There's a good and a bad way to leave your job in real estate, regardless of the circumstances of your departure. Having made your decision to leave, moving on with dignity is important for your own professional reputation, especially in an industry where word travels fast. In most cases you will have already informed your employer verbally, but a formal letter is important to confirm some essential details and ensure you leave on good terms. A thoughtfully prepared letter can help maintain cordial relations with your employer so you can use him as a reference in the future.

Address and Salutation

Use a standard business letter format, with your own address at the top right of the page, and your employer's name and address below that, to the left. Insert the date below the final line of the recipient's address. Address the salutation directly to your immediate supervisor in a way that reflects your day-to-day relationship. For example, you would write "Dear Ms. Smith" if that's how you referred to her on the job, or "Dear Janet" if you referred to her by her first name.

First Sentence

Use the first sentence to confirm you are writing to resign from your post. You should indicate the effective date of your notice and your anticipated final day of work, taking into consideration any required notice period or prior verbal agreement. For example, "I am writing to confirm my resignation from my job as negotiator for City Realtors, effective today, November 1. As discussed and agreed with you yesterday, my last day of work will be December 20."

Reasons for Leaving

Explain your reasons for leaving in the second paragraph. Be positive about your move and do not be tempted to criticize either the job you're leaving or your employer. Instead, use this opportunity to reflect on how much you learned from the job you're leaving. For example, "As we discussed, I am at a time in my professional life where I want to pursue new challenges. The opportunity to serve as senior negotiator with the state's biggest real estate company, and work with such outstanding associates, is something I will always value. The experience gained with City Realtors was invaluable in preparing me for this next stage of my career."

Thank You and Best Wishes

Finish your letter with a courteous thank you for the opportunity to work for the company, and offer your best wishes for its continued success. It may also be appropriate to offer your help with any transition if this is important to your employer. For example, "I'd like to thank you for supporting me over the last three years to develop my negotiation skills, and wish you and your colleagues well for the future. If I can be of any assistance to my successor I'd be happy to help with the transition, time permitting."

Tone of Language

Your letter of resignation will become an official document that will stay with your employment files. You should write your letter with this in mind. Do not use overly casual language or make flippant comments, nor use it as a platform to lambaste your boss. Look for positive aspects of this experience even if your employment experience was unhappy or stressful.

Hints and Tips

Use a word processing program to type a professional looking letter. Use a simple, clear type face and format the paragraphs correctly. Read over it to check for errors in spelling or grammar. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your contract, too, so that you adhere to the proper notice period.