Students who are interested in a real estate education can find a number of options in Texas. The state has a number of schools that offer real estate programs which help students acquire skills that employers seek for real estate brokers and sales agents. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that real estate brokers and sales agents need at least a high school diploma and a license as well. But some employers seek candidates with college credentials. A career in real estate may be suitable for individuals who have strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
Online Real Estate Courses Texas
Students who are interested in entering the field of real estate may choose from a range of degree and certificate programs offered at schools in Texas. Short courses are also available that help students become familiar with real estate practices and principles. Students also learn about real estate finance and sales, and acquire communication as well as problem-solving skills.
Real estate certificate programs could be completed in six months to one year. Associate and bachelor’s degree programs may span between two and four years. Master’s degree programs are also offered at Texas schools, and may take one to two years to complete. According to the BLS, some employers prefer to hire candidates with college courses or a college degree as the real estate market becomes more competitive.
In addition to regular on-campus classes, students may enroll in online real estate courses. Students who cannot attend on-campus programs could enroll in online courses and study from the comfort of their home or any other location. Real estate professionals may also enroll in online courses to build upon their knowledge for career improvement. By completing courses in real estate, students may be more prepared for licensing exams.
The online course format allows students to study on the go with prerecorded, instructor-led courses. They may also participate in live classroom discussions that provide maximum teacher/student interaction. Students may also choose a textbook home study format, and similar to online courses, these may be completed from home at the students’ convenience.
In addition to pre-licensing courses, some real estate associations also offer courses and professional development programs for both beginners and experienced agents. Students in these programs cover a variety of topics, such as mortgage financing, real estate fundamentals, and real estate law.
Coursework
Real estate programs in Texas instruct students in a variety of areas ranging from finance to real estate practices and principles. Students learn how to appraise, sell, and manage real estate. Coursework may include topics such as:
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Mortgage-backed securities and markets
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Real estate management
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Financial institutions
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Appraisal and escrow procedures
Classes are also available in legal aspects, property management, and urban planning. Courses in finance, business administration, economics, and law could be useful to help round out students’ education. Other than core courses, students also need to complete electives such as construction practices, investment management, financial management, development and the environment, and design and development economy. Brokers who wish to open their own company generally take business courses, such as marketing and accounting, the BLS notes.
Admissions
Enrollment in these programs usually requires the following:
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Hold a high school diploma, GED, or a bachelor’s degree
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Demonstrated leadership and academic potential
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Submit GMAT or GRE scores
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Provide letters of reference
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Have relevant work experience
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Appear for personal interview
Employment Opportunities
Completing real estate courses allows student to prepare for a career as a real estate salesperson, broker, mortgage loan originator, or appraiser. Real estate professionals generally work in:
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Offices of real estate agents and brokers
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Activities related to real estate
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Local and state government
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Credit intermediation and related activities
According to O*NET OnLine, there were 34,360 real estate agents and 7,110 real estate appraisers and assessors in Texas in 2012. By 2022, the number of real estate agents in likely to grow from 34,360 to 40,350 which shows more than 17% change. Demand for real estate appraisers and assessors is also expected to increase between 2012 and 2022; from 7,110, the state is expected to need 8,090 real estate appraisers and assessors, over a 14% change.
Pay
According to O*NET OnLine, the median annual pay for real estate professionals in the state of Texas (2013) was as follows:
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Real estate agents: $41,400
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Real estate appraisers and assessors: $55,800