Getting an Internship in Real Estate: Age Requirements and Value-Added Tasks

The question of how old you need to be to get an internship in a real estate company can vary based on both the position and state regulations. While certain tasks do not require a specific age, licensing for certain activities can have minimum age requirements.

What Age Can You Start Doing Valuable Work?

At what age can you begin contributing to the real estate field in a meaningful way? Unlike some other sectors, the real estate industry often allows for internships and entry-level positions from a younger age. However, the specific tasks you can perform and the value you can offer may depend on your ability to meet certain legal and licensing requirements.

Types of Work You Can Imagine Doing

It is natural to wonder what kind of work you can do as you seek an internship in real estate. Here are some tasks that might interest you:

Phone Calls: Cold calling potential clients or scheduling appointments is a critical part of real estate. However, at a young age, these responsibilities might be done under supervision by experienced agents. Client Intake: Collecting information from clients, intakes, and adding it to CRM systems can help in maintaining a smooth workflow for the company. Admin Tasks: There are numerous administrative tasks that can be valuable to a real estate company, such as organizing paperwork, setting appointments, and labeling mailings.

Valuable Tasks You Can Do as a Younger Intern

While there are certain administrative tasks that you can do, you must remember that certain tasks, like showing homes or writing contracts, require a license. Here are some value-added tasks you can do:

Labeling Mailings: Helping to organize and label mailings can be a great starting point for your internship. Setting Appointments: Arranging meetings for your team is an important task that can significantly contribute to the success of the real estate business. Newsletters and Brochures: Assist in the creation and distribution of newsletters or brochures to clients, which can help maintain a positive relationship with the community.

What Tasks Can You Do Without a License?

Without a real estate license, there are several tasks you can perform to aid an agent or broker:

Labeling Mailings: Put labels on mailings, which can be a non-intrusive but useful administrative task. Scheduling Appointments: Set appointments for clients on the real estate broker's calendar. Organizing Paperwork: Assist in organizing client files, contracts, and other important paperwork.

What Tasks Require a License?

For certain tasks, a real estate license is necessary. Here are some examples:

Showing Homes: Legally representing a property to potential buyers and showing them around the home. Writing Contracts: Drafting, reviewing, and signing real estate contracts that legally bind buyers and sellers.

Getting a Real Estate License

If you are passionate about real estate and want to take on more responsibilities, obtaining a real estate license can significantly enhance your value to a real estate company. In many states, including the author's state, you must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate to obtain a license. However, age requirements may vary:

Age Requirements in Different States

The age at which you can be employed in real estate and obtain a license can vary by state. Some states have varying age requirements, and others may have additional educational or work experience requirements. It's important to research the specific laws and regulations in your state. Here are some general requirements for a real estate license in the United States:

Ages 18-21: You can typically apply for a temporary salesperson license, but will need to pass a state-specific exam. Ages 21 and Above: You can apply for a full salesperson or broker's license, and can usually work without a mentor.

Beyond High School: Steps Toward a License

To gain a full license, you will need to complete the following steps:

Education: Complete a certain amount of education or course work in real estate. This can vary by state but often includes specific courses and hours of study. Exam: Pass a state-specific real estate licensing exam. This exam covers various topics relevant to the real estate industry, including laws and regulations, finance, and market analysis. Experience: Gain the required experience, which may include working under a licensed real estate agent for a certain period. Background Check: Pass a background check to ensure you have no criminal history that would disqualify you from getting a license.

Final Thoughts

While it's important to understand the age-related requirements for an internship in real estate, remember that each company has the flexibility to consider you for tasks based on your skills and experience. Engage with real estate agents, ask questions, and gain the necessary skills and knowledge. With time and hard work, you can qualify for more responsibilities and even earn a real estate license. This will enable you to contribute more effectively to a real estate company and make your mark in the industry.