There is no single path to becoming a real estate developer, but certain areas of expertise tend to funnel into the profession. Construction, architecture, law, finance, urban planning, and established real estate professionals (commercial or residential) can all get into real estate development with the proper knowledge and preparation. You should plan to get your real estate license. Itu2019s also helpful to have a bacheloru2019s degree in real estate, business, finance, or a related field. Likewise, residential builders can come from many backgrounds, but a bacheloru2019s degree in construction science and experience as a construction laborer or construction manager will provide the technical knowledge to communicate with contractors such as MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineers, landscape architects, and interior designers. A residential builder is typically running a business, so education or experience in business, finance, management, and marketing is also beneficial. Many states require a contractoru2019s license to operate as a residential builder.u00a0 The ability to plan and organize projects, general knowledge of real estate, design, construction, and/or operations, and an entrepreneurial mindset are all important skills to become a real estate developer or residential builder. Important skills for both professions include critical thinking, communications, decision-making, quality assurance, math, and active listening. Stay up to date on the latest developments in green building through access tou00a0online coursesu00a0with an annual subscription to theu00a0USGBC course catalog.

Program Host: U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)