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It’s no secret that the real estate market industry is continuously expanding, including real estate investment trusts (REITs). That leaves many begging the question, what are the best-paying jobs in REIT organizations?
Keep reading to find out the top-paying jobs in REIT organizations that will help you create a secure future, whether you want to work or invest.
What Real Estate Position Pays the Most?
If your number one goal is to make money in the REIT biz, the first thing you need to know is which real estate positions pay the most.
Mortgage Loan Officers (MLO) – or simply loan officers – make the most money in real estate.
MLOs are the individuals (or companies) who are given details on a prospective homeowner’s financial situation and the property they wish to purchase. From there, the loan officer looks into various loan possibilities and provides the homebuyer with their top recommendations.
A mortgage loan originator and a borrower collaborate when a mortgage is obtained. The goal is to work with homeowners to get the best financing for their circumstances when buying property.
Like many positions in real estate, this top-paying occupation is made possible by the different credentials needed. For instance, you must earn a state license and national accreditation before working as a loan officer.
Top-paying Jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts
Mortgage Loan Officer (up to $400,000)
As mentioned, mortgage loan officers are the highest-paying jobs in the real estate business.
Mortgage Loan Officers assist clients in identifying the best loan options for mortgages. Generally, they are employed by banks and other financial organizations.
MLOs gather their clients’ financial data (such as income and bills) to determine whether they qualify for mortgage loans. Based on regional and local economic norms, they execute mortgage loan applications and monitor their development.
The duties of a mortgage loan officer involve the following:
- Analyzing complex financial data
- Fixing issues that arise throughout the application process
- Cultivating good client connections
As an MLO, you will work directly with your clients to find outstanding mortgage loans. Your responsibilities as a Mortgage Loan Officer include submitting applications and tracking their progress.
Keep in mind that the duties and obligations of a Mortgage Loan Officer may change with different employment situations. Always customize your Mortgage Loan Officer job description before applying for employment.
Real Estate Attorney (up to $200,000)
If you’re a lawyer or interested in becoming an attorney in the future, you can become a real estate attorney.
A Real Estate Lawyer/Real Estate Attorney focuses solely on real estate law. They assist with the legal and contractual matters related to a house sale, such as checking documents supplied by other parties and overseeing the closing process.
Real estate lawyers receive specialized training in creating real estate contracts. That said, you must pass the bar exam and specific licensing to become this type of attorney.
Real Estate Agent (up to $190,000)
When most people think of jobs in the real estate industry, they think of the typical real estate agent. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the positions with the highest availability in the real estate investing industry. And it pays well, too.
The most significant responsibility of a Real Estate Agent is to help customers buy or sell real estate (residential, commercial, or both). However, a real estate agent’s tasks may significantly vary depending on where they’re selling and what they do.
The more business contracts you sign, the more you’ll earn, considering salaries are commission-based.
Realtor (up to $190,000)
Real Estate Agents and Realtors are frequently mischaracterized in the minds of home buyers. While they are similar, they’re not the same thing.
A Realtor serves as a buyer’s or seller’s agent, similar to a Real Estate Agent. They negotiate prices and other terms of the contract. They plan the closing’s specifics and work to ensure everything happens according to plan.
However, a realtor can offer a better value from the standpoint of a buyer or seller since they are obligated to abide by the NAR’s tight code of ethics.
To become a realtor, you must obtain a state license, much like real estate brokers.
New Home Sales Consultant (up to $150,000)
A New Home Sales Consultant is a vital piece of the puzzle for Real Estate Developers. It is the New Home Consultant’s job to advertise newly built homes to prospective buyers.
Yet, there is more to this job than just sitting around waiting for visitors to inquire about a viewing.
New Home Sales Consultants are in charge of the following:
- Guiding people around the model homes
- Outlining the home’s features
- Presenting various floor plans
- Finding new clients through networking activities and/or personal recommendations
Since you’re representing the business, this position demands high professionalism and decency in social situations.
Real Estate Investment Consultant (up to $140,000)
The Real Estate Investment Consultant’s main job is to advise clients on how to invest. They help their clients to make wise investment decisions. This is done by researching prospective purchases and construction projects and offering analysis.
Most Real Estate Consultants – also called real estate counselors or real estate advisors – hold real estate licenses and a Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) qualification. They may work independently or be employed by a sizable consulting organization.
The salary for a Real Estate Investment Consultant varies based on the job they conduct. Most consulting jobs are paid either hourly or flat rates.
Compliance Specialist (up to $130,000)
A Compliance Officer, also called a Compliance Specialist, is a vital professional in REITs. They frequently work for a commercial enterprise or company, and they are known as “authorities” on local laws.
The responsibility of a compliance officer is to:
- Ensure all developments and transactions are legitimate
- Conduct a formal audit if a business is being investigated
- Deliver employee training
- Assess compliance-related activities
- Serve as a point of contact between the firm and other governmental bodies
Ultimately, you’ll collaborate with several company divisions to ensure they adhere to all necessary regulations and laws.
Real Estate Broker (up to $100,000)
A Real Estate Broker is another job in the REIT biz similar to a Real Estate Agent, but with additional responsibilities. They hold both a real estate license and a broker certification. They can perform all of the duties of a real estate agent since they are licensed, including the following:
- Managing paperwork
- Discussing the specifics of a transaction
- Serving as a buyer or listing agent
Real Estate Brokers obtain more credentials and educational requirements than regular agents. That said, they have the freedom to work independently of an agency. They can establish their own agency and hire additional agents, if desired.
Property Accountant (up to $80,000)
Plenty of money is involved in the real estate industry. Naturally, a property accountant is essential to the functions of the REIT. But what do they do specifically?
A Property Accountant has to manage the financial aspects of real estate deals. They can operate in any industry, including residential, commercial, and industrial. A property accountant is also trusted to record all tenant refunds accurately, including any outstanding security deposits if a tenant vacates the property.
Keeping thorough records of all maintenance expenses and invoices, creating monthly accounting and budgeting reports, and creating audit packages to be used by an auditor after the property management firm’s fiscal year are all possible additional responsibilities for this position.
Essentially, the cash situation of a property and all banking activities for a given property must be reviewed and recorded daily by a Property Accountant.
Most property management companies hire one or more accountants to ensure their records are in order.
Real Estate Appraiser (up to $80,000)
Have you ever wondered how a property’s value is estimated? It comes down to the Real Estate Appraiser.
The Real Estate Appraiser estimates the value of a property after a thorough inspection. They consider extraneous factors such as local amenities and county land values. Aside from that, appraisers stay current with property records.
Real Estate Appraisers may sometimes need to testify in court regarding issues involving the property. They also produce in-depth reports on their discoveries.
Potential investors typically utilize this information before purchasing. Potential lenders may request it as part of the mortgage approval procedure.
A certified general appraiser must supervise beginning appraisers at all times. They are permitted to work alone once they have received their certification.
Find a High-Paying Job in Real Estate Investment Trusts
The real estate industry offers a wide range of employment options, making it easy to find something you’re interested in.
You can obtain many possible certifications, regardless of whether you want to negotiate deals, determine property values, or manage the loan process.
Whatever your hobbies, there’s a strong chance one of the highest-paying real estate careers will be a match.
And don’t forget about REIT investments. Investing in a REIT compared to purchasing a home (or another structure) is very different.
REITs can provide higher yields, making them lucrative.
However, before investing in a REIT, it is essential to research the real estate industry because all investments carry some risk.
FAQs
What is a Real Estate Investment Trust?
Knowing the highest-paying jobs in REITs serves no purpose if you don’t know what a real estate investment actually is.
Well, REITs are companies that own and manage income-producing real estate properties, such as:
- Apartment buildings
- Office buildings
- Warehouses
- Shopping centers
- Hotels
- Other similar commercial structures
The REITs receive income from these commercial real estate properties, which they transfer to the shareholders.
Occasionally, REITs can be used to finance real estate. This allows investors to purchase significant properties that generate a consistent dividend income.
Additionally, consumers can get involved by adding REITs to their investment portfolio through stocks. REIT stocks are available in a variety of sizes and forms. Each comes with its own realm of risks and opportunities.
Currently, the US real estate investment trusts own assets valued at around $3.5 trillion, making it a profitable option for businessmen and women.
How much can I expect to earn in a REIT job?
Is a REIT career really worth it? How much can you make?
It all comes down to a few factors, such as the company you work for, your experience level, and your educational background.
Large corporations with significant profit margins typically pay their workers more than small businesses. Similarly, only some REIT businesses will pay their employees lower salaries per their financial success.
Payscale states that the usual basic salary for workers in the REIT industry is about $75,000 per year.
What skills do I need to be successful in a REIT job?
The REIT industry can be a potentially rewarding professional path, but it’s not for everyone. To advance in these firms, you should possess a few key competencies. Some of the abilities needed are:
- Real estate knowledge
- Understanding of financial statements
- Ability to market research
- Property and asset management
- Due diligence toward real estate and finance
- Better information on economic models
You should also have soft skills in communication that will help your firm get a sufficient return on investment. You also need to be quite knowledgeable about the state of the market.
Is Real Estate Investment Trust a good career path?
If you can find a position that matches your skills and interests, REITs are undoubtedly a good career path. Many of the highest-paying jobs in real estate investment trusts are easy to locate, too.
One of the perks of going the REIT route is that there are plenty of options to diversify your career with the company you work for. Consequently, enhancing your potential talent improves your long-term employment opportunities.
What are the highest-paying REITs?
REITs are known for their dividend policies. Dividend yields of equity REITs typically range around 4.3%. However, a few high-dividend REITs would provide payouts that are above average. These REITs include Iron Mountain, VICI Properties, and Medical Properties Trust.
The stock price at the period determines a REIT’s dividend yield. This means that a REIT pays a substantial dividend if the price decreases dramatically. Ultimately, it will be a low return on your investment.
When investing for dividend income, it’s crucial to consider more factors than just a REIT’s yield. Consider indicators that will offer you more information about a REIT’s health and the likelihood of paying you a respectable annual dividend each year.
Can you make good money from REITs?
Are REITs really worthwhile in the long run?
Yes, you can potentially make good money from REITs. REITs require capital just like any other type of business. An IPO, or initial public offering, is a publicly traded REIT that accomplishes this.
The public is investing in the corporation’s income-producing real estate like any other stock sold to the public.
Since its creation, REITs have grown to handle several investors’ invested capital. This genuine investment will raise your net worth and actual money-market value.
To get the funds, you need to buy a house or apply for various positions, such as an appraiser, agent, analyst, or lawyer.
From there, you will start making a profit while acquiring skills to help you accomplish your financial objectives.
How to set up a Real Estate Investment Trust?
Would you rather start your own real estate investment trust than buy a stock or join another company? Then you’ll be pleased to find out that you can. Surprisingly, it’s not complicated.
Forming a REIT is quite simple and relatively easy. First, you set up your business as a taxable corporation by state regulations. Then, you must file Start 1120-REIT with the IRS and your tax return if, for example, you form a business this year and want to become a REIT. A limited liability company, partnership, or trust may also be eligible.
Of course, that’s if you satisfy the REIT standards.
Having 100 shareholders or more is one of the conditions. The 5/50 test is the second condition. The 5/50 test simply means that five people or fewer cannot possess more than half the value of the stock during the second half of the tax year.
