Real Estate Broker, ready

ERA - Destin Florida Real Estate - Pensacola Real Estate - Pensacola Beach Condos for sale Your ERA Florida Real Estate Expert for Pensacola, Destin, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key Real Estate. Gulf Breeze Florida real estate MLS Pensacola real estate Destin condos for sale Destin Florida Waterfront luxury homes Gulf Breeze, FL emerald coast realty Navarre Florida Gulf coast Beach Condos Pensacola Florida Real Estate Perdido Key Condos Licensed Florida & Alabama Broker Pensacola Florida, Destin, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach and all NW FL Gulf Coast Beach Communities. Direct (850) 439-1811 Toll Free (866) 906-1811 kim.gibbons@era.com Member Gulf Breeze & Perdido Key FL Chambers Owner Broker LOCAL REALTORS ® I'm a local ERA Real Estate Broker, ready to find you the Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Pensacola Beach Waterfront Navarre, Destin Florida real estate or Perdido Key property that meets your specific needs. My Realtors are highly focused on these real estate markets for maximum results. I specialize in: residential homes, commercial and investment property. Types of properties include; luxury Gulf beach front condos, townhouses, waterfront land, luxury homes, Destin beach condos and new oceanfront homes construction. Click luxury homes or Navarre realty information from the Navarre FL realestate eSource. BUYERS I search the Destin and Pensacola Florida MLS Real Estate databases daily for real estate that matches your specific criteria. I then notify you immediately with the latest Destin or Pensacola MLS listing that meet your desired need. Choose Find Homes for Sale and fill in the requested information. I will contact you to confirm the specifics of the property you desire and then follow up with properties you can evaluate, its a breeze! You can also contact me to get automatic updates on homes or condos in the Pensacola and Destin FL areas that meet your specific criterion. MORE EMERALD COAST REAL ESTATE • Destin Condos • Fort Walton Beach Real Estate ˜ ˜ ˜ SELLERS Plan To List Your Property? Go with the Broker with the best internet presence! More internet exposure equates to more potential BUYERS! Our Commitment to You... If you plan to sell your real estate in the next few months, use my CMA evaluation. This free service is designed to help establish the current market value for your property. Simply choose Listing Property and provide the requested information. I will use comparable homes or condos that have sold in your area from the MLS to help you determine the fair market value of your home. When you list your home I make sure the public knows that your home is available for sale by using state of the art advertising and marketing approaches to attract potential buyers. Such as, immediate MLS listing, extensive internet and national directory exposure. Buyer from came to this Web Site in 2004! Marketing Strategy Presentation WHY KIM GIBBONS? 1) Huge Internet presence 2) Florida Licensed Broker, Associate 3) Experience, Multi Million Dollar Producer 4) Extensive Relocation Experience 5) A well defined Listing Sales Strategy , to sell your property! As a respected Emerald Coast professional, I am dedicated to providing the best service possible. Because our industry is becoming more sophisticated and challenging every day, I work hard to staying ahead of the competition to best represent YOU and your priorities! I am a Licensed Florida Broker , with that comes a better understanding and knowledge to better serve you. Most agents are not Brokers because the knowledge and testing requirements are very rigorous. I strive to determine your specific needs and work hard to get the results you deserve! Click here to find out more about listing your home ˜ ˜ ˜ Please use my web site to explore our Gulf Coast schools and NW FL communities to find the special neighborhood that best fits your likes and personal priorities. CAN'T FIND WHAT YOU WANT? I can show, sell and get you any additional listing information on realty and condos located in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Destin, Walton and all Counties of North and Northwest Florida. Contact Us MORE RESOURCES Click here to view our Realty Articles . Ivan has left it's mark on the Gulf Coast see Ivan Damaged Houses TIP OF THE WEEK Before you list your property, look at this weeks tip: FEATURED LISTINGS Please take a moment of your time to look at this weeks Featured Listings. 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home equity loans Average

NYS Banking Department-Home Equity Loans Survey Interest Rate Information Home Equity Loans Markets Albany Buffalo Long Island New York Metro Rochester Syracuse Westchester Co, NY Definition of terms used in this survey New York State home equity loans Average Highest Lowest 7.31 8.50 5.50 Albany Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Central National Bank 800-449-6842 12/23/05 7.00 .50% disc w/auto debit; $7,500 min Citibank 800-627-3999 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min Citizens Bank, N.A. 800-922-9999 12/23/05 6.35 $10,000 min First Niagara Bank 518-270-3200 12/23/05 6.75 .25% disc w/auto debit; $340 fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.14 Range: 7.14-8.94%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 7.74 .25% disc w/auto debit; $15,000 min Pioneer Savings Bank 518-274-4800 12/23/05 6.00 $50 fee; $2,500 min TrustCo Bank 518-436-9043 12/23/05 7.00 $5,000 min Buffalo Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Bank of Akron 716-542-5401 12/23/05 6.25 $500 fee; no min Bank of America 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Citibank 800-627-3999 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min Citizens Bank, N.A. 800-922-9999 12/23/05 6.35 $10,000 min Evans National Bank 716-549-6000 12/23/05 6.50 .25% disc w/auto debit; $7,500 min First Niagara Bank 877-722-9842 12/23/05 6.75 .25% disc w/auto debit; $340 fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.14 Range: 7.14-8.94%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 7.74 .25% disc w/auto debit; $15,000 min Long Island Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Astoria Federal S&LA 800-278-6742 12/23/05 7.63 .25% disc w/auto debit; $20 yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of America 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Bank of New York 212-495-1784 12/23/05 6.25 $10,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Citibank 800-321-2484 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 7.74 .25% disc w/auto debit; $15,000 min Ridgewood Svgs Bk 718-240-4800 12/23/05 6.00 .50% disc w/auto debit; no min Suffolk County NB of Riverhead 631-208-2222 12/23/05 6.75 $5,000 min Washington Mutual Bank 800-788-7000 12/23/05 8.50 .13% disc w/auto debit; $10,000 min New York Metro Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Astoria Federal S&LA 800-278-6742 12/23/05 7.63 .25% disc w/auto debit; $20 yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of New York 212-495-1784 12/23/05 6.25 $10,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Citibank 800-321-2484 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min Independence Community Bank 800-732-3434 12/23/05 6.49 .25% disc w/auto debit; $10,000 min Queens County Svgs Bk 718-268-6801 12/23/05 7.99 Range: 7.99-10.99%; $600-1000 fee; $10,000 min Union State Bank 800-887-8775 12/23/05 6.25 1.50% disc w/auto debit; $100 refundable app. fee; $5,000 min Wachovia Bank, NA 800-922-4684 12/23/05 6.84 Range: 6.84-8.00%; $150 fee; $8,000 min Washington Mutual Bank 800-788-7000 12/23/05 8.50 .13% disc w/auto debit; $10,000 min Rochester Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Citibank 800-627-3999 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min Citizens Bank, N.A. 800-922-9999 12/23/05 6.35 $10,000 min Community Bank, N.A. 800-388-4679 12/23/05 5.50 no auto debit offered 25000 min First Niagara Bank 716-434-6621 12/23/05 6.75 .25% disc w/auto debit; $340 fee; $10,000 min Five Star Bank 888-624-2300 12/23/05 5.99 .25% disc w/auto debit; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.14 Range: 7.14-8.94%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 7.74 .25% disc w/auto debit; $15,000 min Syracuse Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Alliance Bank 800-310-6275 12/23/05 6.75 $5,000 min Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min First Niagara Bank 877-722-9842 12/23/05 6.75 .25% disc w/auto debit; $340 fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.14 Range: 7.14-8.94%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 7.74 .25% disc w/auto debit; $15,000 min Partners Trust Bank 866-777-8659 12/23/05 6.99 .50% disc w/auto debit; $7,500 min Solvay Bank 315-468-1661 12/23/05 6.37 $2,500 min The Oneida Savings Bank 315-363-2000 12/23/05 6.50 .25% disc w/auto debit; $7,500 min Westchester, Co Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Astoria Federal S&LA 800-278-6742 12/23/05 7.63 .25% disc w/auto debit; $20 yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Bank of New York 212-495-1784 12/23/05 6.25 $10,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Citibank 800-321-2484 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min First Niagara Bank 877-722-9842 12/23/05 6.75 .25% disc w/auto debit; $340 fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min Union State Bank 800-887-8775 12/23/05 6.25 1.50% disc w/auto debit; $100 refundable app. fee; $5,000 min Wachovia Bank, NA 800-922-4684 12/23/05 6.84 Range: 6.84-8.00%; $150 fee; $8,000 min Washington Mutual Bank 800-788-7000 12/23/05 8.50 .13% disc w/auto debit; $10,000 min Rates are subject to change without notice and may vary from branch to branch. Although the rates reported here have been obtained from the financial institutions themselves, the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed by the publisher. 2005: Bankrate.com All rights reserved. | Home | Search | SiteMap | | Interest Rates | | Credit Cards | MortgageRates | Home Equity Lines of Credit | | Home Equity Loans | New Auto Loans | Used Auto Loans | Last Modified Friday, December 23, 2005 FastCounter by bCentral

Sell House

A checklist for selling a house Geta Free Home Valuation Now Checklist for Selling a House Selling a house can be a very involved process.By keeping track of your progress with this checklist, you can eliminate many of the pitfalls, time delays andaggravations that can erupt at any time during the house selling period. Bookmark this page so that you can returnto it frequently and maintain control over the experience. House Selling Checklist Be an informed seller. There is a lot of information on this Web Site thatwill assist you and links to much more information. Numerous guides are available on specific subjects. (See "RecommendedReading" at the bottom of many pages). The Bookstore also has a number of recommended resources. Gather as much information as youcan to increase your effectiveness. Decide whether it is to your advantage to sell your house with an Agent or on your own . If you decide togo with an Agency, find an Agent in whom you can have confidence. Click here to choose an Agent in your area .You can compare backgrounds, experience, commissions and more. More information . Familiarize yourself on how to price your house . Pulling a price "outof the air" is almost never successful. If you would like comparable sales prices in your neighborhood, HomePrice.net can give you a report with up to 30 comparable sales, plus a neighborhood demographicprofile, nearby home owners and more. Or, HomeGain.com has a FREE servicewhich is designed to help you get an estimate of your home's value. Knowing how much your home can be worth isone of the first steps in beginning to market the property. Click here for more information. Know what you canand cannot change about your house . This allows you to concentrateon those items that bring the highest rewards. Spend time on the housepreparation phase --it will probably be the most productive timeyou can spend! For tax purposes, develop a record of all home improvements madeto your house. Decide whether or not to do a pre-listing house inspection . Have a yardsale before you list. Sell, donate, or trash everything you don't need. Decide whether you want to offer a Home Warranty with your house. Get familiar with financing options. Be at least as knowledgeable as your buyers. Develop an effective advertisingand marketing plan on your own or with your Agent. If you areselling on your own, ForSale by Owner has a complete menu of services that are available. More information . Know how to best showyour home . When it is time to negotiate, learn how to deal with offers and familiarize yourselfwith contracts . If you need to review an example of purchase offers, you can find forms for all statesat a reasonable price at FindLegalForms.com . Looking to buy another home? Check out our Home Buyer's Information Center before youbuy another home. You'll find hundreds of helpful hints and tips from the Buyer's perspective. Make moving plans early. Don't wait until the last minute! Know what is involved at closingand settlement . Smile and breathe a sigh of relief: It's over! HOME | Checklist | To-Do Lists | Set a Value | By Owner | With anAgent Preparation | Showtime | Research | More Links FreeHome Value Estimate Sell on Your Own CompareAgents. No Cost, No Obligation

Investment Property

Investment Property Databank IPD Home About IPD Portfolio Analysis Services Events Indices and Market Information Indices for Derivatives Online Services -- Pan-Europe Canada Denmark Dutch Social Housing France Finland (IPD Compliant) Germany Ireland Quarterly Italy Japan (Consultative Index) Netherlands Norden Norway Portugal South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland UK Annual UK Monthly UK Residential UK Forestry UK Let Land Pooled Property Fund Indices Multi Country Index Spreadsheet National Indices Follow the links on the left to view indices in pdf format, summaries of the results, or download the complete history for each country. IPD has already started work to add Italy and Japan to the list of countries covered - and is running preliminary studies in several others. Click here to download the Consultation release of the IPD Pan-European index, which measures the combined results of 11 countries. New - the IPD Multi country index spreadsheet - click here for more information Index results - league table Total Return 2000 Total Return 2001 Total Return 2002 Total Return 2003 Total Return 2004 Ireland 28.7 8.2 2.3 12.7 11.5 Portugal 10.8 13.1 13.8 10.0 10.6 UK 10.5 6.8 9.6 10.9 18.3 Sth. Africa 11.1 10.5 9.6 15.3 23.4 Denmark 10.2 11.4 9.4 7.3 6.3 Netherlands 16.0 11.4 8.8 7.1 7.7 Canada 12.0 9.2 8.8 8.4 12.9 France 14.2 9.7 8.6 8.1 10.1 Spain - 9.1 8.2 8.3 11.5 Norway 12.8 10.8 7.0 7.6 10.4 Germany 5.4 5.6 4.1 3.2 1.3 Sweden 21.9 4.6 2.4 0.9 5.8 Switzerland - - 5.7 5.1 4.9 Japan* - - - 4.2 Italy - - - 10.4 9.5 * Consultative Index Total Returns % 1 St. John's Lane London EC1M 4BL Tel: +44 (0)20 7336 9200 Fax: +44 (0)20 7336 9399 Privacy Policy | © 2005 IPD Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Home | About IPD | Portfolio Analysis Service | Events | Indices and Market Information | Indices for Derivatives | OPD Designed by Webrepro

Real Estate Brokers and

Real estate brokers and sales agents Skip Navigation Links Latest Numbers U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov Search the Handbook BLS Home | OOH Home | Frequently Asked Questions | A-Z Index | Contact Us Printer-friendly version ( HTML ) -- PDF ) -- 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 ). 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