Real Estate Paralegal

In order to be a real estate paralegal you must have a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, pre-law, political science or related field and/or a paralegal certificate with experience assisting in brokering real estate transactions. Starting at an entry-level real estate paralegal position you should at least have the education requirements in order to be competitive and receive a job in the field. It is also important to gain paralegal experience by doing an internship which is offered through the paralegal school you plan on attending. 

Real Estate Paralegals' job descriptions and duties are different depending on the law firm, real estate agency or title company they work for.  Real estate paralegals are under the supervision of their employer. Commercial and Residential Real Estate Paralegals help with reviewing title reports, preparing leases and closing documents, assist attorneys in closing of sales, purchases, leasing and financing transactions. Sometimes real estate paralegals will work the entire transaction from initiation of contracts through closing. Some real estate paralegals might specialize in closing or other areas of complex real estate transactions.

Some useful skills for real estate paralegals to have include: knowledge of financing, lease negotiation and lending documents and procedures, ability to work on real estate transactions from the initial contract through the closing, strong verbal and written communication skills, and work with minimal supervision. These skills are taught at paralegal schools and they will have a greater emphasis in programs that offer a specialization in real estate.

The job outlook for paralegals is expected to continue to grow. It should increase at least 27% or more through 2014 according to the US Dept. of Labor. Opportunities for advancement are strong for those who work hard.  Real estate paralegal salaries ranged from around $40,000 to over $75,000 a year depending on location, education and experience.

Here is a list of Paralegal Degrees and Certificate and the colleges you can obtain them from.
Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: Programs Offered: BSPS Real Estate Law, AAS in Paralegal Studies, BS in Paralegal Studies, BSPS Alternative Dispute Resolution, BSPS Corporate Law, BSPS Employment Law, BSPS Family Law, BSPS Legal Technology, BSPS Office Management, BSPS Personal Injury, BSPS Social Security Law, Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate, Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies

Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Program Offered: A.S. Paralegal Studies

Everest University Online: Programs Offered: Paralegal Associate's Degree, Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

George Washington University: Program Offered: Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Globe University Minnesota School of Business: Programs Offered: Associate’s in Paralegal, Bachelor's in Paralegal
Penn Foster: Programs Offered: Paralegal Diploma, Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies
Southwest Florida College Online: Program Offered: Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Here is a list of On-Campus Paralegal Training Programs
Everest Institute: Program Offered: Paralegal
Everest College: Programs Offered: Paralegal, Criminal Justice, Criminal Investigations
Berkeley College: Program Offered: Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Brown Mackie College: Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Paralegal
Center for Advanced Legal Studies: Programs Offered: Associate's and Certificate in Paralegal Studies 
Eagle Gate College: Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Paralegal
Fremont College: Program Offered: Associate's of Arts in Paralegal Studies
Hesser College:  Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Paralegal
Keiser University:  Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Tech, Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies
.National American University: Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies
.Platt College:  Program Offered: Associate's in Paralegal Studies
South College: Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies
South University: Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies