How do you become a real estate administrative assistant?

1 Education and training

To become a real estate administrative assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some relevant experience in office administration, customer service, or real estate. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have an associate's or bachelor's degree in business, real estate, or a related field. You may also need to complete some training courses or certifications related to real estate laws, regulations, and practices. For example, you may need to obtain a real estate license, a notary public license, or a certified administrative professional (CAP) credential.

2 Skills and abilities

As a real estate administrative assistant, you need to possess a range of skills and abilities to fulfill your duties effectively and efficiently. Communication skills are essential for communicating professionally with clients, agents, brokers, and other parties involved in real estate transactions. You must also be able to write and edit documents, such as contracts, listings, flyers, and newsletters. To manage multiple tasks and deadlines, you need to have organizational skills; you should be able to prioritize your workload, follow up on requests, inquiries, and issues, and keep track of files, records, and schedules. Computer skills are necessary for using word processors, spreadsheets, databases, calendars, email, social media, and real estate-specific software. Additionally, problem-solving skills are important for handling unexpected situations and finding solutions to challenges; you should be proactive, flexible, and adaptable to changing needs and demands.

3 Duties and responsibilities

As a real estate administrative assistant, you will have a range of duties and responsibilities that may differ depending on your employer, location, and specialization. Commonly, this involves answering phone calls and emails from clients, agents, brokers, and other parties. Additionally, you will be responsible for scheduling and confirming appointments, showings, inspections, closings, and other events. You will also prepare and process documents such as contracts, agreements, disclosures, forms, and invoices. Moreover, you will update and maintain databases like MLS, CRM, and leads. Additionally, you will create and distribute marketing materials like listings, flyers, brochures, and newsletters. Researching and compiling data such as market trends, property values, and comparables is also within your scope of work. Assisting with social media management, website updates, online advertising and ordering/organizing supplies are also expected of you. Furthermore, you will coordinate and oversee vendors and contractors as well as provide general administrative support like filing, copying scanning faxing or mailing.

4 Salary and outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for secretaries and administrative assistants, including real estate administrative assistants, was $40,990 as of May 2020. However, the salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, education, location, and employer. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for real estate administrative assistants in the U.S. was $38,860 as of June 2021, with a range from $19,500 to $62,000.

The BLS projects that the employment of secretaries and administrative assistants, including real estate administrative assistants, will decline by 9% from 2019 to 2029, due to automation, outsourcing, and consolidation of tasks. However, the demand for real estate administrative assistants may depend on the state of the real estate market, which can fluctuate depending on economic conditions, consumer preferences, and interest rates.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?