1.1.5: E. Other Residential Real Estate Careers
- Page ID
- 35512
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)The careers discussed so far are certainly not the only opportunities in real estate. When you assess your skills, preferences, and long-term goals (see Module 5), you will be able to identify a real estate career that suits your strengths and working style. Many people have branched out from being a real estate salesperson to other rewarding paths.
Alternative Real Estate Career Paths
This section of Module 1 explores careers, job requirements, and education of several alternative paths in the real estate field, such as home inspection, real estate photography, home staging, and notary public.
Did you know that a real estate salesperson can also be a notary public, photographer, and home stager? These careers are complementary, meaning that the knowledge and skills enhance the work of being an agent. Here are short descriptions of each:
- Real estate photographer – professional who takes photos of property for sale
- Home stager – professional who decorates vacant or occupied houses for sale
- Notary public – commissioned to witness signatures on legal real estate documents
- Home inspectors - a professional who evaluates the safety and condition of a property
Role of Home Inspectors
Home inspectors provide non-invasive inspections of properties. This means that the inspection does not include looking behind walls, under appliances, or examining other inaccessible locations. Although home inspections are not required in California, real estate professionals encourage buyers to have them done to avoid unhappy surprises later. Home inspectors are responsible for evaluating the structural foundation and inspecting the roof, along with electrical, heating, and plumbing systems. Each home inspection company is different, but they all provide detailed reports of their findings to inform prospective homebuyers of issues that could affect agreements or escrow. If problems are discovered during the inspection, agents can help their clients negotiate solutions.
Licensing and Regulation of Home Inspectors in California
California does not require home inspectors to be licensed, but inspectors should join a professional trade association to maintain their reputation and credibility. (Other states may require home inspectors to be licensed.) The California Trade Practice Act, known as Chapter 338, regulates home inspectors under the Contractors State License Board.
Membership in recognized professional trade associations offers home inspectors a wealth of resources, credibility, and career advancement opportunities, and inspectors are encouraged to join. Some of the best known are the American Association of Home Inspectors (ASHI) https://www.homeinspector.org/, the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) https://www.creia.org, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) https://www.nachi.org/. See more information on trade and professional associations in Module 13.
Real Estate Photographer
Role of Real Estate Photographers
Real estate photography offers real estate agents another source of income and a complementary career in which creativity is highly valued. Real estate photographers photograph, edit (within limits), and provide images to boost the appeal of properties. They provide day and nighttime photographs of the exterior and interior of the home. Photographers can apply their technical expertise to create allure for properties. With the increase in the sophistication of video technology, and in this era of social media, 360-degree virtual tours, drone footage, and videography are in more demand.
Skills and Equipment Required
A solid foundation in photography is essential for aspiring real estate photographers. This includes mastering camera controls, lighting techniques, and image editing software. Inasmuch as photography is an art as well as a skill, professionals need to be versed in composition, including balance, depth, negative space, and more. Most community colleges offer economical photography courses in all of these. To create impactful real estate visuals, photographers need at least a basic understanding of the real estate market and its real estate agents, homeowners, and buyers.
Professional equipment is essential. Your cell phone will not be sufficient! The basic equipment includes a mirrorless camera, tripod, wide-angle lens, lighting equipment, and editing software such as Adobe Lightroom.
Stager
Role of Real Estate Stagers
Stagers “set the stage” or home appearance for potential home buyers. A stager may rearrange or redecorate to include furniture, artwork, and accent pieces that fall into a cohesive theme or feel. Stagers understand how to use design principles, space planning, materials, furniture designs, color theory, and lighting to create a space that feels inviting to prospective buyers. Real estate stagers apply a skill set that transforms properties into sales-ready showcases that leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. Beyond aesthetics, the stager's expertise lies in orchestrating a blend of design elements and planning that elevates a property's appeal and maximizes its market potential.
Responsibilities
The work of stagers goes well beyond surface-level enhancements. Stagers assess each space and offer recommendations for decluttering, cleaning, and reorganization to ensure a positive presentation. From selecting furniture and decor to redirecting lighting, every detail is considered.
Qualifications and Skills
Qualifications and skills required for this role encompass a blend of creativity, practicality, and interpersonal finesse. A foundational understanding of interior design is essential, and someone with passion for home design and decor will find staging to be a rewarding profession.
To embark on a career in staging, aspiring professionals have access to various educational resources and certification programs. Options like the USC™ Home Staging Certification or the Certified Home Staging Professional (CHSP) certification provide comprehensive training and accreditation. For those seeking a deeper understanding, pursuing additional coursework in interior design, offered at many community colleges, offers further insights into the field.