Texas Land Trusts About

About the Texas Land Trust Council Maincontent Local Navigation print friendly search Regulations Publications Outdoor Learning Kids Game Warden Grants Get Involved Shop FAQ Calendar Español Experience Texas Fishing & Boating State Parks & Destinations Hunting & Wildlife Land & Water Doing Business Home Land & Water Land Private Tltc About Us Texas Land Trusts About Texas Land Trusts Starting a Land Trust Texas Land Trust Directory Foreword Listing Regional Index About the Texas Land Trust Council ( TLTC ) TLTC Board of Directors and Honorary Council News 2004 TLTC Conference Speech Bulletin Board TLTC Publications Land Trust Resources Texas Land Trusts Top 1-Million Mark in Acres Conserved The Texas Land Trust Council (TLTC) was formed in 1999 in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife to serve as a support association for all land trust organizations in Texas. The Council's mission is to promote and sustain the conservation efforts of Texas's land trusts. TLTC provides educational, organizational and technical support to land trusts, and also acts as a statewide clearinghouse for conservation information. TLTC publishes a newsletter, a land trust directory, a conservation easement handbook, an annual inventory of protected lands in Texas, and a conservation "packet" that can be tailored to meet the needs of land trusts, landowners and professional advisors. TLTC is governed by a 15-member board elected by the Council's land trust members. TLTC members receive newsletters, notification of events and seminars, and numerous opportunities to network and communicate with their conservation peers around the state. Contact Us... The Texas Land Trust Council Carolyn Vogel, Program Administrator Texas Parks and Wildlife 4200 Smith School Road Austin, TX 78744 Phone: (512) 389-4779 Fax: (512) 389-4469 E-mail: tltc@ Contact Us | Help | Accessibility | Media | Site Policies | Complaints | Intranet | State of Texas | TRAILS Search | TexasOnline | Compact with Texans Texas Parks and Wildlife Department , 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 Toll Free: (800) 792-1112, Austin: (512) 389-4800 Content of this site © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. Last modified: July 29, 2005, 4:38 pm

Land Loans Construction Loans

Greenstone FCS - Farm Credit Services for Michigan and Northeast Wisconsin - farm loans, country home loans, crop insurance, peril insurance, real estate leases, operating, equipment, facilities and other agriculture related expenses About GFCS | -- Contact Us | Locations -- ONLINE BANKING LOGIN Register Here Username Password -- -- -- -- -- OTS Loans Operating Loans Capital & Intermediate Term Loans Capital Lines of Credit Trade Credit Products Real Estate Loans Leasing Products About Country Living Vacant Land Loans Construction Loans Residential Real Estate Loans Agricultural Real Estate Loans Recreational Land Loans Operating, Equipment, & Machinery Loans Leasing Products Crop Insurance Life Insurance Appraisal Services Farm Cash Management Tax Services Farm Recordkeeping GFCS Property for Sale National Discount Programs Online Banking Loan Calculators Interest Rates with Terms & Conditions Loan Application Important Links Weather & News About Us Contact Us Events Company History Jobs Branch Locator News & Press Releases Stock Plan Our E-Newsletter system is currently offline for routine feature enhancements. Watch here for the upgraded system in the near future. Property For Sale News from MSU News from University of Wisconsin The Perfect Holiday Treat December Dell Saving MAC Marketline Ken Lake discusses the the issues that are key to running a successful farm. Ask the Expert Experts toll in on a variety of topics to aid todays farmer in making tough decisions Thinking about purchasing your own recreational land? Let the real estate experts at GreenStone Farm Credit Services help. We offer a variety of flexible financing options with competitive rates for the purchase, refinance or improvement of rural recreational properties - both small and large acreage. When you close your recreational land loan by December 31, 2005. Audio Response System Being Phased Out Effective December 31, 2005, customers of GreenStone Farm Credit Services will no longer have access to the audio response system through the 1-800-444-FARM number. The decision to no longer offer this service was based on the very low number of users of the system over the past 18 months. It is important to note that the toll-free 1-800-444-FARM number will continue to serve as an access point for customers to reach any of GreenStone’s 37 branch locations. Based on the location of a caller to the toll-free number, he or she will be automatically directed to the nearest GreenStone FCS office for direct assistance. For those customers looking for remote access to their accounts at any time of day or night, GreenStone FCS offers online banking. Through online banking, customers can view their latest account information, transfer funds, make loan payments, and much more. Customers can register for online banking by simply clicking on the “Register Here” link at the top of the home page. My Market Watch Gear Up Equipment Financing (requires login and password) Site Map | Security & Privacy Policy | Equal Housing Lender © 2004-2005 Greenstone Farm Credit Services.

Selling Home Theater Systems

Home Theater Systems - Reviews, Best Price Comparison and BizRate Store Ratings Log in to your account Bookmark this page! Home Home & Garden Computers Clothes Toys Electronics Kids Jewelry All Departments I'm shopping for in All Departments Electronics Home Theater Systems ---------------------- Special Offers Store Ratings Welcome to BizRate.com's free comparison shopping site! We help you find the best deals on the biggest selection of products from all of the top-rated stores. Compare products, read reviews, and compare prices to make sure you quickly find the right product at the right price every time! Shop smarter at BizRate. Home > Electronics > Home Theater Systems Email This Page Search took 0.012 of a second. Home Theater Systems Home Theater Systems Buying Guides Home Theater Systems Price Range Under $310 $310 - $500 Over $500 More Brand Sony Panasonic Bose Onkyo Samsung JVC Yamaha More Player Tuner A/V Receiver DVD CD DVD Changer MP3 CD Changer More Playback MP3 CD CD-RW CD-R DVD-R DVD DVD-RW More Built-In Decoders DTS Dolby Digital Dolby Pro Logic II Dolby Pro Logic DTS Neo:6 Dolby Digital EX DTS 96/24 More Watts Per Center Channel 110 Watts 100 Watts 120 Watts 133 Watts 130 Watts 86 Watts 45 Watts More Watts Per Subwoofer Channel 100 Watts 285 Watts 150 Watts 135 Watts 120 Watts 140 Watts 155 Watts More or Browse by: Speaker System Speaker Type Surround Channels Ohms Equal Power To Rear Video Inputs Rear Video Outputs More Products per page: 10 20 40 80 Sort by: Best Match Price Low-High Price High-Low Product Rating 1 2 3 4 5 … Next << Choose at least two products to compare. Check to Compare Panasonic SC-HT17 5.1 Channel Home Theater System Tuner, A/V Receiver - 170 Watts Main , 70 Watts Surround - DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic - 5.1 Surround… $100 to $500 Found at 12 stores Check to Compare Onkyo HTS780B 7.1 Channel Home Theater System Tuner, A/V Receiver - 110 Watts Main , 110 Watts Center , 110 Watts Surround - DTS, Dolby Digital EX, DTS Neo:6, Dolby Pro Logic...… 2 reviews: $430 to $500 Found at 9 stores Check to Compare Sony HT-DDW670 Home Theater System Tuner, A/V Receiver - 100 Watts Main , 100 Watts Center , 100 Watts Surround , 100 Watts Subwoofer - DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby...… $178 to $260 Found at 14 stores Check to Compare Sony DAV-FX100W 5.1 Channel Home Theater System DVD, CD, Tuner, A/V Receiver - Playback: CD-R, DVD-R, JPEG, CD-RW, DVD, CD, MP3, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, VCD, DVD+R DL - 5 Discs...… $635 to $830 Found at 17 stores Check to Compare Bose 321 Series II Home Theater System DVD, CD - Playback: DVD, MP3 - 1 Discs - 25 AM , 25 FM Presets - 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Playback: JPEG, MP3, DVD+R, DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW - 5 Discs - 140 Watts Main - DTS, Dolby Digital...… $370 to $500 Found at 14 stores Check to Compare Pioneer HTP-2500 Home Theater System 1000 Watt… $159 to $199 Found at 3 stores Check to Compare Sony DAV-DX150 5.1 Channel Home Theater System DVD, CD, Tuner, MP3, A/V Receiver - Playback: CD-R, DVD-R, JPEG, CD-RW, MP3, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, VCD, DVD+R DL - 5 Discs , 133...… 1 review: $244 to $320 Found at 16 stores Check to Compare Onkyo HTS580 5.1 Channel Home Theater System Tuner, A/V Receiver - 100 Watts Main , 100 Watts Center , 100 Watts Surround , 100 Watts Subwoofer - DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby...… $249 to $300 Found at 6 stores Check to Compare Bose Lifestyle 48 5.1 Channel Home Theater System DVD, CD, Tuner, MP3, A/V Receiver - Playback: CD-R, MPEG-2, CD, MP3, CD-R/RW, VCD, PCM, DVD Video - 1 Discs - DTS, Dolby Digital...… $2,999 to $4,000 Found at 10 stores Check to Compare Sony DAV-FX80 5.1 Channel Home Theater System CD, Tuner, DVD Changer, A/V Receiver - Playback: CD-R, DVD-R, JPEG, CD-RW, DVD, CD, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, VCD, DVD+R DL - 5 Discs...… $474 to $664 Found at 19 stores Check to Compare Panasonic SC-HT830V 5.1 Channel Home Theater System VHS, CD, Tuner, MP3, DVD Changer, VCR, A/V Receiver - Playback: DVD-R, DVD-RAM, JPEG, CD, MP3, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD Audio, HDCD...… $249 to $400 Found at 22 stores Check to Compare JVC TH-C5 5.1 Channel Home Theater System DVD Changer - Playback: CD-R, DVD-R, JPEG, CD-RW, CD, MP3, DVD-RW, MPEG, DVD Audio, WMA, VCD, SVCD, DVD Video - 5 Discs , 167 Watts...… 1 review: $315 to $394 Found at 18 stores Check to Compare Panasonic SC-HT680 5.1 Channel Home Theater System Tuner, DVD Changer, A/V Receiver - Playback: CD-R, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, JPEG, CD-RW, DVD, CD, MP3, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD Audio, HDCD, WMA...… $190 to $273 Found at 11 stores Check to Compare JVC TH-C6 5.1 Channel Home Theater System DVD Changer - Playback: CD-R, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, JPEG, CD-RW, DVD, CD, MP3, DVD-RW, DVD Audio, WMA, VCD, SVCD, DVD Video - 5 Discs...… 1 review: $420 to $500 Found at 10 stores Check to Compare Bose 321 GS Series II 5.1 Channel Home Theater System DVD, CD - Playback: CD-R, CD-RW, CD, MP3, DVD Video - 5.1 Surround , 20 FM Presets - 2-Piece Speakers… 2 reviews: $1,199 to $1,300 Found at 10 stores << Choose at least two products to compare. 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | … Next Related Searches in Home Theater Systems Surround Sound System , Bose , Home Theater System , Speakers , Home Theatre Systems , Home Theater , Subwoofer , Home Theater Wireless , Wireless Speakers , Dav-Fx100w , Surround Sound , Home Theatre , Denon , Jvc Th-C6 , Wireless Home Theater , Sony Home Theater , Onkyo , Surround Sound Speakers , Klipsch , Home Theaters , Bose 321 Home Theater System , More Stores Selling Home Theater Systems (Sponsored Links) SONY HD Home Audio Learn More about Sony High Definition Audio . 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Denver Real Estate

Denver Real Estate Agents Brokers, Boulder Relocation Services, Colorado Realtor, Homes For Sale, For Sale By Owner, FSBO, Help Buy or Sell Your Home. We'll Help You Buy Your Dream Home Housing Helpers puts years of experience behind every home purchase. Our Real Estate Brokers are area experts who truly love helping people buy the right home, condo, or investment property. Let us represent you through your home buying transaction! We can also help you sell your home . We specialize in Colorado (Boulder, Interlocken, Longmont, Denver, Ft. Collins, Colorado Springs) and in Las Vegas, Nevada. We offer home mortgage assistance and first-time homebuyer programs. We are accessible seven days a week. We’ll find your first home or condo renter for FREE when you purchase an investment property from us. Call 1.800.795.5937 now to find a home in Boulder, Interlocken, Longmont, Ft. Collins and surrounding suburbs Call 1.877.492.7368 for Denver Call 1.800.795.5937 for Colorado Springs Call 1.877.752.5452 for Las Vegas Let us sell your home Meet Our Realtors Email a Boulder, Fort Collins, Broomfield and Denver North Metro Realtor Email a Denver Central and South Metro Realtor Email a Colorado Springs Area Realtor Email a Las Vegas Area Realtor "If anyone asks us for a suggestion on getting real estate help, we know just who to recommend. You can't get better and more professional help than the aptly named Housing Helpers." – Ed Kendig Enter your search criteria to begin Locale: Colorado Las Vegas Cities: Akron Allenspark Alma Arvada Atwood Ault Aurora Bellvue Bennett Berthoud Black Hawk Boulder Briggsdale Brighton Broomfield Brush Burlington Byers Carr Castle Rock Central City Commerce City Conifer Crook Dacono Denver Downieville Drake Eaton Eldorado Springs EMPIRE Englewood Erie Estes Park Evans Evergreen Federal Heights Firestone Fleming Fort Collins Fort Lupton Fort Morgan Frederick Galeton Garden City Georgetown Gilcrest Gill Glen Haven Golden Grand Lake Greeley Grover Haxtun Henderson Highlands Ranch Hillrose Hudson Hugo Hygiene Idaho Springs Idalia Iliff Jamestown Jefferson Johnstown Keenesburg Kersey Kremmling Lafayette Lakewood Laporte LaSalle Littleton Livermore Lochbuie Log Lane Village Longmont Louisville Loveland Lucerne Lyons Masonville Mead Merino Milliken Nederland New Raymer Niwot Northglenn Nunn Orchard OTHER Ovid Parker Peetz Pierce Pine Pinecliffe Platteville Proctor Pueblo Raymer Red Feather Riverside Roggen Rollinsville Rye Sedgwick Severance Snyder Sterling Stoneham Strasburg Stratton Superior Thornton Timnath Walden Ward Weldona Wellington Westminster Wheat Ridge Wiggins Windsor Woodrow Yuma Property Type: any Residential Attached Dwelling Income Property Lease: Office/Industrial/Retail Sale: Commercial/Industrial Vacant Land/Lots Farm and Ranch Mobile/Manufactured w/o Land Price Range: to Bedrooms: any one two three four+ Baths: any one two three four+ Square Feet: to Garage Spaces: any one two three+ Sort Format: Price (1-9) Home | Rental Apartments in Boulder, Denver, Las Vegas | Buy or Sell a Home in Boulder, Denver, Las Vegas | Meet Our Realtors | Find a Roommate | Corporate Short Term Rentals | Rent Your Property | Colorado Information | Las Vegas Information | Privacy Policy | Legal Information | Contact | Site Map

Real Estate Brokers and

Real estate brokers and sales agents Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition U.S. Department of Labor | Bureau of Labor Statistics | Bulletin 2600 Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents Nature of the Work Working Conditions Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Employment Job Outlook Earnings Related Occupations Sources of Additional Information Significant Points Real estate brokers and sales agents often work evenings and weekends and usually are on call to suit the needs of clients. A license is required in every State and the District of Columbia. Although gaining a job may be relatively easy, beginning workers may face competition fromwell-established, more experienced agents and brokers in obtaining listings and in closing an adequate number of sales. Employment is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates; during periodsof declining economic activity and increasing interest rates, the volume of sales and the resultingdemand for sales workers fall. Nature of the Work [ About this section ] Back to Top One of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples lives is the purchase or sale of a home or investment property. Because of this complexity and significance, people typically seek the help of real estate brokers and sales agents when buying or selling real estate. Real estate brokers and sales agents have a thorough knowledge of the real estate market in their communities. They know which neighborhoods will best fit clients needs and budgets. They are familiar with local zoning and tax laws and know where to obtain financing. Agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in price negotiations between buyers and sellers. Real estate agents usually are independent sales workers who provide their services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agents sale of the property. Brokers are independent businesspeople who sell real estate owned by others; they also may rent or manage properties for a fee. When selling real estate, brokers arrange for title searches and for meetings between buyers and sellers during which the details of the transactions are agreed upon and the new owners take possession of the property. A broker may help to arrange favorable financing from a lender for the prospective buyer; often, this makes the difference between success and failure in closing a sale. In some cases, brokers and agents assume primary responsibility for closing sales; in others, lawyers or lenders do. Brokers supervise agents who may have many of the same job duties. Brokers also supervise their own offices, advertise properties, and handle other business matters. Some combine other types of work, such as selling insurance or practicing law, with their real estate business. Besides making sales, agents and brokers must have properties to sell. Consequently, they spend a significant amount of time obtaining listings—agreements by owners to place properties for sale with the firm. When listing a property for sale, agents and brokers compare the listed property with similar properties that recently sold, in order to determine a competitive market price for the property. Once the property is sold, both the agent who sold it and the agent who obtained the listing receive a portion of the commission. Thus, agents who sell a property that they themselves have listed can increase their commission. Most real estate brokers and sales agents sell residential property. A small number—usually employed in large or specialized firms—sell commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other types of real estate. Every specialty requires knowledge of that particular type of property and clientele. Selling or leasing business property requires an understanding of leasing practices, business trends, and the location of the property. Agents who sell or lease industrial properties must know about the regions transportation, utilities, and labor supply. Whatever the type of property, the agent or broker must know how to meet the clients particular requirements. Before showing residential properties to potential buyers, agents meet with them to get a feeling for the type of home the buyers would like. In this prequalifying phase, the agent determines how much the buyers can afford to spend. In addition, the agent and the buyer usually sign a loyalty contract which states that the agent will be the only one to show houses to buyers. An agent or broker then generates lists of properties for sale, their location and description, and available sources of financing. In some cases, agents and brokers use computers to give buyers a virtual tour of properties in which they are interested. With a computer, buyers can view interior and exterior images or floor plans without leaving the real estate office. Agents may meet several times with prospective buyers to discuss and visit available properties. Agents identify and emphasize the most pertinent selling points. To a young family looking for a house, they may emphasize the convenient floor plan, the areas low crime rate, and the proximity to schools and shopping centers. To a potential investor, they may point out the tax advantages of owning a rental property and the ease of finding a renter. If bargaining over price becomes necessary, agents must follow their clients instructions carefully and may have to present counteroffers in order to get the best possible price. Once both parties have signed the contract, the real estate broker or agent must make sure that all special terms of the contract are met before the closing date. For example, the agent must make sure that the mandated and agreed-upon inspections, including that of the home and termite and radon inspections, take place. Also, if the seller agrees to any repairs, the broker or agent must see that they are made. Increasingly, brokers and agents are handling environmental problems as well, by making sure that the properties they sell meet environmental regulations. For example, they may be responsible for dealing with lead paint on the walls. While loan officers, attorneys, or other persons handle many details, the agent must ensure that they are carried out. Working Conditions [ About this section ] Back to Top Advances in telecommunications and the ability to retrieve data about properties over the Internet allow many real estate brokers and sales agents to work out of their homes instead of real estate offices. Even with this convenience, much of the time of these workers is spent away from their desks—showing properties to customers, analyzing properties for sale, meeting with prospective clients, or researching the state of the market. Agents and brokers often work more than a standard 40-hour week. They usually work evenings and weekends and are always on call to suit the needs of clients. Although the hours are long and frequently irregular, most agents and brokers have the freedom to determine their own schedule. Consequently, they can arrange their work so that they can have time off when they want it. Business usually is slower during the winter season. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement [ About this section ] Back to Top In every State and the District of Columbia, real estate brokers and sales agents must be licensed. Prospective agents must be high school graduates, be at least 18 years old, and pass a written test. The examination—more comprehensive for brokers than for agents—includes questions on basic real estate transactions and laws affecting the sale of property. Most States require candidates for the general sales license to complete between 30 and 90 hours of classroom instruction. Those seeking a brokers license need between 60 and 90 hours of formal training and a specific amount of experience selling real estate, usually 1 to 3 years. Some States waive the experience requirements for the brokers license for applicants who have a bachelors degree in real estate. State licenses typically must be renewed every 1 or 2 years; usually, no examination needs to be taken. However, many States require continuing education for license renewals. Prospective agents and brokers should contact the real estate licensing commission of the State in which they wish to work in order to verify the exact licensing requirements. As real estate transactions have become more legally complex, many firms have turned to college graduates to fill positions. A large number of agents and brokers have some college training. College courses in real estate, finance, business administration, statistics, economics, law, and English are helpful. For those who intend to start their own company, business courses such as marketing and accounting are as significant as courses in real estate or finance. Personality traits are equally as important as ones academic background. Brokers look for applicants who possess a pleasant personality, are honest, and present a neat appearance. Maturity, good judgment, trustworthiness, and enthusiasm for the job are required in order to encourage prospective customers in this highly competitive field. Agents should be well organized, be detail oriented, and have a good memory for names, faces, and business particulars. Those interested in jobs as real estate agents often begin in their own communities. Their knowledge of local neighborhoods is a clear advantage. Under the direction of an experienced agent, beginners learn the practical aspects of the job, including the use of computers to locate or list available properties and identify sources of financing. Many firms offer formal training programs for both beginners and experienced agents. Larger firms usually offer more extensive programs than smaller firms. More than a thousand universities, colleges, and junior colleges offer courses in real estate. At some, a student can earn an associates or bachelors degree with a major in real estate; several offer advanced degrees. Many local real estate associations that are members of the National Association of Realtors sponsor courses covering the fundamentals and legal aspects of the field. Advanced courses in mortgage financing, property development and management, and other subjects also are available. Advancement opportunities for agents may take the form of higher rates of commission. As agents gain knowledge and expertise, they become more efficient in closing a greater number of transactions and increase their earnings. In many large firms, experienced agents can advance to sales manager or general manager. Persons who have received their brokers license may open their own offices. Others with experience and training in estimating property value may become real estate appraisers, and people familiar with operating and maintaining rental properties may become property managers. (See the Handbook statements on property, real estate, and community association managers ; and appraisers and assessors of real estate . ) Experienced agents and brokers with a thorough knowledge of business conditions and property values in their localities may enter mortgage financing or real estate investment counseling. Employment [ About this section ] Back to Top In 2004, real estate brokers and sales agents held about 460,000 jobs; real estate sales agents held approximately 24 percent of these jobs. Many worked part time, combining their real estate activities with other careers. About 6 out of 10 real estate agents and brokers were self-employed. Real estate is sold in all areas, but employment is concentrated in large urban areas and in rapidly growing communities. Most real estate firms are relatively small; indeed, some are one-person businesses. By contrast, some large real estate firms have several hundred agents operating out of numerous branch offices. Many brokers have franchise agreements with national or regional real estate organizations. Under this type of arrangement, the broker pays a fee in exchange for the privilege of using the more widely known name of the parent organization. Although franchised brokers often receive help in training sales staff and running their offices, they bear the ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of their firms. Real estate brokers and sales agents are older, on average, than most other workers. Historically, many homemakers and retired persons were attracted to real estate sales by the flexible and part-time work schedules characteristic of the field. These individuals could enter, leave, and later return to the occupation, depending on the strength of the real estate market, their family responsibilities, or other personal circumstances. Recently, however, the attractiveness of part-time real estate work has declined, as increasingly complex legal and technological requirements are raising startup costs associated with becoming an agent. Job Outlook [ About this section ] Back to Top Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014, because of the increasing housing needs of a growing population, as well as the perception that real estate is a good investment. Relatively low interest rates should continue to stimulate sales of real estate, resulting in the need for more agents and brokers. In addition, a large number of job openings will arise each year from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. However, job growth will be somewhat limited by the increasing use of technology, which is improving the productivity of agents and brokers. For example, prospective customers often can perform their own searches for properties that meet their criteria by accessing real estate information on the Internet. The increasing use of technology is likely to be more detrimental to part-time or temporary real estate agents than to full-time agents, because part-time agents generally are not able to compete with full-time agents who have invested in new technology. Changing legal requirements, such as disclosure laws, also may dissuade some who are not serious about practicing full time from continuing to work part time. This occupation is relatively easy to enter and is attractive because of its flexible working conditions; the high interest in, and familiarity with, local real estate markets that entrants often have; and the potential for high earnings. Therefore, although gaining a job as a real estate agent or broker may be relatively easy, beginning agents and brokers may face competition from their well-established, more experienced counterparts in obtaining listings and in closing an adequate number of sales. Well-trained, ambitious people who enjoy selling—particularly those with extensive social and business connections in their communities—should have the best chance for success. Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents often is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates. During periods of declining economic activity and increasing interest rates, the volume of sales and the resulting demand for sales workers falls. As a result, the earnings of agents and brokers decline, and many work fewer hours or leave the occupation altogether. Earnings [ About this section ] Back to Top The median annual earnings of salaried real estate sales agents, including commissions, were $35,670 in May 2004.The middle 50 percent earned between $23,500 and $58,110 a year.The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,770.Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest number of real estate sales agents in May 2004 were as follows: Residential building construction $54,770 Offices of real estate agents and brokers 37,970 Activities related to real estate 32,460 Lessors of real estate 25,840 Median annual earnings of salaried real estate brokers, including commission, were $58,720in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,480 and $99,820 a year.Median annual earning of real estate brokers were $61,550 in offices of real estateagents and brokers and $44,920 in activities related to real estate. Commissions on sales are the main source of earnings of real estate agents and brokers.The rate of commission varies according to whatever the agent and broker agree on, the typeof property, and its value. The percentage paid on the sale of farm and commercialproperties or unimproved land is typically higher than the percentage paid for selling a home. Commissions may be divided among several agents and brokers. When the property issold, the broker or agent who obtained the listing usually shares the commission with thebroker or agent who made the sale and with the firm that employs each of them. Although anagents share varies greatly from one firm to another, often it is about half of the totalamount received by the firm. Agents who both list and sell a property maximize their commission. Income usually increases as an agent gains experience, but individual motivation,economic conditions, and the type and location of the property also affect earnings.Sales workers who are active in community organizations and in local real estate associationscan broaden their contacts and increase their earnings. A beginners earnings often areirregular, because a few weeks or even months may go by without a sale. Although some brokersallow an agent to draw against future earnings from a special account, the practice is notcommon with new employees. The beginner, therefore, should have enough money to live forabout 6 months or until commissions increase. Related Occupations [ About this section ] Back to Top Selling expensive items such as homes requires maturity, tact, and a sense of responsibility.Other sales workers who find these character traits important in their workinclude insurance sales agents ; retail salespersons ; sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing ; and securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents .Although not involving sales, the work of property, real estate, and community association managers ,as well as appraisers and assessors of real estate, requires an understanding of real estate. Sources of Additional Information [ About this section ] Back to Top Disclaimer: Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. Information on licensing requirements for real estate brokers and sales agents is available from most local real estate organizations or from the State real estate commission or board. More information about opportunities in real estate is available on the Internet site of the following organization: National Association of Realtors. Internet: http://www.realtor.org OOH ONET Codes [ About this section ] Back to Top 41-9021.00, 41-9022.00 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook , 2006-07 Edition , Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents , on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ ocos120.htm (visited December 29, 2005 ). Last Modified Date: December 20, 2005 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics