Buying or selling a home, or any type of real estate, can be made easier when a real estate agent is involved. Not only do they have training in the field, but they also know the ins and outs of the market. Additionally, real estate agents can find variability on the job. They may choose to represent a buyer or a seller, be involved in various types of negotiations, look for certain types of property or help a client close a desirable deal.
Real Estate Sales Agent Schools
If your career goals involve buying, selling, developing, or managing properties, and you want the foundation of a solid education in property management, there is no better option than a master of business administration or MBA in real estate. The following five real estate agent programs can furnish students with an MBA in real estate:
- The University of California, Berkeley: This MBA in real estate program is offered by the Haas School of Business and aims to provide students with an award-winning faculty.
- The University of North Carolina: The Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC offers one of the largest MBA real estate programs in the nation.
- The University of Texas: The McCoombs School of Business at the University of Texas offers an MBA in real estate education with a focus on real estate finance.
- The University of Utah: The David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah has a master's of real estate development program designed for students from multiple disciplines.
- Wharton University of Pennsylvania: This school has offered a real estate concentration for MBA students since 1985.
Real Estate Agent Education Requirements
Though a high school diploma is the minimum level of education needed to become a real estate agent, an advanced degree can help open up doors for employment. Real estate agent education requirements vary from agency to agency, but a bachelor's or master's degree can mean leadership roles and higher earning potential. A master of business administration or MBA in real estate is a particularly helpful path for those hoping to make a long-term career in the real estate industry. Completing a state-accredited program can be important to seeking licensing later on.
MBA real estate programs instruct students in a variety of critical disciplines in property sales, management, and development:
- Business planning and administration
- Architecture and urban planning
- Real estate law
- Finance, economics, and business management
- Marketing and customer service
- International real estate markets
- Real estate investment and entrepreneurship, including analysis and financing
MBA real estate programs are offered in business schools and colleges all over the United States, available through classroom curricula and online coursework. Some hybrid programs offer a combination of classes and online study, an ideal choice for students who intend to work full time as they complete their studies.
Real Estate Agent Certification and Licensing
Real estate agent training leads to the important steps of certification and licensure. Certification is available to agents through organizations like the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Some of the NAR certifications include: Certified Real Estate Broker Manager (CRB), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Real Estate Team Specialist (CRETS), and others. Certification is not necessary, but may be beneficial to the job.
Licensing is required in all 50 states. To become licensed, an individual typically needs to complete specific coursework and pass a licensing exam. Passing a background check also can be a requirement. Often, licenses need to be renewed every two to four years with continuing education being an important component. More licensing details can be found through a state's real estate licensing commission.
Resources for Real Estate Agents
- The National Association of Realtors (NAR)
- The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)
- The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents
- The National Association of Independent Real Estate Brokers
Sources:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Real Estate Sales Agents, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm
- Designations and Certifications, National Association of Realtors. http://www.realtor.org/designations-and-certifications
- Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Jan. 8, 2014. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm#tab-6
- The University of California, Berkeley, http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/realestate.html
- The University of North Carolina, http://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/real-estate
- The University of Texas, https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/MBA/Full-Time/Academics/Concentrations/Real-Estate-Finance
- The University of Utah, http://mred.business.utah.edu/page/mred-program-overview
- Wharton Univerisity of Pennsylvania, https://real-estate.wharton.upenn.edu/programs/mba/
