<p>To those parents who know a thing or two about being in the real estate business, would you recommend going to college for it? Now I know that you don't go to college for real estate but you could go to college to learn business and stuff and then get into real estate. If not, what would you suggest? Sorry if I sound naive on the topic for I don't really know the details of getting involved with real estate but I think I may be interested in it. Also, if any of you know a thing or two about commercial real estate could you offer up some advice? Thanks guys!</p>
<p>I believe there are schools who offer degrees/programs in Real Estate. </p>
<p>Quick check yielded this site. Good luck. </p>
<p>UC</a> Real Estate</p>
<p>My husband is in real estate development with a national home builder. His firm hires bright, smart, ambitious young people that want to be in real estate, not necessarily any particular major. His particular background is civil engineering plus business -- which has been an excellent combination for him. One of his best hires was a young man who had graduated from West Point -- because he knew how to get things done.</p>
<p>I would choose a university with lots of different course options and be sure to study business. A little landscape architecture would go a long way also -- and make sure to sneak in real estate law (usually from the business department). </p>
<p>Cornell offers a graduate program in real estate. Some of those courses are available (and accessible) to undergrads. Cornell's Hotel School also offers a concentration in development. Some of those courses would be open to non-hotel majors.</p>
<p>IMHO...as a Realtor in Residential Sales of 16+ years, my husband in Residential Sales for 35 years and my late father in commercial real estate for 30+ years, I believe Real Estate encompasses several different concentrations found in college such as Engineering-Business/Marketing-Psychology-Law. I have also found many successful agents were previously teachers. BTW, here is no "glass ceiling" for women, too. Because both residential and commercial real estate is sales oriented, the ability to LISTEN and communicate complex issues is also important. I hope this helps-APOL</p>
<p>The most successful agents I have known have had degrees in business with concentrations in Marketing...</p>
<p>I echo all of the above. My husband and I own our own Real Estate company - in business since 1985- both of us worked in the business before that. My degree is general studies and my husband has a degree in business BUT he feels that the degree was only useful in that he took courses he was interested in. The career is all about people skills, organization skills, motivation and follow through. I would recommend getting a degree - mainly for your own growth and development, in an area that really interests you. This will develop your sense of self in that you have greater depth of interests/discussion in the classroom with peers and profs. I feel this in turn develops self confidence which will follow you for the rest of your life. </p>
<p>Our state requires Real Estate courses with clock hours to get your license. You can take these online or in class setting and do not have to wait to get your degree. If you are really motivated, I would suggest getting that license and trying for part time work within an office while getting your degree. This will give you a chance to see how it all works and if it is something you really want to do. Our most successful agents are great with people and develop good relationships with their clients and the have a high level of motivation - their degree really has no bearing on income. Also, they are independent contractors which means they own their own businesses but "rent desks" in our office. We mainly work with residential so the commercial side may require more weight on the aspect of a degree. </p>
<p>Bottom line- if you think you can handle the ups and down of cyclical markets, be conservative in spending when you have good years, and have a high level of motivation to stick with it, then you can have a very successful career.</p>
<p>Just reading all of the above comments -- you should define for yourself as what it <em>means</em> to be "in real estate." Are you interested in real estate sales and brokerage, residential and/or commercial -- or development, management etc. </p>
<p>Many different areas -- with different skills sets. I'd also add that it can never hurt to get a real estate sales associate license even if you want to be in a different area.</p>