Realtor Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does a Realtor Do?

A realtor is a licensed professional who helps clients buy, sell, and rent homes, apartments, and commercial properties. These individuals work closely with clients to understand their preferences and needs and assist them in navigating the complex real estate market. Their responsibilities include conducting property tours, negotiating prices and terms, preparing contracts and documents, and overseeing the sale of the property.

Realtors must possess strong interpersonal skills, excellent communication abilities, attention to detail, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. They should be knowledgeable of the local real estate market as well as the laws and regulations related to the industry.

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National Average Salary

Realtor salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.

The average national salary for a Realtor is:

$58,076

Realtor Job Descriptions

Crafting the perfect job description may be the key to finding an exceptional realtor. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR). The ABR, presented by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), requires documentation of five completed transactions in which candidates acted solely as buyer representatives. They must be in good standing with the REBAC and the NAR. Candidates must also pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. 
  • Accredited Land Consultant (ALC). The ALC requires successful completion of a 104-hour LANDU education program, a significant amount of high volume experience, and candidates must strictly follow the code of conduct. Applicants must hold a current real estate license and have at least two years of experience. Candidates must submit a portfolio and must be in good standing with the NAR. 
  • Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). The CCM is an accreditation for commercial real estate covering core courses, such as financial analysis, market analysis, negotiations training, user decision analysis, investment analysis, and ethics. Candidates have to have worked in the commercial real estate industry for a minimum of two years and must submit a portfolio of qualifying experience. There is a six-hour comprehensive exam, and candidates must have a passing score of 70% or higher. They must also be in good standing with the CCIM Institute and the NAR.

Sample Interview Questions

  • How do you market and promote properties to prospective buyers and renters, and what strategies have you found to be most effective?
  • Would you be able to describe a real estate transaction in which you faced a difficult challenge or obstacle? How did you overcome it?
  • Are you experienced in coordinating inspections, appraisals, and financing during the transaction process?
  • How do you protect your clients’ confidentiality and privacy during real estate transactions?
  • What is your method for creating a client base?
  • How do you approach the process of understanding your clients’ needs and preferences when helping them buy, sell, or rent properties?
  • Describe a time when you negotiated a real estate deal with clients or other parties.
  • How do you ensure the accuracy and completeness of real estate contracts and documents that you prepare?
  • Are you aware of your local real estate market’s pricing, inventory, and competition trends?
  • How do you successfully manage in and out-of-office tasks?
  • Have you worked with attorneys, inspectors, and lenders on real estate transactions?
  • Are there any real estate transactions you are particularly proud of, and what role did you play in their success?
  • Have you ever had difficulties creating a relationship with a client? If you could go back, what would you have done differently?
  • What questions do you ask potential customers to ensure you’re meeting all of their needs?

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