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What degree from a four year university would be most beneficial along a real estate career?
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7 answers
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Jasmine’s Answer
I would suggest finance would be helpful. In real estate, much of has to do w/ the structure of the deal (whether it be residential or commercial), one needs to understand the equity and debt make up, loans and interest calculations, etc.
Updated
Richard’s Answer
I agree that finance would be a good degree to compliment a real estate degree. Also David's suggestion that you explore opportunities in sales, residential/commercial development, construction, mortgage field or possibly become a appraiser or inspector are all solid choices and good advice. Good luck
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Anthony’s Answer
hi Lauren. I agree with Jasmine and David about Finance....additionally most Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degrees from the top 25 public institutions and a handful of the privates will offer a real estate focus in their business schools...it was that way 20 years ago and most have gotten better at accepting there's a specialty knowledge base tied to RE. Additionally, there are true RE masters programs at many universities including Columbia, GW, NYU, MIT and many others.
The key for a four-year degree, if you want a career selling RE as an agent/sales person or broker, or selling financing , you'll need a mortgage broker's license or to conduct valuations that will be relied on, you'll need an appraiser license...then you'll need to adhere to the requirements in the particular state in which you'll be working. The state will have its own academic requirements...so make sure you look at those criteria and make sure they're included in whatever curriculum you choose. You don't want to secure a 4-year degree and then realize you have to go back and take classes in order to qualify to sit for a license. If you don't need to secure a license in order to do what you want to do in real estate, then just make sure whatever academic path you choose supports a career in real estate. Good luck.
The key for a four-year degree, if you want a career selling RE as an agent/sales person or broker, or selling financing , you'll need a mortgage broker's license or to conduct valuations that will be relied on, you'll need an appraiser license...then you'll need to adhere to the requirements in the particular state in which you'll be working. The state will have its own academic requirements...so make sure you look at those criteria and make sure they're included in whatever curriculum you choose. You don't want to secure a 4-year degree and then realize you have to go back and take classes in order to qualify to sit for a license. If you don't need to secure a license in order to do what you want to do in real estate, then just make sure whatever academic path you choose supports a career in real estate. Good luck.
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Ryan’s Answer
Hi Lauren!
I agree with the above answers that a degree in business or finance will always be helpful in Real Estate. However, I am going into real estate development without majoring in either! I majored in GeoDesign, which involves architecture, mapping, and real estate specific courses. When interviewing, it has been helpful having a background in design/architecture. Not only does it set me apart, but it is helpful to have a feel for the quality of product you are ultimately working with.
Additionally, I have interned with students who have majored in Pre-Law that make great developers! A background in law is especially helpful in construction and development when you are often working with cities in the underwriting and permitting process.
So, I would say that business, law, finance, architecture, real estate development, spatial science or public policy and planning are all be valuable depending on your skillset and particular interest within real estate!
Best of luck!
Ryan
I agree with the above answers that a degree in business or finance will always be helpful in Real Estate. However, I am going into real estate development without majoring in either! I majored in GeoDesign, which involves architecture, mapping, and real estate specific courses. When interviewing, it has been helpful having a background in design/architecture. Not only does it set me apart, but it is helpful to have a feel for the quality of product you are ultimately working with.
Additionally, I have interned with students who have majored in Pre-Law that make great developers! A background in law is especially helpful in construction and development when you are often working with cities in the underwriting and permitting process.
So, I would say that business, law, finance, architecture, real estate development, spatial science or public policy and planning are all be valuable depending on your skillset and particular interest within real estate!
Best of luck!
Ryan
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Lori’s Answer
Hi Lauren! I would suggest a degree in business with a major in real estate or finance. What university do you attend? Do they have a dedicated major? If they do not, I know USC and MIT have part time coursework that you can take to supplement your degree and helpyou stand out.
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Meghan’s Answer
So first off, you don’t need a degree to be a real estate agent. However, it never hurts!
I personally had a degree in psychology. I believe that the degree helps with marketing, communication, and building relationships. It can be a very useful degree in the field of real estate.
I also think a degree in business with a focus on sales would be extremely useful. Keep in mind, real estate is technically your own business. You have to build it from the ground up. You have to market it. You have to grow it, expand it. A degree in business with a focus on sales could provide you with crucial knowledge and expertise that most other realtors do not possess. This could help to give you a leg up in the industry.
Another good choice would be a degree in marketing. Learning about advertisement and branding will be incredibly useful as you venture out to create a name for yourself and your business.
All of these degrees could be obtained through a four year degree program. They each have unique skills that will increase your potential for success.
I hope this helps!
I personally had a degree in psychology. I believe that the degree helps with marketing, communication, and building relationships. It can be a very useful degree in the field of real estate.
I also think a degree in business with a focus on sales would be extremely useful. Keep in mind, real estate is technically your own business. You have to build it from the ground up. You have to market it. You have to grow it, expand it. A degree in business with a focus on sales could provide you with crucial knowledge and expertise that most other realtors do not possess. This could help to give you a leg up in the industry.
Another good choice would be a degree in marketing. Learning about advertisement and branding will be incredibly useful as you venture out to create a name for yourself and your business.
All of these degrees could be obtained through a four year degree program. They each have unique skills that will increase your potential for success.
I hope this helps!
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David’s Answer
I would agree with Jasmine's answer that finance would be a good degree for real estate (I have both a BBA and MBA in Finance and work in the mortgage arena), however, "Real Estate" has many different career areas. You could go into sales, development, construction, work for a mortgage or title company, become an architect, appraiser or inspector, or even other real estate related careers, so I would suggest narrowing down which area of real estate you would like to work in then contact someone who is doing that job to get their advice on a specific degree program at colleges you are considering.