Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are a type of company that owns, develops, and operates income-producing real estate. They are a popular investment because they offer high dividend yields and are considered a relatively safe investment.🏡
There are many different types of REITs, and they can be very profitable investments. However, not all REITs are created equal. Some REITs are much more profitable than others.💸💸
You don’t necessarily have to invest in a REIT. You can also work for one. Below, we look at the nine best-paying jobs in REITs.🏠🏠
What is a REIT?🏡
A REIT, or real estate investment trust, is a company that owns and operates income-producing real estate. They are traded on major exchanges, just like stocks, offering investors a way to invest in real estate without the hassle of owning or managing property.📊📉
The key advantage of REITs is that they offer investors high dividend yields and the potential for capital appreciation.
There are two main types of REITs: equity REITs and mortgage REITs.🏠🏠
Equity REITs own and operate income-producing real estate, such as office buildings, apartments, shopping centers, warehouses, and hotels. Mortgage REITs invest in mortgages and mortgage-backed securities.
Both REITs must distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends.💲💲
The best paying jobs in REITs🤑🤑
If you’re planning to enter the real estate investment trust industry, you’ll want to know about the best-paying jobs available. Here are nine of the highest-paying positions you can work at.
1. Property developer
Property developers work in the real estate industry and are responsible for the construction, management, and sale of properties, such as residential housing, office blocks, and shopping centers.🏡💵
In REITs, they also work with the investors and shareholders to ensure that the property portfolio is well-managed and operated. If you want to become a property developer, you will need to have a good understanding of the real estate market and be able to identify development opportunities.📉⭐
You will also need to be able to manage a team of professionals, such as architects, engineers, and construction workers. Becoming a property developer can be a very rewarding career, both financially and emotionally.
Property developers typically work for property development companies but may also be self-employed.
Earning Potential🤑🤑
Real estate property developers can earn up to $133,244 per year. You can earn even more if you are self-employed or work in a senior management position.
2. Asset manager
In real estate, an asset manager is a professional who is responsible for the day-to-day management of a property, including financial, legal, and operational aspects. The asset manager’s primary objective is to create value for the property owner through strategic decision-making.📊📊
Asset managers typically work for large real estate firms, investment banks, or private equity firms. They may also work for public agencies or non-profit organizations.
The asset manager’s responsibilities vary depending on the type of property and the owner’s objectives. However, common duties include:👍👍
- Analyzing market trends and making recommendations to the owner on how to maximize the value of the property
- Overseeing the budget and ensuring that all expenses are within budget
- Hiring, training, and supervising on-site staff⭐⭐
- Coordinating with other professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, and architects
- Reviewing and negotiating contracts
- Preparing reports for the owner on the status of the property💲💲
You’ll need an MBA if you want to pursue a career in this field.
Earning Potential🤑🤑
Real estate asset managers make up to $103,750 per year. Most jobs also come with additional perks, such as equity in the property and a percentage of the profits.
3. Real estate attorney
The real estate market can be a confusing and daunting place, especially for first-time buyers. Real estate attorneys can help make the process run more smoothly. They can offer advice on various topics, from negotiating a purchase contract to handling a dispute with a contractor.📄📄
Real estate attorneys also work for REITs, where they may handle everything from lease agreements to financing. Plus, they can help landlords with evictions and other property-related issues.📄📄🔒
You’ll need a degree from an accredited law school and a license from your state’s bar association to practice law. Some real estate attorneys also have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a degree in real estate.
Earning Potential🤑🤑
Real estate attorneys earn up to $127,876 per year. You can also expect additional perks like health insurance and a retirement plan.
4. REIT portfolio manager
A REIT portfolio manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a portfolio of real estate investment trusts (REITs). The role includes asset selection, portfolio construction, monitoring, and reporting.💸💸
The REIT portfolio manager is a key member of the investment team and works closely with other professionals, such as analysts and traders, to create and execute investment strategies.
As the REIT portfolio manager, you will be responsible for the following:👍👍
- Selecting assets and constructing portfolios
- Monitoring portfolios and making adjustments as needed
- Preparing reports and presentations for clients and prospects📊📈
- Researching real estate market trends
You should have a four-year degree in business, finance, or a related field and at least five years of experience managing REIT portfolios. CFA charterholder status is preferred.
Certain soft skills, such as the ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, are also important.
If you are interested in working as a REIT portfolio manager, contact a firm that specializes in REITs to inquire about job openings. Alternatively, you can submit your resume and cover letter to an online job board.💻💬
Earning Potential🤑🤑
You can expect to make $144,710 per year. The earning potential is even higher for those with experience and credentials.
If you work for a company for a long time, they will also give you perks like a 401k and paid vacation days.
You can also get promoted to a higher position if you do a good job.
5. Real estate agent
Real estate agents help people buy and sell properties. They work with customers to find the right property, negotiate prices, and handle the paperwork.📄📄
Most real estate agents work for brokerages, which are companies that connect buyers and sellers. Agents typically work on commission, which means they earn a percentage of the property’s sale price.💲💲
In the REIT world, real estate agents are involved in the process of buying and selling real estate investment trusts (REITs). They often work as acquisition agents, helping investors find the right REITs to buy and selling agents, helping to sell properties that are owned by REITs.
You don’t necessarily need a degree to become a real estate agent, but most states require you to take some real estate courses and pass a licensing exam. Many brokerages also require agents to complete some training before they can start working with clients.👍📱
Earning Potential🤑🤑
Since real estate agents work on commission, their income depends on how many properties they sell. The best-paid real estate agents made $76,720 in 2020.
6. REIT accountant
REIT accountants are an integral part of the real estate investment industry. They work with REITs, or real estate investment trusts, to ensure that the financial statements are accurate and meet all regulatory requirements.💸💸
REIT accountants also work with investors and lenders to provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions about their investments. As a REIT accountant, your responsibilities will include:💸💰
- Collecting financial data from REITs
- Preparing and reviewing financial statements
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements👍👍
- Providing advice to investors and lenders💸💸
- Working with other members of the REIT team to provide support and guidance
You must have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field to be considered for this role. In addition, you should have strong analytical and communication skills. Prior experience working with REITs is preferred but not required.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification is also preferred.👍
Since most of the work is done online today, you should also be familiar with ADP and QuickBooks. It helps to have experience with Microsoft Office products as well.⭐⭐
The ability to work independently and meet deadlines is essential in this role.
Earning Potential🤑🤑
The average salary for this role is $83,145. But senior accountants can make up to $94,000 a year. You can maximize your earnings potential by working in a major city and/or obtaining your CPA certification.
7. Real estate investment trust analyst
REIT analysts perform research on real estate investment trusts (REITs) and provide recommendations to clients. They use financial analysis techniques to assess the performance of REITs and identify potential investments.📈📉
REIT analysts typically have a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or finance. Many also hold professional licenses, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
They may be employed by brokerages, investment banks, or research firms. Some work for REITs themselves.📊📊
REIT analysts typically work regular business hours in an office setting. They may travel to meet with clients or visit properties.
If you plan to become a REIT analyst, you must start from a lower position in the field and gain experience. For instance, you could become a research associate or an investment banking analyst. Alternatively, you could join a REIT as an accountant or financial analyst.📉💲📈📈
As you gain experience, you will be able to move up into a senior analyst or managing director role.
Earning Potential🤑🤑
The salary for REIT analysts ranges from $76,749 to $108,847. Your geographical location, employer, and experience level will affect your pay. Bonuses and benefits are also available in this field.
8. Real estate property appraiser
A real estate property appraiser is a person who determines the value of land and buildings. The most common use for an appraiser is to help set a selling price for a property.💬💬
In a REIT, the value of the real estate property is a key ingredient in determining dividend payout and share price. Therefore, REITs hire appraisers to provide independent and objective valuations of their properties.
Your job will be to:
- Look at the comparable sales in the area and come up with a value for the property
- Consider the location, age, condition, and features of the property⭐⭐
- Research recent sales of similar properties in the area
- Calculate the value of the property using one or more valuation methods📊💲
- Provide a written report to the REIT with your findings
Besides experience in real estate, you’ll also need an appraiser’s license from your state.👍
Earning Potential🤑🤑
The average salary for real estate appraisers is $58,741 per year. But, like many other occupations, pay varies by experience, location, and company size. For example, the average salary of appraisers in Arlington County is $80,567.
9. REIT tax specialist
A REIT tax specialist helps individuals and businesses with their taxes relating to real estate investment trusts (REITs). These specialists can help with the tax implications of owning and investing in REITs and the taxation of income from REITs.💸💸
As a real estate investment trust tax specialist, you will need to have a strong understanding of both federal and state tax laws. You must be familiar with the different types of REITs and how they are taxed.💰
Plus, you have to advise clients on the best way to structure their investments to minimize their tax liability.
REIT tax specialists must have excellent communication and analytical skills. They should be able to clearly explain complex tax concepts to clients.
If you are interested in becoming a REIT tax specialist, you should have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, tax, or business. Plus, you will need to pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.⭐⭐
Earning Potential🤑🤑
Most tax specialists earn up to $57,756 on average. Besides a regular salary, many firms offer other benefits like healthcare, a 401(k) plan, and paid vacation days.
Summary
Working for a REIT can be very rewarding since you are helping to provide people with a place to live and also receive some great benefits yourself. Plus, the salaries are higher than average, and the job outlook is good.🤑🤑
However, you should make sure that you are prepared for the long hours and occasional stressful situations. We’ve discussed the best paying jobs in real estate investment trusts in the guide above.⭐⭐
Which of these jobs sounds the most appealing to you? Do you have what it takes to work in this fast-paced industry?💬💬
Let us know your thoughts.
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