New career in 2025?
By : J. David Chapman/December 26, 2024
Are you considering a new career in the new year? How about real estate? When people think of real estate careers, sales often come to mind. Agents and brokers dominate the public perception of the industry, but real estate offers a wide variety of career paths for those with different interests and skills. If you’re considering a career in real estate, here are some options to explore beyond the traditional sales role.
Property Management. Property managers oversee residential or commercial properties, ensuring they are well-maintained, leased, and profitable. This role requires strong organizational skills and knowledge of tenant-landlord laws. Property management is one of the fastest-growing careers in real estate.
Development. Developers are the visionaries who transform land or existing buildings into profitable ventures. They collaborate with architects, contractors, and city planners to create projects ranging from single-family homes to large commercial spaces. This role requires significant patience and persistence.
Appraisal. Appraisers determine the market value of properties, which is crucial for buyers, sellers, lenders, and investors. This career requires certification, offers opportunities to work independently or with firms, and involves highly detailed work.
Urban Planning. Urban planners work for local governments, private firms, or nonprofit organizations to plan the development of communities. They focus on zoning, sustainability, and growth management, shaping cities and towns for the future. This career is gaining importance as affordable housing and density issues plague cities.
Real Estate Law. Attorneys specializing in real estate help clients navigate property transactions, zoning disputes, and lease agreements. A law degree and expertise in real estate regulations are essential for this role.
Investment. Investors buy, sell, or lease properties to generate income. This path requires financial acumen, market knowledge, and the ability to assess risks and opportunities.
Construction and Renovation. These fields involve creating or upgrading properties. From project management to design, professionals in this area often have backgrounds in engineering, architecture, or trades.
Real Estate Marketing and Analysis. The rise of digital platforms has created demand for specialists in real estate marketing, proptech, and analysis. Professionals in this niche focus on promoting properties, improving user experience, and utilizing data to predict market trends and profitability.
The real estate industry is vast and offers opportunities for creative thinkers, analytical minds, and hands-on professionals alike. By exploring these diverse roles, you can find a fulfilling career that aligns with your interests and strengths.
J. David Chapman, Ph.D., is Professor of Finance & Real Estate at the University of Central Oklahoma (jchapman7@uco.edu).