Whether for professional growth, work-life balance, or a predictable income, there are many reasons why real estate agents might want a change. If you are one of the 3+ million realtors in the United States and feel ready to explore your options, change doesn’t have to mean starting over.
You can use your real estate license to open doors to other jobs in the industry. Read on to find out if one of these alternative careers for real estate agents is right for you.
Related: How Ryan Ledoda Made His Real Estate Dream a Reality
5 Nontraditional Real Estate Careers for Agents
Apartment Locator
Salary range: $80,000-$150,000
Job description:
Similar to a real estate agent, apartment locators search listings, set up showings, and negotiate terms for clients. The difference is that this work is done for renters instead of buyers.
Apartment locators work for a brokerage, often an apartment locating company, or as an independent contractor to connect suitable tenants with available rentals. Property management companies contract with apartment locators to keep building vacancy rates low.
Renters love to work with apartment locators to unload the stress and time of finding a great apartment with a free service.
What makes it a good option for real estate agents:
Becoming an apartment locator can be a great way to supplement unpredictable real-estate commissions in buy/sell, especially at a time when more people are choosing to rent than buy.
Apartment locators and real estate agents also employ similar skill sets to find success, so this alternative career feels like an easy transition for most agents with experience. Even without experience, apartment locating comes with a relatively low barrier to entry. AptAmigo, for instance, hires locators with varying levels of real estate experience and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Consider starting your career as an apartment locator with AptAmigo for a supportive environment that also encourages independence.
Property Manager
Salary range: $28,000-$105,000
Job description:
Property managers wear many different hats because they oversee all operations for building owners.
They perform regular inspections, schedule maintenance and repairs, and stay current on local and state housing laws. In addition, property managers locate, screen, and collect rent from tenants as well as ensure the property’s financial viability.
What makes it a good option for real estate agents:
Property management may be a good fit for realtors who like solving problems in a dynamic workplace. It is not great for someone who doesn’t want to deal with difficult tenants or evictions. However, this alternative real estate agent career provides a steady paycheck.
A reliable income is partly why Alabama realtor Beau Miles used his industry connections to quickly build a property management company and secure a steady income.
The requirements to become a property manager vary by state but typically require a real estate license and state certification.
Home Stager
Salary range: $48,000-$81,000
Job description:
Home stagers prepare a home’s interior for open houses and private showings.
They either stage empty homes or work with homeowners to declutter and add finishing touches to rooms. Either way, home stagers maximize a home’s appeal to potential buyers and help sell a home faster.
What makes it a good option for real estate agents:
Home staging works as a great side hustle for real estate agents looking to supplement their income. Like real estate sales, home staging jobs fluctuate with the market, so they are not a good match if predictable pay is important to you.
Active agents can also offer their staging services when selling a home and can network with other agents for referrals.
This type of networking is how Cheryl Eisen, a former New York real estate agent, began her multi-million dollar home staging business that now employs over 80 people.
To become a home stager, seek out certification courses, or visit the Real Estate Staging Association to learn more.
Property Inspector
Salary range: $28,500-$124,000
Job description:
Property inspectors examine a home’s structural and mechanical components and identify issues. They climb ladders, enter crawl spaces, and scrutinize a property for weaknesses, then disclose their findings in written reports.
Homebuyers hire property inspectors to look for problems during the homebuying process.
What makes it a good option for real estate agents:
Home inspection is a great career for agents who enjoy hands-on work and have prior construction knowledge. Agents turned home inspectors can also transform industry connections into leads on inspection jobs.
Marketing, communication, and networking skills matter in both agent and inspector careers and make for an easy transition. To learn how to become a licensed property inspector, check your state’s licensing requirements.
However, if the thought of spending time in a broiling attic, damp basement, or cramped crawlspace is terribly unappealing, home inspection may not work well for you.
Real Estate Teacher
Salary range: $41,000-$60,000
Job description:
Real estate teachers provide industry education to those seeking real estate licensure and provide continuing education for existing agents. According to the Real Estate Educators Association, real estate educators work for colleges and universities, private proprietary companies, and corporate training programs.
What makes it a good option for real estate agents:
Teachers and realtors need strong communication, time management, and organizational skills to succeed, which is what makes this option a great career alternative for real estate agents. Teaching also provides a more predictable income as either a part-time or full-time position.
Remember that teaching is not for everyone, so if you do not enjoy instructing others and public speaking, this alternative career may not be a good fit.
If you want to learn how to become a real estate teacher, visit the Real Estate Educators Association.
Join Our Real Estate Startup
We hire real estate agents for alternative careers here at AptAmigo. If you want to switch jobs but not fields, we may be able to help. Learn more about our company culture, technology, and employees on our career blog and start your next chapter as part of the AptAmigo team.
Up Next: How to Deal with Difficult Clients in Real Estate
AptAmigo is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and does not discriminate based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, in connection with any aspect of employment at AptAmigo.
