The Real Deal is hiring: News Reporter in Washington

As a News Reporter for The Real Deal in Washington, DC, you will be responsible for developing original stories that cover the vibrant local real estate market. This role includes pitching story ideas to editors, interviewing industry experts, and conducting thorough research to create compelling narratives ranging from 750 to 2,000 words. You will also ensure your stories meet deadlines and adhere to high journalistic standards, while working collaboratively with the editing team to finalize your pieces.

To apply for the News Reporter position at The Real Deal, candidates should have at least five years of experience in journalism or news reporting, with a proven ability to write clean, accurate copy. Business writing experience is essential, along with a strong narrative voice and the capacity to produce impactful stories under tight deadlines. Additionally, a robust network of sources in the real estate sector or financial markets is highly desirable.

As a News Reporter at The Real Deal, you should focus on stories that explore the key players, trends, and events in the Washington, DC real estate market. Pitches should highlight the intersection of real estate with politics, finance, and business, and may include investigative pieces, feature-length profiles, or analyses of current trends and developments that affect local real estate dynamics.

The Real Deal values its freelance News Reporters greatly, offering a platform that reaches millions of professionals across the real estate industry. By providing editorial support, feedback, and a network of contacts, we empower reporters to produce high-quality journalism. Additionally, compensation is based on a per-word rate for finished stories, allowing freelancers to align their compensation with their work quality.

To apply for a freelance News Reporter position at The Real Deal, candidates should submit their resumes along with relevant writing samples and a pitch showcasing their story ideas. Once your pitch is approved, you will work with our editors to develop your narrative, ensuring it meets our editorial standards and deadlines.

When answering this question, emphasize specific articles or features you've written related to real estate, focusing on your research methods, the angles you explored, and any unique insights you brought to the table. Highlight your networking capabilities and any notable interviews you conducted that provided depth to your reporting.

Discuss your methods for staying informed, such as subscribing to real estate news sources, attending industry meetings or events, and networking with professionals in the sector. Mention how you leverage data and analytics to spot emerging trends.

Outline a clear process in your response. Describe how you identify story opportunities, assess their relevance and timely appeal, and how you tailor your pitches to meet the interests of The Real Deal. Provide examples of successful pitches you've made in the past.

Identify a specific challenge you faced, such as navigating intricate legal regulations or market fluctuations, and explain how you overcame it. Emphasize adaptability, research skills, and your commitment to presenting accurate, fact-based stories.

Share your methods for fact-checking and verifying sources, including cross-referencing data, consulting industry experts, and adhering to ethical journalism standards. Provide an example of a time when your diligence paid off.

Narrate an instance where you faced a pressing deadline, focusing on how you prioritized tasks, utilized effective time management, and maintained communication with your editor or team. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure.

Discuss your preference for certain narrative styles—whether it's immersive storytelling, straightforward reporting, or analytical perspectives—and why you believe they resonate with readers. Use examples from your previous work to illustrate your points.

Explain your thought process for addressing sensitive topics, focusing on the importance of balance, objectivity, and thorough research. Mention how you would seek out diverse perspectives and strive for fairness in your reporting.

Describe a specific long-form article you produced, detailing its theme, your research approach, and the impact it had on readers or the real estate community. Highlight any feedback you received from editors or peers.

Share your passion for journalism and how it aligns with your interest in real estate. Discuss how telling impactful stories that influence public understanding of real estate trends and politics drives your commitment to the field.