This article first appeared in the California Job Journal.

The Housing Industry:

Many Careers Under One Roof

©  2003 Judith A. Stock

"Working in the real estate field is a rewarding occupation because we help people solve problems," says Glenn Race, residential sales manager, Prudential California Realty, Modesto, CA. "In addition, we play a major role in the nation's economy, that makes it possible for people to achieve the American dream of home ownership."

An important milestone in most people's lives is the purchase or sale of a home. Since this can be a stressful time, the buyer and/or the seller usually seek out the services of real estate agents/brokers to handle the transaction.

For those job seekers that decide on a career as a real estate agent, be prepared to put in long hours to build your own business as an independent contractor. "There is no ceiling on income and no set hours," says Race. "If you enjoy a challenge and you're up to it, without a doubt, this business is rewarding."

Race says Prudential Realty's mentoring program helps train new agents. "We have a coach who works along side new agents until they are up and running on their own. He goes on appointments with them and gives professional advice. We've found that agents who have gone through the mentoring program possess better skills in taking care of their clients and turn out to be more effective in the field."

In order to obtain a real estate license you must pass a written test on property laws and real estate transactions. Beyond that, agents must complete continuing education classes to renew their license. Some useful skills in real estate include being an effective communicator, the ability to make oral presentations, solid negotiation skills, analytical capabilities, follow through, marketing ability, and the desire to help others. In addition, a general knowledge of business and economics is extremely helpful. 

"This is why the housing market typically is the bedrock of our national economy," says Race. "One sale puts all these people to work. At the same time, tremendous amounts of money are put back into the economy because of home sales."

Mortgage Banking

"I love working with people," says Jane Middleton, branch manager, Pacific Guarantee Mortgage. "If you don't this is not the business for you. My typical day is taking loan applications and pre-qualifying people for mortgage loans. In addition, I manage the Modesto office and our new Turlock branch."

Middleton says her staff includes a receptionist, loan processors, loan originators, and a marketing person.

"You can make a very good living in this business if you are committed to what you're doing and you follow through," says Middleton. "This business is about building relationships that in turn build your business. People should have enough confidence in you to refer their friends and family."

Middleton says the mortgage business has changed in five years. She notes that now loans are more automated and more transactions are completed over the Internet. "Clients can go online at pgmonline.com and fill out a loan application," says Middleton. "In the future we may not even have the client come into our office, everything will be done through the Internet."

For most individuals, taking out a loan is the only way to afford a home. Typically, the client meets with the loan officer to complete the application. Once that is done and the borrower turns in items the loan officer requested, the loan is then sent to processing and underwriting for a final determination.

For those individuals interested in the mortgage banking industry, Middleton suggests going to real estate school, working for companies willing to train, or working for a bank in order to be trained in mortgage loans.

only after a thorough search and examination of public records that discloses condition of title, money obligations, easements and other matters which may affect the rights of ownership, possession and use of the property.

Robinson says, "we do in-house training going over new laws and regulations. In addition, we also have a Central Valley escrow association that gives classes and holds monthly meetings with speakers from the industry."

Some of the positions covered in a typical title insurance company are the escrow officer, manager, and assistant, chief title officer, and marketing manager and representative.

According to Robinson, helpful attributes for anyone interested in a title insurance career would be the ability to embrace change and an affinity for people. "You need to have a lot of empathy for people and be patient."

In regard to the future of title insurance, Robinson says, "I see more and more automation in the field. Industry wide professionalism has been stepped up and self-regulation is more intense."

Home Inspection

Home inspection workers inspect the structural quality and general safety of a home or building. Prospective homeowners hire home inspectors to report the condition of the home's systems, components, and structure. An inspector must be familiar with plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems, and roofing.

The thorough home inspector will take photographs of the property, keep a log of their work, and file reports. Inspectors may need to climb ladders and crawl around tight quarters. They will need to know building codes, ordinances and regulations.

"Educate yourself, take as many courses as you can, do the best job and improve your speaking and communication skills, "says Anthony Edwards, inspector, Colonial Inspections. " The State of California doesn't require special schooling for home inspectors but if job seekers want to be successful, they will have to go to an industry-recognized school, complete the courses and graduate. I went to the Inspection Training Associates in Oceanside, CA and graduated."

According to Edwards, a typical day is, "inspecting homes for clients. I go through the home from top to bottom looking for major structural damage, electrical problems, anything that might be an issue."

Edwards says some of the attributes of a home inspector would include being a skilled communicator, possessing construction knowledge, skills in report writing, good business skills and the ability to get along with many different individuals. "For qualified home inspection personnel, the future is looking good," says Edwards.

The American dream of home ownership continues to endure and support careers in the real estate industry. In fact, if market trends are a forecast of the future there is no end in sight as employment projections for the finance, insurance, and real estate industries in 2008 indicate growth at roughly the same rate as total employment according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics