Interested in the property industry? Let’s explore 5 popular jobs in real estate!
If you want to work in real estate does that mean you have to be a real estate agent? Of course not. It’s a great role with lots of opportunities, but there’s plenty of other options out there. In this article we explore 5 popular jobs in real estate.
5 popular roles in the property industry
Property or Real Estate Manager
Property managers often are in charge of a portfolio or group of properties. They handle the leases and contracts for their properties, and organise any regular maintenance or inspections required. For all the properties in the portfolio the manager finds tenants and completes background and reference checks. They also liaise with property landlords on the rental situation, any concerns raised and with the results of inspections. Property or real estate managers usually work as part of a team and must to communicate clearly and honestly with them and their clients. They need to build strong relationships with landlords and tenants and be able to take the initiative to get the best results. Much of the profession is performance target driven so property managers often work evenings and weekends but may have time off during the normal working week instead. Much of their time is spent visiting properties and making calls to landlords, contractors and tenants. To become a property or real estate manager you usually require at least a VET in property or real estate services. Depending on the State you live in you may need a licence or to be registered. More for info check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/874/property-or-real-estate-manager
Surveyor
Surveyors carry out different types of environmental impact assessments, surveys and site inspections measuring and collecting data concerning boundaries, natural contours and positioning. Once all the measurements are gathered and checked they use several types of surveying instruments and GPS to create exact scale drawings of sites. They use computer aided design (CAD) to create charts and maps of the inspected plot. Surveyors then check their measurements and calculations against land records and titles deeds to see if they match. Surveyors are called to work on infrastructure projects such as bridges and tunnels, building construction or utilities such as water supply. Given the nature of the role surveyors need to have an understanding of engineering, maths and science as well as an interest in technology and geology. The role requires an eye for detail, particularly when dealing with exact measurements and calculations. For some surveys, a good level of physical fitness is required as long periods of time may be spent walking, also surveying takes place outside in all weathers. To become a surveyor you need a degree in surveying, spatial science, geographical information systems or geospatial science. After completing a relevant degree, surveyors need to be registered. Requirements differ in each state but usually a combination of practical experience and further study is needed. For more information check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/475/surveyor
Strata Manager
If you’re not from Australia there’s a chance you’ve never heard of a strata manager but it’s an occupation that’s expanding around the world. They are also known as body corporate managers. Strata managers deal with the finances and administration of their units and buildings. They are responsible for arranging and overseeing maintenance and repair of any areas of common property and work with the building manager to do this. They keep detailed financial records of people’s payments and all accounts paid out of the strata fund. Strata managers arrange meetings with property owners to update them on current and planned works in common areas. They also are in charge of arranging appropriate insurances for all aspects of the strata scheme. Strata managers need to be very organised as they are dealing with all aspects of the properties they look after, they also need to be able to communicate well with owners and renters in their strata developments. They may be required to mediate disputes amongst residents to reach a common agreement. Negotiating with contractors for maintenance work and keeping track of their strata budget is also part of their role. Strata managers often work irregular hours including evenings and weekends and may be on-call for emergencies. Usually they’re office based and travel to the strata schemes they manage for meetings or to deal with issues. To become a strata manager you usually need a VET in property services or to complete a course in strata management. Some States require strata managers to have a licence. For more information check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/847/strata-manager
Property Valuer
Property valuers usually work on behalf of the bank, insurance companies or the Government, and are employed to assess commercial properties, land, houses and other structures. They estimate the value of property or land for sale and rental purposes, for redevelopment purposes, or the cost of rebuilding for insurance companies. When assessing value, property valuers must take into consideration the location, economic factors and any legalities surrounding the property. They then write up detailed reports for their clients and may be required to act as an expert witness for any legal proceedings. Some property valuers may also work as assessors on behalf of the Government to ascertain land tax rates or compulsory acquisition values. Valuers must be good at maths, and have a high level of accuracy when dealing with figures. They rely on their own observations of land or properties and need an eye for detail when inspecting an area. All the data and detail they gather then needs to be conveyed clearly to their client in the report, in an organised and simple manner. Depending on the project, valuers may be required to work evenings or weekends, and although a portion of the job is office based, travelling to sites both near and far is usual. To become a property valuer you need at least a VET in property services, specialising in valuation. Often roles will require a degree in property, property economics or valuation. After completion of accredited courses, you can apply for membership of the Australian Valuers Institute or the Australian Property Institute. For more information check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/536/property-valuer
Facilities Manager
Facilities managers usually work for the organisation in charge of a building. The role varies depending on the type of organisation you work for. Some roles involve managing parking services, supervising maintenance workers, making sure all health and safety building requirements are met, budgeting and acquiring various building supplies or managing security. Facilities management are often in charge of sub-contractors such as cleaners, security guards or waste disposal personnel. They usually coordinate between several different groups and rely on strong teamwork skills. They would deal with building owner or tenant issues, and assess problems or tasks and prioritise them. The role is often very busy and facilities managers need to be organised and be able to work unsupervised. Facilities managers are sometimes required to work longer hours to supervise contractors or be on-call for emergencies. They are based in the building they manage or travel between sites if managing more than one. To become a facilities manager you don’t have to have formal qualifications, although you would need experience in a junior role to work your way up to a manager position. Some roles will require a degree in business management or administration, or a degree relevant to the area of business you work in such as engineering. For more information check out https://www.careerhq.com.au/careers-database/job_details/126/facilities-manager
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