So you think you can sell real estate? With property prices peaking, real estate remains a popular second career choice. An out expert offers tips on what can make gays and lesbians good realtors.

Creating a prosperous career in real estate is not difficult, but it requires skills and traits that are not taught in real estate school or in any other institution, for that matter: a golden combination of business sense and savoir faire. Offering the attractive qualities of personal freedom and flexibility, a career in real estate often serves as the default "rebound relationship" for disenchanted professionals from every other field.

But what qualities does it take to succeed as a Realtor? Sure, experience in business and finance, sales and marketing, or construction and repairs is a good start, but long-term success also depends on certain personal qualities, some of which gays and lesbians often have in abundance. Here's a starter list of five.

TEACHING ABILITY

Most people approach the biggest financial transaction of their lifetime with little or no knowledge or prior experience. A knack for educating can turn a client's otherwise scary and stressful process into an exciting learning experience and cause for celebration.

EMPATHY 

If you and your partner have ever rented, purchased, or sold property, you know the challenges presented by silent--or not so silent--homophobia. As a Realtor you'll need to turn that personal experience into an asset for your LGBT clients, helping them overcome both groundless fears and legitimate obstacles (such as same-sex couples' inability to get married in 49 states).

CREATIVITY

Many "creative types" shy away from real estate because they're not "business-minded." But creativity can be a key to success in everything from marketing to financing to renovating homes. Those rare Realtors who can think outside the box may be surprised at the fresh challenges that inspire them.

COMMUNITY VISION

How many times have LGBT home owners provided both the vision and hands-on effort to rebuild ailing neighborhoods? From Miami to San Francisco, Asheville to Nashville, Denver to Detroit, gay pride has a historical connection to real estate development.

LEADERSHIP

Realtors are often influential in shaping public policy on housing law, property taxes, fair-lending regulations, landlord-tenant rules, buyer-seller rights and responsibilities, and a host of other issues. But even if your leadership is limited to helping guide a gay couple through the steps to home ownership, you can make a lifelong and priceless contribution to their sense of security and well-being.

Hammerberg is owner of Sold Denver and president of GayRealEstate.com, the Internet's largest LGBT Realtor network and an online resource for real estate career advice.