Real estate and property management positions are varied and usually readily available, though they are sometimes subject to swings in the housing market. A candidate looking for property career opportunities should be aware of such swings when searching for a job. Real estate agents, property managers, maintenance personnel, and property lawyers are almost always in demand, meaning job security is relatively high regardless of swings in the market. The different property career opportunities available to a particular job candidate will vary according to his or her qualifications. Some jobs may require little or no education, while others will require a college education and/or relevant job experience.
A real estate agent is a person who sells various properties and handles all relevant documentation or money that goes along with the sale. These property career opportunities require a person to have at least a high school education, in addition to specific job training. Agent training programs are available to train the potential employee how to be successful in the industry; specific certifications may also need to be earned before a person can work in this field. Real estate agents usually work on commission, which means they make money when a house sells.
Other property career opportunities may include maintenance personnel and groundskeeping. The level of education for such positions can vary. Groundskeepers may be required to earn college degrees in horticulture or related fields, though some may need no degrees at all but only relevant job experience. Maintenance personnel positions do not usually require any specific level of education; these property career opportunities are considered low- or entry-level, and they usually do not pay as well as other careers. Some maintenance positions require highly skilled workers, however, and these tend to pay better and offer health or retirement benefits. A sprinkler fitter, for example, must be trained in sprinkler system installation and maintenance, so this job tends to pay better.
Lawyers and accountants may work in property careers as well. Lawyers can deal with property transactions and contracts, as well as foreclosures or other actions pertinent to the real estate field. Accountants may work for banks or other financial institutions to examine loans and loan applications. Adjustments to mortgages may be facilitated by bank employees or accountants with specific knowledge of real estate mortgages and contracts. Other positions at financial institutions, such as mortgage adjusters, may deal exclusively with real estate and property.
