Real estate is not a single career but a number of activities involving property transactions. The following description of career fields provide a general overview of the roles those going into real estate might choose.

Agents and Brokers
Agents and brokers sell other people's property for a commission. They generate lists of available properties, determine competitive and fair prices for properties, learn as much as possible about a property's features—such as whether a home has a garage or is close to a school—market them through advertisements and open houses, meet with potential buyers, show homes to clients, help buyers finance their purchases, and assist in drawing up contracts.

Agents work on commission. It might be months before a new agent lands his or her first sale, months in which he or she sees no money. When agents succeed at selling many properties, they might be promoted to supervisory positions, decide to get a brokerage license and open their own businesses, or continue working on a commission basis.

Appraisers
Appraisers estimate a property's value by thoroughly inspecting it and systematically analyzing it in comparison to similar properties. They gather statistics and information about the property, using blueprints, records, and survey drawings.

Most appraisers specialize in either residential or commercial property. Residential appraisers generally determine mortgage rates or work with corporate relocation firms. Commercial appraisers counsel their clients on buying versus leasing properties, help building owners determine market rents, analyze their investments, and appeal property-tax assessments, in addition to determining mortgages on commercial properties such as restaurants and car washes.

Property Managers and Asset Managers
Property managers maintain or increase a property's value and handle all the financial operations related to a property. They find tenants, assign rental rates, collect rents, resolve disputes, and hire and pay maintenance personnel such as security guards and repairmen. Most people starting out begin as on-site managers. With experience, on-site managers can become assistant property managers. Property managers are gradually given charge over more complex properties.

Many people transfer from property management to asset management. Asset managers help an organization make decisions about purchasing, developing, and selling properties. They assess property values, research taxes, zoning, and population growth, negotiate contracts, and review holdings to determine which properties are no longer turning a profit.

Corporate Real Estate Managers
Corporate real estate managers are professionals who work for large businesses such as Taco Bell and McDonald's, picking sites that provide maximum visibility and population density. To be successful, corporate real estate managers must know a great deal about a company's products and customers. They should also understand zoning, utilities, building codes, and market values.

Developers
Real estate developers oversee the entire process of developing and building a property, from buying the land and preparing it for development to hiring architects to saying yea or nay to the color of the carpet. Developers come up with estimates of the time and money required to complete a development. They manage the labor force involved, help locate equipment and workers, and bring the construction plan to life. Developers usually start out in entry-level jobs at development firms and work their way up.