Home Loans The Commonwealth
Commonwealth Bank Group - Personal - Home Loans - Home Seeker Loan This will adjust the viewing area of your Internet Explorer browser based on your screen resolution. Home Loans The Commonwealth Bank offers a complete range of loan options designed to meet different needs and goals. Apply online and pay $0 Establishment Fee. For a limited time only. Use our Home Loan Options at a Glance table to compare our products or read more information in our Home & Investment Home Loans brochure . You can also read about the home buying process here . The Complete Home Loan/ Investment Home Loan is a suite of loans with a full range of interest rate options, offset options, and other flexible features. 1 Year Guaranteed Rate Home Loan : ensures that your repayments will remain the same month to month for the first important year. 1-5 and 7, 10 and 15 Year Fixed Rate Home Loans : allows you to have the security of predictable loan repayments for an agreed period of time. Standard Variable Rate Home Loan : a full feature loan that allows you to benefit from market rates when they're lower. 6 or 12 Month Discounted Variable Rate Home Loan : low introductory rates that give you the benefits of lower repayments in the first 6 or 12 months or your property purchase. Economiser Home/ Investment Home Loan offers a low variable interest rate, with a range of flexible options. It caters for those who don't need all the features of the Complete/Investment Home Loan. Home Seeker Loan offers 'in principle' approval which is valid for 12 months. It allows you to search for a home knowing your finance is in place. Other finance options Viridian Line of Credit lets you free up the equity you have in your home for other purposes. It provides you with a revolving line of credit through a convenient single account that you can use daily. Viridian Addvantage is an 'all-in-one' portfolio style facility that allows you to include up to ten separate loan accounts under the one 'umbrella' limit, and provides the flexibility of designing and modifying your account structure to suit your changing needs. Family Equity Family Equity is a home buying solution unlike any other. It's a range of financing options that can help you secure a home loan, repay a home loan or a combination of both. The central idea is that both you and your family help secure and fund the loan and/or repayments, together. Equity Unlock is a flexible financing solution for seniors who are retired and aged 65 and over. It allows you to access the equity in your home without limiting your lifestyle. The Equity Unlock Loan for Seniors enables you to access the equity in your home for such things as home improvements, the purchase of a new car, payment of medical expenses, taking a holiday or simply to supplement your income. Wealth Package is a program that recognises that the more business you have with the Commonwealth Bank Group, the more benefits you should enjoy. This can include special savings on selected Commonwealth Bank home loans, as well as credit cards and insurance. Bridging Loans - help you with finance to buy your new property before you have sold your existing property. Low Documentation Home Loans - are a flexible financing solution for self-employed people who have an income and assets, but may not have the usual paperwork at the time of application. Deposit Guarantee - is a quick and easy alternative to a cash deposit that is payable when signing a contract to purchase residential property. A Deposit Guarantee represents the cash deposit until settlement. At settlement, the purchaser is required to pay the full purchase price including the deposit. Find the loan option that's right for you with our Home Loan Selector or you can view all the options at a glance .Furthermore, to make sure you select the home loan that meets your needs, you can view and print the terms and conditions on our full range of home loans ( Usual Terms and Conditions for Consumer Mortgage Lending (UTC) ) - download pdf (135KB). Note: These terms and conditions do not apply to HomePath loans and do not represent a formal offer of finance. The UTC is made available for your information only. You can also obtain a copy of the UTC by calling us on 13 2224 between 8am and 10pm, 365 days a year. The Your Home section of our site gives you information on what's involved in buying a home or an investment property, or financing renovations. Selling your home? Park your surplus funds from the sale of your property by depositing them in an AwardSaver account or any other Commonwealth Bank deposit account and you could qualify for one of our home loan discounts with our Park & Hold facility. Don't forget the insurance! Home Insurance with Loan Repayment Great benefits for Home/Investment Home Loan customers From 29 March 2004, existing and new home/investment home loan customers can elect to pay their CommInsure # Home and/or Contents premium through their loan repayment. This payment option is only available for customers paying their insurance premium monthly. Combining your insurance premium with your loan repayment will make life easier when calculating household expenses. # CommInsure is a registered business name of Commonwealth Insurance Limited ABN 96 067 524 216, a wholly owned, but non-guaranteed subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank of Australia. CommInsure can assist you with all your property and personal insurance needs. Get more information Apply online . Ask one of our home loan consultants to contact you: Contact Me . Request an appointment with a Mobile Banker . Call us on 13 2224 between 8am and 10pm, 365 days a year. Have a Home Loan Kit sent to you - just complete the request form . Please note: The above information is subject to change without notice. Applications for finance are subject to the Bank's (where applicable) credit approval criteria. Full terms and conditions will be included in the loan offer. Other fees and charges are payable. apply now Apply online Contact Me Meet with Mobile Banker Request Home Loan Kit Call 13 2224 8am to 10pm useful tools Home Loan Calculators Home Loan Selector Home & Contents Insurance Calculator Guide to Buying a Home Commonwealth Bank Property Value Guide rates and fees Home Loan rates Important Information about advice: This advice has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. Find out more about what this means for you on http://www.commbank.com.au/fsra/advice.asp Home Loan Options Complete Home Loan Economiser Home Loan Home Seeker Loan Viridian Line of Credit Viridian Addvantage Wealth Package Low Doc Home Loan Home & Investment Home Loans Quick Links Home Loans at a Glance Finding a Home Financing Your Home Servicing Your Home Loan CommInsure You are here: Home > Personal > Home Loans -- Security & Privacy | Site Information | Commonwealth Bank of Australia 2005 ABN 48 123 123 124 home | site index | help | glossary | locate us | contact us Financial Needs: day to day banking > youth and students > your home > building wealth > your retirement > Products: transaction and savings > credit cards > personal lending > home loans > investment and super > insurance > Online Services: NetBank > CommSec > personal centre business centre institutional banking shareholder centre about us All Day to Day Banking - Easy Ways to Bank - Minimising Fees - Budgeting and Saving - Going on Holidays - Moving to Australia All Youth and students - Banking at School - Under 18s - Young Adults 18 to 20 years old - Tertiary Students - Overseas Students All Your Home - Finding a Home - Financing Your Home - Financing Your Renovations - Investing in Property All Building Wealth - Achieving Financial Goals - Investment Basics - Why invest in Managed Funds? - Why invest in Super? - Borrowing to Invest All Your Retirement - Retirement Basics - Sobering Retirement Facts - Retirement Income Streams - Social Security & Taxation All Transaction and Savings Transaction Accounts - Streamline Account - Woolworths Ezy Action Account - Pensioner Security Account Savings Accounts - NetBank Saver - AwardSaver Account - Youthsaver Account - Cash Investment Account - Education Savings Plan - Commonwealth Direct Investment Account - Commonwealth Cash Management Trust - Term Deposits - Mortgage Interest Saver Account All Credit Cards - Features and Benefits of Our Credit Cards - Important information about your credit card - Standard Card With Interest Free Period - Standard Card With No Interest Free Period - Gold Card - Platinum Credit Card - Golf Card - Woolworths Ezy MasterCard - Commonwealth Awards - Commonwealth Awards Gold - Commonwealth Awards Platinum All Personal Lending Personal Loans - Fixed Rate - Variable Rate - Fixed Rate Secured Streamline Overdraft Student Loans All Home Loans - The Complete Home Loan - Economiser Home Loan - Home Seeker Loan - Servicing your Home Loan - Viridian Line of Credit - Viridian Addvantage - Family Equity - Investment Home Loans - Bridging Loans - Wealth Packages - Equity Unlock Loan for Seniors - Deposit Guarantee All Investment and Super - Short-Term Investment Options - Managed Funds - Superannuation - Retirement Income Streams - Need Advice - Education Savings Plan - Colonial Service Information - Commonwealth Financial Services Information All Insurance - Life Insurance - Income Protection Insurance - Home and Contents Cover - Investment Home Insurance - Motor Insurance Information Test Drive Register Now Log On Information Log On NetBank CommSec Managed Funds Balances Super Balances Unit Prices Commonwealth Research Commodities Centre
Rental Property Stocks and
How to Buy Rental Property - eHow.com Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything Web eHow.com Home Finance & Business Center Real Estate How to Buy Rental Property Stocks and bonds aren't the only money-making investment in town. Consider rental property if you're prepared for extensive research, a fair amount of financial commitment and, depending on how you set things up, a significant role in maintaining the property. Steps: 1. Assess your financial requirements and goals. Do you need a steady stream of income from your rental or do you plan on selling it for a profit in a couple of years? If it's the latter, look for lower priced property that you can fix up as you rent it out. 2. Consider being a resident landlord by purchasing a multiunit property and living in one apartment. In many cases, the income from the other unit(s) will cover your mortgage payment, allowing you to effectively live for free. Being on-site has other advantages, including ensuring that the property is well-maintained. 3. Decide if you want to do maintenance yourself. If you have the skills, equipment and temperament to deal with upset tenants and a backed up toilet at 2 a.m., fine. If you plan on hiring a property manager, add about 5 percent of gross income into your calculations. 4. Choose the kind of property you want. Single-family houses are generally less expensive than apartment complexes because of pure size, but generate less income. Apartments, on the other hand, can require more upkeep. 5. Get preapproved for a mortgage (see How to Shop for a Mortgage ). Financing investment property is different from residential property in that it requires a much larger down payment. 6. Start shopping: Check out classified ads in the newspaper and online. Find a real estate agent who specializes in commercial or income-generating properties. 7. Choose property where people want to live, close to shops, parks and decent schools, and in a well-kept neighborhood. There's nothing worse than owning a rental property without any renters. In addition, check out any restrictions on renting with the home owners association, which, if there is one, can have a say in any rental agreements. 8. Consider what improvements, if any, you may be willing to make. Buying a fixer-upper will be less expensive than a property in pristine condition, but you can go broke bringing a property up to rentable condition. Before you buy, get cost estimates for all necessary fixes. See How to Buy and Sell a Fixer-Upper . 9. Have the property inspected. You may also want to order an appraisal to get a fair market value. 10. Search past records for vacancy rates over the last five to ten years as well as at present. If the building is occupied, find out how long the tenants have lived at the property. Long-term residents are valuable, but may also have been signed on at a lower rental rate. 11. Plan on spending time and money advertising for and interviewing potential renters. Have a contingency plan in place if a unit remains vacant for a few months. 12. Determine what a competitive rental rate is for your property by asking rental agents what they would expect to charge, by reviewing area apartment listings, and by personally visiting units available in the neighborhood. 13. Run the numbers. Make certain that whatever income you derive covers your costs of owning the property, plus a profit. 14. Work with an attorney to draw up and review any necessary papers relevant to the purchase. 15. Negotiate the terms of the sale. Some sellers may be willing to pick up a share of closing costs and other expenses. The eventual price will also be affected by prevailing market conditions--keep these in mind when negotiating. Overall Tips: Check to see whether the value of other area properties have increased or decreased in the past five years. Try to buy in an area that's on the way up. Pay attention to when improvements were made to a property, which aids in the estimate of the building's value. Recent renovations are worth more than upgrades done a decade or more ago. Be on the lookout for any hazards common to older properties, such as asbestos, lead-based paint and electrical systems that are not up to code. Budget in reconciling these problems. Some cities offer low interest financing to property owners needing to make renovations. Look into such programs if you know you'll need to have the property painted, windows replaced or similar exterior repairs made. Discuss any tax benefits with a tax specialist. There may be local tax incentives for renovating your property as well as advantageous approaches to declaring your expenses. What to look for: Income produced meets financial goals Suitable property Appealing location Vacancy rates Neighborhood rental rates Please Share Your Tips with Us More Resources: Contribute to eHow: Write an eHow Article Suggest a Topic Give Us Feedback on This Article Related eHows: Advertise Your Rental Property Evaluate Prospective Tenants for Your Rental Property Buy and Sell a Fixer-Upper Rent Your Home for a Movie or Catalog Shoot Buy a House Project Details: Skill Advisory: Challenging New! -- Related eHows: Advertise Your Rental Property Evaluate Prospective Tenants for Your Rental Property Buy and Sell a Fixer-Upper Rent Your Home for a Movie or Catalog Shoot Buy a House Check out Thousands of How-To Solutions in eHow's Centers Automotive Careers & Education Computers & Home Electronics Family & Relationships Finance & Business Food & Entertaining Health Hobbies & Games Holidays & Traditions Home & Garden Personal Care & Style Pets Sports & Fitness Travel How to: --? 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Real Estate Agent
Pittsburgh Real Estate Agent Thinking About Buying or Selling Greater Pittsburgh Real Estate? Our Mission: Yes Team Kane is Able to Help make your Pittsburgh real estate experience the very BEST! Remax Pittsburgh's Team Kane: Dave Kane , Jenn Kane and Mario Venneri We will find you the perfect home in Pittsburgh, PA. We focus on combining our energy, enthusiasm and honesty with the technology of RE/MAX Select to individualize every real estate transaction. We have helped countless homeowners looking to buy or sell Pittsburgh Real Estate. A closer look at Team Kane: Call Team Kane: 412-287-1173 Dave has always had a strong interest in the real estate industry; entering the business with high expectations in 1997. Education is a top priority for Dave. Therefore he immediately earned his Associate Broker license. As Dave continued his career in Pittsburgh real estate it was not long and he was recognized as a multi-million dollar producer and motivational asset to his company. It is Dave's personal goal to put his enthusiasm and energy into each Pittsburgh real estate transaction. for site scrapers -- Jenn is an extremely active native of Pittsburgh. She holds an undergraduate and graduate degree and spends a lot of time teaching group fitness classes. Recently she joined her husband Dave in the Pittsburgh real estate industry. Jenn's high energy and enthusiasm is sure to put a smile on her clients' faces! Along with Dave her goal is to provide ultimate service to each of their Pittsburgh clients - exceeding all expectations Together, Dave and Jenn Kane guarantee a positive Pittsburgh real estate experience. Pittsburgh Homes For Sale If your shopping for a new Pittsburgh home please check out our Pittsburgh homes for sale . We'll also email you every new home listed on the Pittsburgh MLS search for free! If you're planning selling Pittsburgh real estate contact us and find the advantange of Remax Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Relocation Relocating to Pittsbugh can be an easy with Remax Pittsburgh by your side. See all that greater Pittsburgh has to offer relocating families here. And conctact us for all of your Pittsburgh relocation needs. Remax Pittsburgh Agent Mario Venneri Call Mario Venneri: 412-716-3922 View Mario's Current Listings Mario Venneri has been a licensed Realtor for over nine years and works with Remax's Pittsburgh Select Realty . Mario comes from a family of Pittsburgh real estate professionals who have done reputable business and strived to meet and create the housing needs in our suburbs for the past 50 years. The knowledge and experience that Mario has been able to gather as a result has been greatly beneficial in his ability to succeed in the Pittsburgh real estate business. Mario specializes in all facets of real estate including Pittsburgh new construction development and sales, first time home buyers, and existing buyer and seller transactions. Currently Mario is acting as site coordinator at a plan of townhouses in Imperial called Mystic Hills, and will be taking on the same responsibilities as site coordinator on a new patio home development in Chippewa coming soon. Mario's goal is to make every transaction a stress free and enjoyable experience from start to finish. You can contact Mario directly on his cellular phone at: 412-716-3922 Resources Add URL Real Estate & Mortgage Directory Texas Mortgage Georgia Mortgage Orlando Real Estate Pittsburgh Homes For Sale ~ Buying Vs. Renting ~ Pittsburgh Relocation ~ Pittsburgh New Construction ~ Pittsburgh Home Search ~ Pittsburgh Sell Your Home ~ Pittsburgh For Sale By Owner ~ Home Buying Basics ~ Our Community ~ Testimonials ~ Local Utilities ~ Consumer Notice ~ Mortgage Calculators ~ Mortgage Information ~ Home Buying Terms A-Z ~ Pittsburgh Weather ~ Pittsburgh Home Value Analysis ~ Pittsburgh MLS Search ~ Pittsburgh Schools Information ~ Remax Pittsburgh ~ Home Allegheny County Real Estate ~ Butler County Real Estate ~ Cheswick PA Real Estate ~ Cranberry Township Real Estate ~ Fawn Township PA Real Estate ~ Fox Chapel Township PA Real Estate ~ Frazer Township PA Real Estate ~ Glenshaw Township PA Real Estate ~ Hampton Township PA Real Estate ~ Indiana Township PA Real Estate ~ McCandless PA Real Estate ~ Natrona Heights PA Real Estate ~ Oakmont PA Real Estate ~ O'hara Township PA Real Estate ~ Pine Township PA Real Estate ~ Shaler Township PA Real Estate ~ Springdale Township PA Real Estate ~ Verona PA Real Estate ~ Wexford PA Real Estate Resources Real Estate Website Design - Mortgage Website Design © website design 2004
Colorado Real Estate -
Colorado HomeFinder | Denver Real Estate, Search Denver Homes for Sale in the MLS Call 800.231.9153 | Contact Us If you already have an account, sign in here Denver Colorado Real Estate - find out first about the newest Denver real estate listings! You learn about Denver homes for sale the day they hit the market - before other buyers. Automated HomeAlert emails you new listings that fit your personal home search criteria and gives you access to all the Denver Colorado real estate listings. It's easy - Just submit your email address and home search criteria. Your email is not shared or sold to anyone. You incur no obligation or cost for this free Denver real estate service. Our Privacy Policy: We respect your privacy. All information provided is strictly confidential and you can unsubscribe at any time. Colorado HomeFinder will never sell or share your information with any outside parties. Click here to review our Privacy Policy . Your Automated HomeAlert Search Criteria * Required information Property Type: * Please select... Single Family Condominium or Townhome Any Property Price Range: * From Price.. 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000 160,000 170,000 180,000 190,000 200,000 210,000 220,000 230,000 240,000 250,000 275,000 300,000 325,000 350,000 375,000 400,000 425,000 450,000 475,000 500,000 525,000 550,000 575,000 600,000 625,000 650,000 675,000 700,000 750,000 800,000 850,000 900,000 950,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 5,000,000 - To Price.. 100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000 200,000 225,000 250,000 260,000 270,000 280,000 290,000 300,000 310,000 320,000 330,000 340,000 350,000 375,000 400,000 425,000 450,000 475,000 500,000 525,000 550,000 575,000 600,000 625,000 650,000 675,000 700,000 750,000 800,000 850,000 900,000 950,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 5,000,000 10,000,000 Min Bedrooms: 1 2 3 4 5 Min Bathrooms: 1 2 3 4 Min Square Feet: No Preference 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200 1,300 1,400 1,500 1,600 1,700 1,800 1,900 2,000 2,100 2,200 2,300 2,400 2,500 2,600 2,700 2,800 2,900 3,000 3,250 3,500 3,750 4,000 4,500 5,000 6,000 Age of Home: No Age Preference New Construction Only 5 years or less 10 years or less 20 years or less Older than 50 years City Preferences: * Denver Select at least one city... Arvada Aurora Berthoud Boulder Broomfield Castle Rock Denver Englewood Erie Estes Park Evans Evergreen Firestone Fort Collins Fort Lupton Fort Morgan Frederick Golden Highlands Ranch Johnstown Lakewood Lafayette Littleton Longmont Louisville Loveland Lyons Nederland Niwot Parker Severance Superior Thornton Wellington Westminster Windsor Please select if necessary Arvada Aurora Berthoud Boulder Broomfield Castle Rock Denver Englewood Erie Estes Park Evans Evergreen Firestone Fort Collins Fort Lupton Fort Morgan Frederick Golden Highlands Ranch Johnstown Lakewood Lafayette Littleton Longmont Louisville Loveland Lyons Nederland Niwot Parker Severance Superior Thornton Wellington Westminster Windsor Please select if necessary Arvada Aurora Berthoud Boulder Broomfield Castle Rock Denver Englewood Erie Estes Park Evans Evergreen Firestone Fort Collins Fort Lupton Fort Morgan Frederick Golden Highlands Ranch Johnstown Lakewood Lafayette Littleton Longmont Louisville Loveland Lyons Nederland Niwot Parker Severance Superior Thornton Wellington Westminster Windsor Contact Information Name: * First Name: Last Name: E-mail: * (Valid email address is required to receive listings) Re-enter E-mail: * Phone Contact: * Home Phone: Work Phone: Information that will help us serve you better Your level of Interest: * I have a HIGH interest in buying a home and am ready to start visiting homes now. (Please provide your phone number) I have a MEDIUM interest in buying a home, but I just started my search and need to become more familiar with the market. I do not have any definite plans to move at this time. I am just curious about the listings that are currently on the market. I currently: * live in Colorado plan to move to Colorado Your Comments Any additional information that will help us better understand your needs I agree with Colorado HomeFinder Terms & Conditions Just getting familiar with Denver Colorado real estate? Or, do you know the exact street where you want to live? No matter what stage you are in your Denver home search, Automated HomeAlert is for you! The latest technology makes finding Denver homes for sale easier than ever ! Automatic email notification of new listings and access to all the Denver real estate listings from all the brokerages saves you time - and makes searching for homes fun. You are in control! Colorado HomeFinder lets you search for Denver real estate at your own pace. If you are just thinking about a buying a home, no problem...the Automated HomeAlert System is a great way to get familiar with the Denver Colorado real estate market. If you are ready to start seeing Denver homes in person, just let us know. Our local, licensed Denver REALTORs can show you any property on the market. Get matched with a great Denver REALTOR When you're ready for the assistance of a Denver REALTOR, we will match you with the Colorado HomeFinder REALTOR that knows your target market best. Colorado HomeFinder agents are hand-picked REMAX professionals that average over 15 years of experience. We're a Colorado company, not a national referral service with a "list of agents." Our REALTORs are some of the best in the business and are true Denver Colorado real estate market experts! Colorado HomeFinder, RE/MAX Alliance 4770 Baseline Road, Suite 200 Boulder, CO 80303 Denver HomeFinder | Buy a Denver Home | Sell a Denver Home | Denver Homes for Sale | Browse Denver Listings | Denver Realtors | Denver Mortgage | Denver Relocation Call toll free (800) 231-9153 or local (303) 543-3083 to be connected with a local expert Denver RE/MAX REALTOR. New listing emails: Denver Colorado Real Estate Denver Real Estate | Boulder Real Estate | Fort Collins Real Estate | Colorado Real Estate Broomfield Real Estate | Castle Rock Real Estate | Evergreen Real Estate | Highlands Ranch Real Estate | Littleton Real Estate We're a Colorado company with a network of hand picked RE/MAX REALTORS in 17 local offices across the state. 2005, Colorado HomeFinder , all rights reserved. Each office independently owned and operated. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
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