16 Real Estate Jobs Without License Requirements (2024)
Nov 14, 2024
Want to venture into real estate but lack a license? Residential real estate, worth over $4.35 trillion, is one of the best market segments to explore. It’s one of the largest real estate classes in the U.S., and with a growing population plus urbanization, it’s only set to expand further.
Due to its vast size and ongoing demand, the real estate market has numerous job opportunities, many real estate jobs that don’t require a license. No idea what they may be? In this article, we’ll give you the lowdown on 16 top real estate jobs without license requirements, allowing you to dip your toes into one of the most promising industries globally.
- Can You Get A Real Estate Job Without A License?
- 16 Real Estate Jobs Without License Requirements
- How Do I Find Jobs In Real Estate Without A License Near Me?
- How To Make Money In Real Estate Without A License
- Jobs To Get While Getting A Real Estate License
- Do Real Estate Jobs Pay For Your License?
- Final Thoughts On Real Estate Jobs Without License
While being a Realtor is one of the most popular careers in the real estate industry, it’s not the only option. As a multifaceted, ever-evolving industry, real estate investing is awash with career options to suit everyone, including agents on continuing education and unlicensed individuals.
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Can You Get A Real Estate Job Without A License?
Although the National Association of Realtors (NAR) requires new agents to have a license and renew it at least every two years, not every real estate job demands one. As an ever-evolving industry, real estate continually changes, paving the way for new real estate careers without a license you had no idea could exist.
How to get into real estate without a license? Most of these opportunities come with incredible flexibility and benefits you could otherwise miss while working a nine-to-five job, such as meeting new people daily. To prove they exist, this article highlights real estate jobs with no license requirements, job descriptions, whether they’re remote, and the experience required from applicants.
16 Real Estate Jobs Without License Requirements
Do you want to dip your toes into the real estate market but are currently continuing education or have yet to earn a license? Check out some of the best real estate jobs without license requirements and why they made the list:
- Real Estate Wholesaler
- House Flipper
- Real Estate Courier
- Real Estate Assistant
- Marketing Assistant
- Leasing Agent Or Consultant
- Real Estate Investor
- Property Management
- Real Estate Development
- Real Estate Scouting
- Real Estate Handyman
- Real Estate Photographer
- Real Estate Videographer
- Real Estate Stager
- Real Estate Content Writer
- Rental Property Owner
Read Also: 10 Real Estate Entry-Level Jobs For Beginners With No Experience
Real Estate Wholesaler
Real estate wholesaling is one of the most lucrative real estate careers if you want to work in real estate without license credentials. It’s also among the least capital-intensive real estate investing strategies. A wholesaler essentially finds and acquires a contract from a motivated seller and assigns it to an interested investor for a profit.
The wholesaler doesn’t buy the property; they instead agree to flip the contract at a price higher than the original amount and then cash in on the difference between the contract, and the new sale price, known as the wholesale fee when the deal closes.
Can you work in real estate without a license, wholesalers know as the job essentially involves leveraging on-market and off-market, distressed, and foreclosed properties that they are never actually purchasing. Besides low startup costs and risks, wholesaling can be done virtually through real estate lead generation software and other digital lead nurturing tools. That means you can be a part-time wholesaler to earn passive income.
Read Also: Wholesale Real Estate Salary: How Much Can You Make Wholesaling?
House Flipper
A house flipper invests in real estate properties at deep discounts, fixes them up, and offloads them at a higher, profitable price, hence the term flipper, or house flipping. House flippers essentially target two property categories; those in good condition but below market value, because owners are in financial distress and distressed homes that need rehabbing before listing.
If done right, house flipping is incredibly lucrative. On average, house flippers bag up to $68,000 in profits per deal. While you don’t need a license to start, some house flippers often choose to get one because it allows them to work under other real estate agents or brokerages for commissions to skip the costs of property remodels.
Unlike wholesaling, house flipping is a very hands-on job. It also involves working with multiple real estate professionals such as appraisers and home improvement supply contractors, meaning it’s best done as a full-time job.
Read Also: House Flipping Jobs: How To Start Your Career In 8 Steps
Real Estate Courier
Don’t think you have enough experience for real estate jobs like wholesaling? Being a real estate courier is your opportunity to learn the ropes and get into real estate without a license. In fact, this is one of the most overlooked real estate jobs without license requirements.
While specifics vary depending on whether you’ll be working with a realtor or a real estate brokerage, the role often involves assisting with time-consuming and repetitive real estate tasks. These tasks range from scouting the market for leads and setting up marketing brochures to delivering important real estate documents.
No day is the same, and although it can get a little hectic, being a real estate courier affords you great network-building opportunities, as you’ll regularly interact with professionals from different real estate companies and at different organizational levels.
Interacting with these professionals also enables young couriers to select the ideal career path in the real estate industry. It’s a full-time job, and compensation varies from one real estate agent or brokerage.
Real Estate Assistant
A real estate assistant offers administrative support to Realtors and brokers. Becoming an assistant is also one of the best entry-level real estate jobs without license requirements.
Duties may vary but often include answering phone calls, drafting real estate contracts, prospecting, ordering supplies, coordinating house showings, distributing marketing materials, and various other leasing and marketing-related tasks.
Real estate assistants work full-time; sometimes, they may work for multiple real estate brokers.
Marketing Assistant
Got a knack for marketing? Do you believe you’re a good salesperson? If yes, being a marketing assistant is a great way to get into real estate without a license. A marketing assistant assists in developing, executing, and managing marketing campaigns for the long-term growth of real estate companies. In fact, becoming an assistant is one of the best stepping stones for qualifying for real estate jobs without license requirements.
Marketing assistants can work in real estate without license credentials. They conduct marketing research to gather important marketing data, organize promotional events, or create advertising campaigns that increase awareness about new listings and stay on top of marketing trends and performance results. Although being a real estate marketing assistant doesn’t require a license, an individual seeking this position needs:
- To be well-organized
- To be a good multi-tasker
- A good understanding of marketing and office management
- Great people and communication skills
As an assistant, this particular position is one of the best entry-level real estate jobs without license requirements.
Read Also: Real Estate Marketing Ideas: The 10 Best Campaign Strategies
Leasing Agent Or Consultant
Also known as a residential agent, a leasing agent or consultant is one of the most fulfilling real estate jobs without a license requirement. At its core, the job involves working with landlords to find quality tenants and lease their properties and may include duties such as:
- Marketing properties
- Drafting lease documents
- Tenant screening
- Setting appointments for leasing or rental unit viewing by tenants
- Collecting lease applications
- Answering inquiries regarding rental properties
Besides landlords, a leasing agent may also work with seasoned real estate brokers who’ve ventured into the rental market or relocation specialists who need advice and expertise about a particular market. The role can be both part-time and full-time.
Real Estate Investor
Being a real estate investor is the easiest way to tap into the real estate industry without a license or having to take any real estate exams. This role essentially makes you your boss.
To put it simply, real estate investing consists of buying and selling properties, land, or land rights for profit. The role is multifaceted, with duties ranging from acquisition and sales of properties or land to allocating money to rental properties to amass profits in terms of rent.
Depending on the level of financial strength, an investor may partake in all aspects of the investment process, from finding investment-worthy properties to management. Alternatively, they may allocate some duties to real estate professionals such as couriers and marketing assistants.
But while lucrative, being a real estate investor requires capital and experience in finding investment-worthy land and properties. For the best results, the role also calls for hands-on involvement and is a good fit if you’re in the market for full-time real estate jobs.
Property Management
Suppose you have excellent communication skills, have great business administration expertise, and are looking to venture into real estate. The role of a property manager suits you. Property owners and real estate investors often hire property managers to handle the daily administration and maintenance of their rental properties. The exact duties of a property manager vary depending on the property type under management but typically include tasks such as:
- Marketing
- Screening tenants
- Showing and leasing owner property
- Resolving tenant issues
- Organizing and coordinating building maintenance
- Collecting rent and deposits
Property management opportunities give anyone who wants to work in the industry the opportunity to work in real estate without license credentials. However, pursuing certain courses and licensing exams may enhance your chances of getting jobs with larger and more reputable property management companies. Also, depending on your state, you might need to acquire a property management license.
Real Estate Development
While not one of the best entry-level real estate jobs without license requirements, becoming a developer is a great move for someone with years of experience. Real estate development refers to making tangible commercial or residential real estate improvements to create or enhance value. It encompasses a range of activities, such as planning and designing a new real estate property to renovating existing structures.
A real estate developer is often involved in everything from financing and building to marketing and managing REI projects. It’s a lucrative job, and while it doesn’t require a license, it pays to have one since you can cash in on commissions from real estate purchases.
The role requires some market knowledge and familiarity with real estate laws. It’s also a pretty hands-on role that requires a full-time commitment. Nonetheless, it's one of our favorite real estate jobs without license requirements because of its massive upside.
Real Estate Scouting
Real estate scouting is also a great way to make money and venture into the industry. Also known as property scouts, REI scouts browse the market for potentially-profitable investment opportunities and then forward them to real estate agents or firms.
The opportunities in question often vary depending on the investment firm or realtor they’re liaising with. For instance, a real estate scout working with a wholesaler will mainly browse the market for distressed, foreclosure, or for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) properties.
It can be a part-time or full-time job but cannot be done remotely. It also doesn’t require extensive experience, but having local market knowledge helps. Also, note that a real estate scout can work with multiple sales agents and brokerages.
Real Estate Handyman
Real estate is a people-based business, meaning you'll interact with people, whether a developer or an agent. If your people skills are close to non-existent and you are good at manual tasks more than interacting with people, a real estate handyperson might make an excellent fit for you.
A handyman’s duties can be anything from tile replacement, ductwork repairs, paint jobs, cleaning gutters, and home carpentry to fixing anything faulty.
Sales agents, wholesalers, house flippers, and investors who buy second-hand properties often hire the help of a handyman since it allows them the convenience of having one person handle all necessary repairs instead of having to hire multiple individuals.
Real Estate Photographer
Real estate professionals and companies now hire photographers, as it has been proven that quality photos expedite sales by 32%. This makes photography one of the most marketable jobs you can pursue without a real estate license.
As a real estate photographer, you'll work with realtors, agents, and brokerage marketing teams to create visual content for property listings. Your services will also be needed by interior designers, landscapers, model home builders, architects, short-term rental investors, and individual property owners. Simply put, there's a high demand for real estate photographers.
The entry-level job usually entails curating property photo content plans, staging properties, photographing interiors and exteriors, and editing the content. While a degree isn't mandatory, and you can even be self-taught, we recommend enrolling in a professional photography course; this is because real estate photography is more demanding than regular photography, requiring a solid understanding of:
- Lighting: Lighting is one of the most fundamental aspects of real estate photography. It ensures colors are accurately represented and sets the mood and ambiance of the property, thus evoking the required emotional responses from potential buyers. It also improves the perception of a space by making rooms appear larger and open. More importantly, it draws attention to focal points, ensuring the buyer notices them. Enrolling in a photography course allows you to master this skill and create visual content that truly captures the essence of properties.
- Camera Settings & Software: Real estate photography involves switching between camera lenses and settings to capture entire rooms to specific details such as architectural and interior design features. You'll also need to adapt camera settings to various shooting environments, from small, low-lit apartments to large estates. Additionally, your job will involve editing photos using software like Adobe Photoshop to enhance quality. Photography courses usually cover all these facets, ensuring you acquire the skills and knowledge for a successful real estate career.
- Composition: As noted, your job as a real estate photographer will involve staging properties. Therefore, you need to master the principles of composition to frame every element in a way that results in balanced and inviting images. Pursuing a professional photography course is the best way to acquire these skills.
Besides a course, you'll also need camera equipment and a portfolio to become a real estate photographer. While these requirements are undoubtedly extensive, the job is quite rewarding. Regular photographers make about $42,940 annually, but this figure is typically higher in real estate due to the specialized skills required. The best part is that you don't have to commit fully. You can work part-time and pursue other endeavors, such as taking courses to become a licensed real estate agent. Whatever path you choose, it's on our list of real estate jobs without license requirements for a reason; it's something anyone can do and integral to the entire industry.
Real Estate Videographer
Of all the jobs in real estate that don't require a license, videographers are perhaps the most overlooked. Like photographers, videographers are also in high demand in residential real estate. The role involves creating animated property photo slideshows and walkthroughs for listings, capturing agent or brokerage clips for marketing, and producing video-related content for real estate purposes. Here’s what you need to do to become a real estate videographer:
- Learn Videography: Sign up for a videography workshop to learn all about the career path. Whether online or physical, videography workshops usually cover everything from how to use videography gear and video composition rules to editing techniques. Besides workshops, check out online tutorials and follow successful videographers on social media to enhance your skills.
- Equipment & Software: You'll also need to invest in videography equipment such as cameras, lenses, tripods, drones, and editing software. While some real estate professionals and brokerages may offer you these resources, getting your own allows you the flexibility to work with multiple clients, thus increasing your income.
- Portfolio: Once you secure equipment, start building a portfolio of evergreen videos that you'll use to market your services now and in the long run.
- Build A Team: While rewarding, real estate videography is no child's play. So, consider assembling a team to assist you earlier on. For instance, hire a project manager to handle production schedules and communicate with clients, collaborate with or hire a video editor to handle editing, and a drone operator to capture aerial footage, especially when showcasing large properties or their surroundings.
If you want to work in real estate without a license, there are plenty of options, but far too many don't realize videography is an option.
Real Estate Stager
Can you do real estate without a license? Working in real estate without license credentials is made possible by the staging profession. Real estate brokerages and seasoned realtors running their practices hire professional home stagers to help them create spaces that achieve the best first impression for potential buyers. So, if you're passionate about interior design and want to participate in real estate without a license, consider becoming a full-time home stager.
Real estate stagers style and decorate interior spaces in homes for sale to make them appealing for online listings and open houses. They redesign old homes, furnish and decorate new dwellings, design commercial real estate, or de-clutter an existing space to attract potential buyers. While earnings vary, a seasoned real estate stager can earn $105,000 annually. Check out what you need to become a professional home stager and make money in real estate without a license:
- A passion for real estate
- Interior decorating skills
- Good organizational skills and cleanliness
- Excellent communication skills
Consider enrolling in an online course to learn the ins and outs of real estate home staging.
Real Estate Content Writer
In today's digital era, 97% of homebuyers start their property search online, and sellers market their homes through online platforms. Therefore, brokerages, real estate agents, and other professionals in the industry must establish an online presence to connect with these individuals, or they risk becoming obsolete.
Since juggling their careers and creating the content required for an online presence is challenging, these professionals usually hire content writers to handle the latter. If you have an aptitude for writing and blogging, a real estate content writer is an excellent option for working in real estate without a license.
Real estate content writers generate content about the real estate industry, which is published across various media, from online platforms like websites and social media to print media like newspapers, magazines, and journals.
The topics they cover run a wide gamut. They generally include current and emerging market trends, real estate loans, green movements, economic trends and their impact on REI, real estate investing strategies, and even niche areas like architecture and interior design.
There are different types of real estate content writers, such as:
- Columnists: They specialize in particular niches and answer REI-related questions from readers.
- Critics: They boast extensive knowledge in a niche field and provide detailed analysis of various topics in that specific field.
- Freelance Writers: They often work independently and from any work location. Freelance writers create content for websites, social media, and newspapers.
Simply put, real estate content writing is pretty expansive. It offers nearly endless options for writers seeking to get jobs in real estate without a license. Notably, real estate content writers can work in-house or as independent freelancers.
Rental Property Owner
A rental property owner is someone who purchases residential or commercial properties to rent them out to tenants. Their goal is to generate income from rental payments, which ideally covers property expenses like mortgage, maintenance, and taxes while also delivering profit.
Many rental property owners start with a single property but can grow an entire portfolio of cash-flowing rental properties by reinvesting profits, leveraging financing, and strategically acquiring additional properties over time. Each new property adds to their cash flow, building a reliable income stream.
This role is highly desirable because it generates passive income—money earned with minimal ongoing effort. Passive income allows rental property owners to earn money even when they’re not actively working, as tenants provide the income through monthly rent payments.
This financial freedom gives owners the flexibility to focus on further investments, pursue other interests, or enjoy more free time. For many, becoming a rental property owner is an ideal path to financial independence, providing a steady income with the potential for long-term wealth building.
How To Find Jobs In Real Estate Without A License Near You
Want to find jobs in real estate without a license near you? Here are ideas on where to look:
Ask For Referrals
The easiest way to find jobs in real estate without a broker license is by asking friends, family, and colleagues. They might have someone in their network who’s in real estate who might hook you up with the jobs listed above.
Job Boards
Job boards are today more effective than in the past. They not only advertise job openings but serve as platforms where employers and job applicants can connect and even have full-fledged job interviews. The best part is that they now feature a wide array of categories, from freelance to full-time roles to licensed and zero license requirement jobs.
Company Websites And Networking Sites
Large real estate firms often advertise job openings on their official websites. For instance, Weichert, one of the country's largest REI firms, regularly posts available vacancies on its website.
The company has branches across 40 states and is a full-service real estate company meaning there’s not only an opportunity to land the exact role you desire but also chances to get a real estate job without a broker license within your region. Besides company websites, set up alerts on networking sites like LinkedIn to capitalize on available real estate jobs without a license near me.
How To Make Money In Real Estate Without A License?
Real estate jobs without license requirements aren't limited in their income potential. To make money in real estate without a license, you can capitalize on some of the jobs listed above, such as being a wholesaler to earn wholesaling fees as profits or house flipping.
You can also work as a salesperson or a real estate scout for a brokerage’s marketing team. Alternatively, you can:
Become A Relocation Expert Assistant
Moving to a new city, state, or country is an overwhelming undertaking. To ease the stress, most people often seek the services of a relocation specialist to help them sell their existing properties, find new ones, and coordinate important move-related processes such as finding a mover and visa processing.
Although being a professional relocation specialist requires you to complete prelicensing courses and licensing exams, you can work with one for a commission. Your job as their assistant would involve;
- Researching real estate markets on their behalf
- Finding reputable movers
- Orchestrating moving tasks like packing while they handle the bigger tasks such as finding new relocation clients
Work With Wholesalers For A Fee
Wholesaling doesn’t require a broker license, but if you’re yet to get one and don’t want to partake in the specifics of the trade, you could alternatively work with an experienced one for a profit share or joint venture arrangement.
For instance, you could offer them motivated seller leads or connect them with ready home buyers for a commission.
Buy And Rent Out An Investment Property
If you lack a license and aren’t planning to get one, consider buying, and renting out investment properties. Ensure you do due diligence while procuring rental properties to avoid losses.
Partner With An Agent
Investing blindly in real estate is one of the biggest blunders you’ll ever make. Work with a licensed agent if you’re interested in buying and renting out properties, wholesaling, or any other real estate investing strategies but lack a license.
This will grant you access to their MLS for insights that will help you make informed investment choices.
Rent Out Your Home
Don’t have the capital to invest in a rental property but have enough space in your home?
Consider renting out some of the rooms to make money. If you have options, you may even rent out your entire property. For instance, if you live in a duplex, consider renting out one unit and residing in the other.
Other great ways to make money in real estate without a license include:
- Invest in short-term rentals such as vacation rentals in tourist destinations
- Become an assistant property manager
- Invest in real estate investment trusts (REIT)
Read Also: How To Invest In Real Estate With No Money: 11 Best Strategies
Jobs To Get While Getting A Real Estate License
If you only recently enrolled in real estate school or are almost but yet to complete your pre-licensing courses, there are plenty of jobs you could try out. Here are some ideas of jobs to get before you get your license:
- Real estate relocation specialist assistant
- Wholesaling
- Property scout or bird dog
- Property management assistant
- Real estate agent assistant
- REI Courier
Do Real Estate Jobs Pay For Your License?
While there are plenty of real estate jobs with no license requirements, getting one opens up a world of endless career opportunities. Besides being a new agent, you could choose to be a real estate broker, mortgage broker, real estate attorney, appraiser, title examiner, or home inspector. However, getting a license is easier said than done.
In states like California, you must attend a real estate school, complete your licensing exams, and achieve a particular amount of fieldwork hours. There are costs to the process, usually anywhere from $1,000 to more. Fortunately, real estate companies are often willing to train job applicants and even cover all licensing exam costs from when they enroll at a real estate school to when they finish.
The downside? These companies will often take a portion of your commission checks as compensation for what you owe them. Depending on the brokerage, the cuts might continue for a while. As a result, you cannot claim any increments regardless of your success.
Other companies will not cash in on your commission, but they’ll require you to work under their company name. If you’re planning to work independently at some point, this might inhibit your brand-building efforts since you’ll have to channel all your leads to them, and all your listings will be under their brand.
Final Thoughts On Real Estate Jobs Without License
Real estate jobs without license requirements do exist; you just need to know where to find them. In fact, estate is one of the most lucrative industries anyone could venture into when looking to build a career, and there's no need for a license to partake in it. Most job opportunities come with unparalleled flexibility and attractive returns.
The industry is ever-changing, creating opportunities requiring no license, such as scouting, real estate marketing assistance, house flipping, and wholesaling. So, if you desire to join real estate and have no license, there’s hope for you. The next time you type "real estate jobs without a license near me" into Google, remember this guide—there are plenty of opportunities.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Real Estate Investing? Join our FREE live webinar and discover the proven strategies to build lasting wealth through real estate.
Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, we'll show you how to take action today. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the insider tips and tools that have helped thousands of investors succeed! Seats are limited—Reserve Your Spot Now!
*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.