Real estate manager
Also known as: estate manager, estate administrator, real estate officer, property rental manager, regional real estate manager, estate coordinator
About this occupation
Real estate managers handle and oversee the operational aspects of commercial or residential properties such as private apartments, office buildings and retail stores. They negotiate contracts for lease, identify and plan new real estate projects and construction of new buildings by partnering with a developer to identify the appropriate site for new buildings, coordinate the feasibility study for new constructions and supervise all the administrative and technical aspects involved in expanding the business. They maintain the premises and aim to increase its value. They hire, train and supervise personnel.
Essential skills and knowledge
- financial statements
- real estate market
- budgetary principles
- analyse market financial trends
- trace financial transactions
- financial analysis
- audit contractors
- provide cost benefit analysis reports
- create insurance policies
- compare property values
- enforce financial policies
- liaise with managers
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers (O*NET 11-9141.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Manage and oversee operations, maintenance, administration, and improvement of commercial, industrial, or residential properties.
- Direct collection of monthly assessments, rental fees, and deposits and payment of insurance premiums, mortgage, taxes, and incurred operating expenses.
- Plan, schedule, and coordinate general maintenance, major repairs, and remodeling or construction projects for commercial or residential properties.
- Prepare detailed budgets and financial reports for properties.
- Act as liaisons between on-site managers or tenants and owners.
- Solicit and analyze bids from contractors for repairs, renovations, and maintenance.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, Coordination
US median pay: US$69,990 a year (2025), 311,180 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.0)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingVery important (3.9)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.2)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionImportant (3.1)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.1)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Real Estate Sales Agents
- Real Estate Brokers
- Facilities Managers
- Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
- Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
- General and Operations Managers
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
- Sales Managers
- Lodging Managers
- Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.