Real estate investor
Also known as: investor in real estate, real estate entrepreneurs, property entrepreneur, real estate investing expert, land investor, real estate entrepreneur
About this occupation
Real estate investors buy and sell own real estate such as appartements, dwellings, land and non-residential buildings to make a profit. They might actively invest in these properties to increase its value by repairing, renovating or improving the facilities available. Their other tasks may include researching the real estate market prices and undertaking property research.
A specialisation of real estate agent.
Essential skills and knowledge
- real estate market
- handle financial transactions
- provide cost benefit analysis reports
- property law
- estimate profitability
- compare property values
- banking activities
- collect property financial information
- perform property market research
- modern portfolio theory
- maintain records of financial transactions
- obtain financial information
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Real Estate Brokers (O*NET 41-9021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Obtain agreements from property owners to place properties for sale with real estate firms.
- Sell, for a fee, real estate owned by others.
- Compare a property with similar properties that have recently sold to determine its competitive market price.
- Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers over property prices and settlement details and during the closing of sales.
- Generate lists of properties for sale, their locations, descriptions, and available financing options, using computers.
- Maintain knowledge of real estate law, local economies, fair housing laws, types of available mortgages, financing options, and government programs.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Negotiation, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Active Learning, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$73,220 a year (2025), 46,100 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingVery important (4.0)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.5)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.3)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.2)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.1)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Real Estate Sales Agents
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
- Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
- Financial and Investment Analysts
- Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
- Loan Officers
- Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
- Sales Managers
- Insurance Sales Agents
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.