Best Entry-Level Real Estate Jobs (2024)

How to Get into Luxury Real Estate

When looking in from the outside, learning how to get into luxury real estate can feel daunting. With school requirements, tests, background checks, networking, interviewing, and other myriad requirements, it quickly becomes a challenge to navigate (or even to know what to navigate). That’s why the industry has a reputation for being notoriously difficult to break into, and “entry-level” jobs tend to come with the expectation that you know what to do and when, with little to no experience or training.

Many “entry-level” roles in this industry require a great deal of independence and autonomy right off the bat, and that creates significant (and unnecessary) barriers to entry. But, if you know where to look, you can find them, just be aware that many of your options will take time to attain despite their “entry-level” status.

Must Read: What Is the National Association of Realtors?

What You Need to Know About Entry-Level Real Estate Jobs

How hard is it to get an entry-level real estate job?

Getting into real estate can be hard, and many people don’t get far before moving on because of the prohibitive costs, time investment, and taxing legal requirements. Moreover, in traditional buy and sell real estate, it can take months, or even over a year, before that first commission check comes in, so the patience to wait out that deferred reward and the financial capital to sustain yourself in the process tests even dedicated individuals.

Because all new real estate agents must work for a brokerage when they start out, many traditional companies offer opportunities that require little to no experience, such as on-the-job training, or paid-for-you real estate school when you agree to work for them for at least a set number of years. This route, and these companies, will teach you what you need to know to be successful, and if your goal is to become a realtor or broker, some firms will allow you to attend real estate school during your onsite apprenticeship.

However, non-traditional opportunities are becoming increasingly available thanks to startup culture and recent major shifts in the real estate industry. At AptAmigo, for instance, we allow industry newcomers to focus on finding luxury apartments for clients, instead of traditional real estate transactions. Plus, you start earning commissions right away; no months-long waiting period necessary. And, because you’ll join an established brokerage with its own dedicated tech, ops, and marketing teams, you won’t deal with the stress of building up a network and professional reputation on your own over many years.

How do you find entry-level real estate jobs?

Online job boards, such as LinkedIn, provide an easy place to begin your search for entry-level real estate jobs. You can perform a quick search, find the positions that best match your skill set, and apply. Other methods include talking with a real estate brokerage, or checking with your real estate school for networking opportunities or job hunting recommendations. Earning a real estate license before your search will also give you an advantage on the market. You may also want to investigate non-traditional real estate paths with companies like AptAmigo.

Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Find experienced experts in your desired niche of the industry and ask if you can meet with them to learn more about the career. As you build these relationships, your professional network can alert you to unadvertised openings at their companies, introduce you to colleagues, and give you career advice on the best next steps both before and after you land that great job.

What skills and requirements are there for entry-level real estate jobs?

The requirements for an entry-level real estate job will vary depending on the state you live in and the nature of the position. Many will require a real estate license of some sort. Some states, like Illinois, will allow you to begin working while earning that credential, but most won’t. Certain roles, such as administrative assistants or marketing, will focus more on relevant skills, experience, and education.

For apartment locating jobs, you can read more about the skills needed in How to Make it as an Apartment Locator.

See Also

22 Must-read Real Estate Blogs That Will Make You a Better Agent

Entry-Level Jobs in Luxury Real Estate

Administrative Assistant – Like many organizations, real estate brokerages often hire administrative assistants. This role includes managing brokerage paperwork, reviewing compliance with legal procedures, scheduling appointments, and acting as a liaison for all involved stakeholders.

Property Manager – A property manager is employed by a landlord and runs the day-to-day operations and maintenance of a rental property. In this role, you’ll field calls from tenants, collect rent, and handle or schedule repairs.

Apartment Locator – An apartment locator does exactly what the name suggests: works with clients from beginning to end of the apartment-hunting process. Locators operate in a manner similar to buy and sell agents, but instead of home sales, they specialize in residential rentals and close smaller deals at a much faster pace.

Leasing Agents – A leasing agent leases apartments (typically for a single building or management company) or rental properties, such as commercial buildings, to tenants. This person is in charge of marketing those rentals, conducting background checks, managing the lease signing process, and addressing tenant concerns.

Entry-Level Real Estate Jobs At AptAmigo

Apartment Locator

An apartment locator at AptAmigo focuses on placing clients in apartment and condo rentals. Locators begin the process by gathering client information regarding their preferred neighborhoods, amenities, square-footage requirements, and other desired apartment features. They use this information to compile a list of apartments that fit those needs, then work with the client all the way through the showing and signing processes.

You can learn more about this role in our blog post all about Apartment Locator Jobs.

Touring Agents

Touring Agents work as part-time employees who support locators and assist clients by showing apartments on their preferred list. They make the client more comfortable in the process by buying coffee, arranging Lyfts or Ubers, and knowledgeably answering client questions throughout the day.

Read more in Why Should I Become a Touring Agent?

Apply to AptAmigo Today!

Find out how to get into luxury real estate at AptAmigo by reading through our career blog. We hire talented and qualified individuals looking to explore non-traditional roles within the real estate industry. If you have what it takes, search our available openings and apply today. Becoming a luxury real estate agent couldn’t be easier!

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