skills:
- Customer service skills
- Listening skills
- Communication skills
- Extensive real estate knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the job options for retired realtors?
Many retired realtors find themselves in various customer service roles because of their communication and customer service skills. You will find them in sales associate roles, customer service representatives, or sales reps. Some stay in the real estate realm and become property managers or teach real estate classes.
What are some second jobs for real estate agents?
There are dozens of jobs similar to real estate. You may decide to get a part-time job as a sales associate or teach classes part-time. You may even decide to start real estate investing or write about your experiences. Some even write for real estate blogs. Agents might decide to help out other agents with staging, marketing, or take up contracting!
What are some non-traditional real estate careers?
People may find themselves with a license but don’t enjoy selling houses. There are a few non-traditional real estate careers that you can venture into with your license. You can become a recruiter for other real estate agents, a real estate attorney (for those who want to go to higher education), or a house flipper. You may settle into the jobs listed above or a job in customer service.
Final Thoughts
We often find ourselves on our chosen career path, but we aren’t happy. We don’t have to live unhappily and can make changes to our lives. Change can be scary, especially when it’s your livelihood. You don’t have to feel like you wasted your life training for a license because it’s versatile enough to get a job in a similar path, and many do require it. If you’re thinking of changing your career, consider some of the jobs listed above to see if they’re a good fit.
