Is it time to consider a career change? With the New Year coming, you’re not the only one reassessing your career options and wondering if you can find a way to enjoy more independence and greater financial rewards at your job. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to upgrade your skills and open new career opportunities is by getting a real estate license.
These are some of the careers that become options when you earn your real estate license.
1. Home Inspector
Before someone sells or buys a home, they generally have it inspected. Getting a home inspection done before you buy can help buyers avoid major issues with the construction or condition.
2. Real Estate Agent
One of the most common professions taken up after earning a real estate license is real estate agent. They work for home buyers and sellers and earn a commission on deals once they close. However, there’s more to becoming a real estate agent than just houses. You can deal with rental properties or commercial and industrial leases and purchases.
3. Real Estate Appraiser
A real estate appraiser estimates the value of a property and establishes its market value. They help sellers determine a fair starting price and they are often required by mortgage lenders before approving the buyer’s loan. They look for factors that could affect a property’s value, including estimated time on the market and entry from a private road.
4. Real Estate Investor
Real estate is an important alternative asset that more and more investors are considering instead of bonds. Real estate investing involves speculation, income properties, REITs, and more.
5. Mortgage Broker
A mortgage broker connects home buyers to different mortgage lenders with different rates. They help buyers shop around for the best mortgage and rates. As a mortgage broker, having a real estate license can help you understand the property and your clients.
6. Real Estate Analyst
Real estate analysts provide analysis in support of (or against) financing, marketing, leasing, and acquiring of property. They generally work for real estate companies and developers.
7. Title Closing Agent
A title closing agent completes real estate transactions from sales to mortgage refinancing. They make sure all the transaction details are satisfied before the deal is closed.
8. Loan Underwriter
Loan underwriters determine if a borrower’s loan application is an acceptable risk. They would work for banks and mortgage lenders.
How do you get a real estate license?
The process differs state by state, but generally you must complete a real estate license course and then pass a state-issued real estate license exam. You have several options for courses, including real estate courses online – check out RealEstateU to learn more about affordable real estate courses presented as video lectures. These are video/audio lectures created by real estate professors who practice in their fields. You also get a 200-page downloadable PDF from RealEstateU, something that’s not always required by the state but a very helpful study tool.
You can earn your real estate license online on your own schedule. Fit your education in around your job or your family and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
