Home Equity Lending The
The National Home Equity Mortgage Association The National Home Equity Mortgage Association | Who We Are Who We Are NHEMA At A Glance NonPrime Mortgage Loan Facts and Statistics Ethics and Standards Conferences and Educational Programs Frequently Asked Questions NHEMA Leadership Staff Directory | Communications Communications Press Releases » Reports and Studies » Equity Update Equity Magazine Advertising Opportunities News Archives NHEMA Joins Effort to Help Gulf Coast Mortgage Professionals Affected by Hurricane Katrina Nonprime Mortgage Lenders Providing Unprecedented Relief ToHomeowners Affected By Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Leading Trade Associations Join Forces To Produce Another Successful NonPrime Mortgage Trade Show NHEMA Statement Regarding Federal Mortgage Loan Data Studies Confirm Risk Factors Drive Loan Pricing Prepayment Fees Lead to Lower Interest Rates - June 23, 2005 Mortgage Pricing Is Based on Risk - June 23, 2005 | Join NHEMA Join NHEMA NHEMA Member Overview NHEMA Member Benefits Information Resources Membership Categories and Fees Organization | Events Events | Links Links | Contact Us Contact Us -- Members only Login NHEMA Conference Schedule January or February, 2006 (exact dates to be determined) NHEMA Emerging Markets Forum Miami, FL February 9-10, 2006 2006 NHEMA Business Technology Roundtable Westin South Coast Plaza Costa Mesa, CA April 6-8, 2006 NHEMA 2006 Annual Conference Doral Resort Miami, FL May 17-18, 2006 NHEMA Fraud Prevention & Detection Workshop Hyatt Regency San Antonio San Antonio, TX June 7-8, 2006 NHEMA Compliance & Servicing Workshop Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Newport Beach, CA News and Current Events Federal Financial Regulatory Agencies Propose Guidance on Nontraditional Mortgage Products The federal financial regulatory agencies issued for comment proposed guidance on residential mortgage products that allow borrowers to defer repayment of principal and sometimes interest. Read more. Speakers at NHEMA Webcast Address Effectively Addressing Federal and State Investigations into Lending Practices Consider the following scenario: an executive vice president at your firm receives a phone call on a Friday afternoon from the state Attorney General's office, advising him that a multi-state investigation has commenced into alleged predatory lending, covering transactions dating back five years. What should your initial response be? Speakers at a fall Webcast, sponsored by NHEMA, considered numerous options. Should you circle the wagons and go into bunker mode? Call a press conference to deny all allegations and paint the action as a baseless, politically motivated witch hunt? Read on to find out. Please Donate to the NAMB Hurricane Relief Fund NHEMA supports the Hurricane Relief Fund, established by the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, to provide financial assistance to its members who have experienced extreme loss from the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina. Many have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and for some, far worse. Please do what you can to support your broker associates on the Gulf Coast by clicking here to make a donation. Nonprime Mortgage Lenders Providing Unprecedented Relief to Homeowners Affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, nonprime mortgage lenders, like other responsible financial services providers, are making unprecedented efforts to help disaster survivors. To learn more, click here . NHEMA Responds to Release of New HMDA Data The Federal Reserve Board released its report on 2004 HMDA data on September 13, 2005. To read NHEMA's statement responding to the HMDA report, click here . To view the HMDA report and the press release announcing it, click here . Studies Confirm Risk Factors Drive Mortgage Loan Pricing An analysis of approximately 1 million mortgage loan applications confirms that borrowers' credit risk profiles directly relate the the APRs on their loans. The analysis, requested by NHEMA and authored by University of Virginia Professors Richard F. DeMong and James E. Burroughs, also clearly demonstrate that loans with prepayment fee clauses have lower APRs than those that do not. To download the studies "Mortgage Pricing is Based on Risk," and "Prepayment Fees Lead to Lower Interest Rates", click here . To view NHEMA's press release, click here . Announcing Online Advertising Opportunities Through NHEMA NHEMA is now accepting limited advertising on the key online information portals for the nonprime mortgage lending industry: the NHEMA Web site and NHEMA's weekly Equity Update and Media Update electronic newsletters. Download the Advertising Kit for rates and other details. NHEMA Releases 2004 Mortgage Fraud Report NHEMA announced today that it is releasing its 2004 Periodic Report on Mortgage Fraud. The report covers mortgage lending in the entire country but concentrates on issues in the NonPrime lending sector. Click here for the complete report. NHEMA Statement on Joint House Financial Services Subcommittee Hearing Regarding Predatory Lending Legislation NHEMA expresses appreciation to the members of the House Financial Services Subcommittees on Housing and Community Opportunity and Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, chaired by Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH) and Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL), respectively, for holding todays joint hearing on legislative solutions to abusive and predatory lending practices. Read the complete statement . Interagency Federal Risk Management Guidelines for Home Equity Lending The federal government's bank, thrift and credit union regulatory agencies have issued joint guidance to promote "sound risk management practices for home equity lines of credit and loans." The interagency guidance is "outlines the agencies' expectations for sound underwriting standards and effective credit risk management practices for a financial institution's home equity lending activity." To see the interagency guidance report, click here . More News > Click here to browse Equity Update , an electronic newsletter covering the non-prime mortgage lending industry. About NHEMA The National Home Equity Mortgage Association is the only trade association solely representing the nonprime mortgage lending industry. NHEMA represents approximately 250 mortgage lenders accounting for 80 percent of outstanding nonprime mortgage loans. The association and its members are committed to providing open and available access to credit for all homeowners. Learn more The National Home Equity Mortgage Association 1301 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20004 800-342-1121 2005 National Home Equity Mortgage Association
Florida Real Estate
Punta Gorda Florida Real Estate - SW Florida Waterfront Homes and Property for Boaters. Home Punta Gorda Waterfront Real Estate The Andreae Group's Newest Addition The Andreae Group and www.liveonthewater.com will provide detailed information about the Punta Gorda area and its tremendous boating. For example, you can watch our video for a brief glimpse of the life awaiting you in Punta Gorda, Florida. Or, take virtual tours of all of our current listings. You can also view all property listings available in the area by searching the MLS directly from our site. Also, you can download area maps with all current listings highlighted on them. Punta Gorda is located in Southwest Florida at the confluence of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor. Charlotte Harbor is the second largest harbor in the state of Florida and offers 125 miles of pristine boating water. In addition to great boating, Punta Gorda has a lot to offer golf enthusiasts. In 2005, Golf Digest ranked Punta Gorda #3 on their list of best cities for golf in the country. In 2003, MSN House and Home ranked Punta Gorda #4 on their "America's Best Places to Live" list. Money Magazine has also ranked Punta Gorda the #1 city in Florida several times in the last 10 years. Come see why Punta Gorda is the place to live and play in Southwest Florida. The Andreae Group has been practicing real estate in Punta Gorda for 21 years and has been the top-selling real estate team, year after year, for 17 consecutive years. We feature properties in the beautiful, waterfront communities of Punta Gorda Isles, Burnt Store Isles, Burnt Store Marina , as well as the gated, golf course community of Seminole Lakes . Punta Gorda Isles and Burnt Store Isles are two deed restricted communities with all waterfront homes having excellent sailboat or power boat access to Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Other neighborhoods in Punta Gorda include the greenbelt communities of Burnt Store Meadows, the growing Burnt Store Lakes and Deep Creek. Send us an email for more information Current time and temperature in Punta Gorda, Florida How good is the boating here? Take a peek at our video! For High Speed Connections For Dial-up Connections *Please contact us if you have problems viewing the video. The Andreae Group - The top-selling Real Estate team in Punta Gorda Things to do in beautiful Punta Gorda! Take a look at this section designed to let you see what Punta Gorda has to offer. Click here to see Nancy's Virtual Tours. How does Punta Gorda real estate compare to other Florida communities? Recent Additions The list of people that have recently chosen Punta Gorda, Florida as their place to live, retire, or vacation continues to grow.Find out the former hometowns of some of our new residents. Links to current listings in: Punta Gorda Isles Maps of Listings Houses Condos Lots Burnt Store Isles Maps of Listings Houses Condos Lots Burnt Store Marina Houses Condos Burnt Store Meadows Houses Lots Burnt Store Lakes Maps of Listings Houses Lots Click here for local mortgage rates! THE ANDREAE GROUP RE/MAX Harbor Realty, Inc. 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd. Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Phone: 941-833-4217 or Toll-free: 866-761-8138 Email: info@AndreaeGroup.com Please send us an email to receive more information; maps; brochures; or pictures of Punta Gorda real estate, homes and property for sale. Page last updated on Other Real Estate Related Websites New Hampshire and Maine Real Estate • Myrtle Beach Vacation Homes Las Vegas Real Estate • Miami Real Estate • Chino Hills California Real Estate Riverside California Real Estate • Austin TX Real Estate • Denver Real Estate Carlsbad CA & North San Diego County Real Estate • Naples Real Estate • Miami Real Estate Minneapolis Real Estate • Ocean Isles, Sunset & Holden Beach Real Estate Ulster County NY Real Estate • Las Vegas Homes MLS Search • Myrtle Beach Vacation Guide • Tuscon Real Estate Punta Gorda Information About Nancy Andreae Punta Gorda Boating Daytrips Area Attractions News & Notes Recent Additions Current Listings Rentals "For Sale" Maps E-mail Us Photo Gallery 1 Photo Gallery 2 Photo Gallery 3 Photo Gallery 4 Photo Gallery 5 Photo Gallery 6 Aerial Scenes
Real Estate Loan
Mortgage Mag Main Page Mortgage Mag Main Page MBA Orlando Convention! New Clips! - View the daily clips, contact us. 1.0 State Information Loans, Lenders, Jobs, Associations 2.1 Loan Leads Lead Generation, Telemarketing 2.3 Software Registry Software, Systems, Technology 2.7 Free Loan Search Engine Find a Home for a Loan 4.1 Secondary Marketing Loan Securities, Pipeline, Software 5.0 Industry News Press Releases, Events 5.1 Market Commentary Rates, Events, Calendar 5.3 MortgageMag LIVE! Multimedia, Interviews, Audio, Video 6.1 Net Branching Branching, Associative, Partnerships 6.2 LOX Loan Officer Exchange Job Seekers & Employers 6.3 Job Listings Jobs, Resume Postings and Services 6.4 Recruiter Registry Mortgage, Banking, Finance 7.0 Consulting Registry Mortgage Banking, Finance 8.0 Mortgage Forums Jobs, Branching, IT 11.1 Appraisal Registry Find an Appraiser, Services 17.0 Administration Advertise , FREE LINK! , Search , Help • Friday Update w/ Aaron Freedman Rob Hain 12/16/2005 • Friday Update w/ Aaron Freedman Rob Hain 12/9/2005 • Friday Update w/ Aaron Freedman Rob Hain 12/2/2005 • Tuesday Market Update Rob Hain 11/29/2005 • Monday Market Update Rob Hain 11/28/2005 MortgageMag Live Interviews • Impac Mortgage Group of Companies Bill Ashmore 12/15/2005 • Quality Control in Leads Seth Goldstein 12/13/2005 • More Than Just Mortgages Roger Dunker 11/29/2005 • The Freedman Report Aaron Freedman 11/22/2005 • Old School Recruiting Rob Huxtable 10/25/2005 Market News • MortgageMag will be at the MBA Orlando Convention! - 10/04/2005 • Mortgage Application Volume Down In Latest Survey - 12/21/2005 • President Expected to Sign TRIA Legislation - 12/21/2005 • Pros See No Doom, Gloom in Slowdown - 12/19/2005 Mortgage Technology • SupportTrac and TracTalk Provide Del Mar Database Customers with Online Support Tools - 12/21/2005 • Digital Map Products Partners with Aerials Express - 12/17/2005 • SupportTrac and TracTalk Provide Del Mar Database Customers with Online Support Tools - 12/17/2005 • Swiftpro recruitment software is pleased to announce the launch of two new channel partner and reseller schemes. - 12/17/2005 Fannie Mae • Fannie Mae Updates 12/16/2005 - 12/17/2005 • Fannie Mae Alerts - 12/12/2005 • Fannie Mae Alerts - 11/15/2005 • Fannie Mae Updates 11-7-2005 - 11/07/2005 Freddie Mac • Freddie Mac Updates 12/16/2005 - 12/17/2005 • Freddie Mac Updates 12/12/2006 - 12/12/2005 • Freddie Mac Alerts - 11/15/2005 • Freddie Mac Updates - 10/28/2005 Mortgage Mag Main Page Main Index 1. Loans 2. Loan Originations 3. Loan Processing 4. Mortgage Banking 5. News/Commentary 6. Jobs & Resumes 7. Consulting Registry 8. Forums/Groups 10. Real Estate 11. Property Services 12. Finance 13. Banking 14. Credit Services 15. Legal Services 16. IT/Systems 17. Administrative 18. Related Web sites 1. Loan Center 1.1 Loans by State 1.2 Lenders by State 1.3 Commercial 1.4 Note Sales 2. Loan Originations 2.1 Loan Leads 2.2 Mortgage Marketing 2.3 Lending Software 2.4 Training/Education 2.5 Mortgage Exam 2.6 Licensing 2.7 LoanSearch Engine 2.8 Advertise/Marketing 2.9 Associations 3. Loan Processing 3.1 Processing 3.2 Underwriting 3.3 Closing 3.4 Document Services 3.5 Title Services 3.6 Mortgage Services 4. Mortgage Banking 4.1 Wholesale 4.2 Correspondent 4.3 Loan Processing 4.4 Secondary Markets 4.5 Portfolio Services 4.6 Loan Administration 4.7 International 4.8 Support Services a. Warehouse Loans b. Consultants c. Software d. Govenrment 4.9 Industry Info 5. News/Information 5.1 Market Audio 5.2 Daily News 5.3 MortgageMag Live! 5.4 Lending Forums 5.5 Convention Info 5.6 PR Posting 6. Jobs & Resumes 6.1 Branching [Net] 6.2 Loan Off Exch-LOX 6.3 Jobs - Search/Post 6.4 Recruiter Database 6.5 Job Forums 6.6 Resume Search 6.7 Resume Resources 7. Consulting Registry 8. Forums/Groups 8.1 Market Commentary 8.2 Loan Requests 8.3 Commercial Loans 8.4 Broker Licensing 8.5 Loan Leads 8.6 Mortgage Banking 8.7 Software/Technology 8.8 Branching [Net] 8.9 Employment 10. Real Estate 10.1 Agents 10.2 Resources 10.3 Commercial 10.4 Rental/Apartments 10.5 Construction 11. Property Services 11.1 Appraisal Registry 11.2 Flood Services 11.3 Property Services 11.4 Insurance 11.5 Environmental 11.6 Trust Management 11.7 Mortgage Services 11.8 Government Links 12. Finance 13. Banking 14. Credit Services 15. Legal Services 15.1 Attorneys 15.2 Accounting & Tax 16. IT/Systems 16.1 Video Services 16.2 Video Production 16.3 Webcasting 16.4 Audio 16.5 Multi-Media 16.6 Graphics 16.7 Internet Services 16.8 Software 17. Administrative 17.1 Contact 17.2 Advertising 17.3 Free Listings 17.4 News Posting 17.5 Job Posting 17.6 Resume Posting 17.7 E-Mail Posting 17.8 Search the Site 17.9 Forums 18. Related Web Sites 18.1 Home Loans 18.2 Media 18.3 Brokers 18.4 Mortgage Bank 18.5 Employment 18.6 Real Estate 18.7 Legal 18.8 Finance 18.9 Banking 18.10 Technology
foreclosure property successfully and
** Real Estate Investment ** Foreclosures : Real Estate Investing Course : Foreclosure Information site map Buy Foreclosures - $0 Down Make $5,000-$50,000+ in 45 Days. FREE Foreclosure & Bank Lists included. Click Here Learn How To Make A Fortune Investing in Real Estate Foreclosures! Literally tens of thousands of homes and properties are facing foreclosure. More than 1% of ALL residential property in the United States today is already in, or facing mortgage foreclosure soon. With a staggering 1 million plus homes being foreclosed on any given day, opportunities for buying low-cost real estate foreclosures are plentiful. Every day, smart investors are amassing vast fortunes buying bank foreclosures. Real estate investing is undoubtedly one of the quickest, yet safest way to create enduring, financial wealth. Once you combine methods used by professionals with a proven investment strategy, you have a winning plan to create affluence for yourself. For the prepared individual, foreclosures give rise to circumstances for profit. Buying our ebook course gives you the essential, insider information to acquire a foreclosure home safely and earn considerable profits from any distressed property situation. Foreclosures: Opportunity For Investment There are 3 distinct windows of opportunity for foreclosure investment, each having its unique advantages and degree of risk - pre-foreclosures, real estate auction / sheriff sales and bank owned REO properties. Learning where to find foreclosures, when and how to buy them, the best foreclosure stage for investment, how to research titles, as well as deciding if a property has potential for profit are all critical to success. Our real estate investment course discloses everything you need to know to purchase foreclosure property successfully and profitably. Free Foreclosure Information & Consultation Got a question about buying foreclosures? Purchase our foreclosure course and receive crucial information direct from real estate investor / author Steve Maletos. Steve knows the strategies and shortcuts which can make you successful.Besides getting a complete investment system, you also gain a mentor at no extra charge! Steve's unlimited support and consultation is available only to students of his foreclosure course. Get FREE foreclosure consultation Locate Bank Foreclosures Bank owned, or real estate owned homes (REO) represent one of the safest methods of purchasing foreclosures, especially since their property titles are practically always guaranteed. Whether seeking safe investment opportunities, or a low price home residence, you can find bank foreclosure listings now. Hard Money Lender Source Foreclosure investing for most people will require funding. Included in both the CD-Rom and printed book version of our foreclosure courses, we provide private investor fund sources (with full contact information) who will loan investment money. We can also present your loan application to an exclusive list of hard money lenders . These are short term loans evaluated on an individual basis of property improvements and merit. Tell A Friend! Let your friends know about our Foreclosures Course materials! (or as a reminder to yourself) Testimonials Make Money in Real Estate Investment Affiliate Program Foreclosure Laws Industry Resources Foreclosure Listings Site Map Foreclosed Properties Steve Maletos Investor Mentoring Privacy Policy Real Estate Investor Loans
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