Real estate is an exciting industry. I’ve met some of the most enthusiastic and driven people, many of whom are now lifelong friends. But what I love most is that the market is always changing. It really keeps you on your toes! When most people think about transitioning to a career in real estate, however, the first thing that comes to mind is becoming a licensed real estate agent. With all the education and licensing requirements, however, that can seem quite daunting. Many don’t realize that you can actually work in real estate without a license in most states. In fact, a quick scan of the online job boards shows the range of opportunities.

Jobs in Real Estate: No License Required!

From marketing, to contract management, and even investing, real estate is a multi-faceted industry with lots of opportunities. If you are intrigued by real estate and looking for a career path that doesn’t require the cumbersome process of getting a license, there are still lots of avenues that you can pursue. Let’s take a look at a few opportunities that you may wish to consider.

Real Estate Courier

This is an hourly entry-level position that is perfect for getting to know the ropes of the local real estate industry. You will be assisting deal-writing real estate agents with some of their time-consuming tasks that require a lot of running around town. Some of the activities include delivering and setting up marketing boxes, lock boxes, and brochures at different properties. You’ll also maintain inventory of the various equipment and may be required to take photos of new properties or even take the brokerage’s vehicles in for an oil change. Every day will be different and you will come across professionals at every organizational level, which can help you get to know how the industry works and decide which direction you’d like to pursue within the real estate industry.

Real Estate Assistant

If you enjoy multi-tasking in a fast-paced office environment, this might be the job for you. You’ll need a strong administrative and organizational skill set to handle all of the tasks that go into getting a property listed and closing a deal. You will handle all of the pre-listing activities such as scheduling listing presentations, creating property data sheets, gathering listing paperwork, and inputting information into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). In addition, you will make sure that every party involved in the transaction dots their “I”s and crosses their “T”s by distributing contracts and ensuring that they are signed and executed on time. Ssalaries tend to range from $35,000 to $45,000 per year.

Marketing Assistant

Marketing is a mission-critical task for brokers and agents—and they often don’t have the time or expertise to manage it all. In Chicago, this support role generally pays an annual salary of around $39,000—with opportunities for bonuses—and involves creatively reaching out to a network of past and potential clients online and via traditional marketing channels. Some of the day-to-day duties you may oversee include managing website content and social media accounts or creating advertising campaigns and marketing collateral. You may even be involved in event planning for open houses and company outreach projects. Some brokerages may require a background in marketing, but others are more concerned with your proven social media expertise.

Leasing Agent/Consultant

This is a high-demand role right now. The requirements that companies lay out for leasing agents vary pretty widely, with some looking for someone who wants to break into the real estate industry and others requiring a college degree and/or some industry experience. In some states, leasing agents must be licensed, but many companies will hire and sponsor you during the current 120-day grace period so you can see if the position is right for you. The crux of the job is to prospect and qualify potential residents. Then, you’ll typically oversee the process of sealing the deal on a lease contract. You may also be in charge of various marketing and resident retention campaigns as well as policy-setting activities. Some companies pay an annual salary while others compensate their leasing agents strictly on a compensation basis, so you could earn anywhere from $25,000 to $85,000 per year.

Real Estate Investor

Yes, it’s possible to jump right into the real estate industry and be your own boss—no experience or licensing necessary in many states! Be sure and consult with your local real estate attorney so that you are in compliance with your state’s real estate laws. The sky’s the limit when it comes to your annual earnings. Real estate investors come from all walks of life and professional backgrounds, translating their unique skill sets into a new career. Some new investors try to go it alone when starting their business, but with a HomeVestors® franchise, you have access to all of the resources, marketing tools for investors, and support to find success right from the start.

Investing in Real Estate—and Yourself

For many, the easiest and most sure-fire way to get your real estate career off the ground is by becoming a HomeVestors® franchisee. HomeVestors® is the leading real estate investing franchise in the nation and company-wide, we have invested in purchasing over 140,000 houses to rehab and resell since 1996. Franchisees benefit from solid training, proven tools, and resources to help make confident business decisions, and continuous hands-on mentoring from a seasoned Development Agent who knows the market in your area. If you are considering making a career move into real estate, give HomeVestors® a call today to find out more.

Each franchise office is independently owned and operated.