Most aspiring real estate professionals envision themselves as sales representatives, but that’s not the only career path available within the industry. The truth is, there’s a wide variety of roles for those looking to carve out a niche. After some brief exploration, you may be surprised to learn where your greatest interests lie.

Here are five unique career opportunities that fall under the real estate umbrella…

1) Real Estate Broker

A real estate broker is essentially an agent who takes their education to the next level. Professionals who go this route have the option of managing an existing brokerage, or working independently. Those who opt for the latter can hire agents to work beneath them—creating opportunities to scale their business.

To become an agent in Ontario, you must complete an 18-month program through Humber College. After you’ve passed the exams, you’re eligible to become a broker by completing two additional courses (the Real Estate Broker Course and an elective from the articling section of the Salesperson Program).

2) Commercial Agent

There’s more to real estate than single-family homes and condos. From restaurant spaces to shopping plazas to warehouses, commercial properties are constantly changing hands. Of course, the commissions involved can be substantial, which means these transactions are often lucrative for agents.

Of course, commercial deals are often more complex than their residential counterparts. Clients looking for these types of properties also tend to be business and market-savvy, and the agents who work with them must adjust their communications accordingly.

3) Leasing Consultant

If you’re looking for a real estate role that provides a fair amount of flexibility, becoming a leasing consultant may be right for you. Your primary duty will be filling vacancies within commercial properties on behalf of landlords and building management companies.

As a leasing consultant, you should be a highly effective communicator with top-notch marketing and negotiating skills. You’ll need to get the word out about potential properties—and ensure that the paths to successful lease completions are smooth.

4) Residential Real Estate Appraiser

Do you have an eye for detail and a strong interest in home construction? As a real estate appraiser, both come into play. The job consists of making data and experience-backed estimates of the value of individual homes. These figures are used in a variety of circumstances, such as during the mortgage-lending process and for tax-assessment purposes.

Part of the appeal of becoming an appraiser is the earning power that comes with it. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC), the average net income of its members is $79,000. Certification is a requirement of the job, and it can be attained through the AIC and the Canadian National Association of Real Estate Appraisers.

5) Foreclosure Specialist

When a lending institution is forced to reclaim property due to the non-payment of a mortgage, the owners find themselves in a challenging situation. However, they may have options. That’s where a foreclosure specialist can enter the picture.

If you take on this role, your day-to-day will likely include reviewing documents, working with homeowners to resolve outstanding issues, and communicating with lenders and other relevant parties. It can be an incredibly rewarding job, so long as you have the breadth of financial knowledge required.

Carving out your real estate niche may mean discovering what type of agent you want to be—or taking on a role you’ve never considered before. By exploring the unique real estate career opportunities available to you, you can help ensure that the path your on is the one that’s right for you!

If you’ve decided that becoming an agent is the right move, connecting with a supportive team is key. Contact us to learn more about the advantages of joining RE/MAX Professionals.