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Real Estate Software: Commercial Real Estate Software/Residential Real Estate Investment Software Excel Templates - Excel Training - Excel Add-ins Real Estate Software For Free 24/7 Microsoft Office Support See: Our Free Excel Help & VBA Help Forum . See Also our: Free Excel Newsletter Real Estate Software Real Estate Software Home - Real Estate Software Invest - Real Estate Investment Software Real Estate Investment Software for Real Estate Investors and Home Buyers. For Real Estate Loans, Mortgages, Calculate Amortization & More! See: Property X - Property Investment Analysis Software AND Real Estate Investment Analysis Software Our Most Popular Real Estate Investment Software products Back to: Financial Calculators | Financial Software | Excel Templates | Excel Add-ins | Software Categories | Search All Software Real Estate Investment Software Index Free Choice of Complete Excel Training Course OR OzGrid Add-ins Collectio n on ALL purchases totaling over $70.00. 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PropertyX is a complete property investment analysis software that comes with more than 12 investment analysis calculators, up to 40+ year projections, and investment analysis reports with graphical illustrations. Super Amortization Loan Software The Super Amortization Loan Software is full featured loan software that works for fixed rate, variable rate (up to 3 adjustments), principle and interest payments, interest only payments, interest only payments later switching to principle and interest payments the month you specify, and it can accept up to 30 balloon payments. This software is ideal for anyone wanting full featured loan software for law practice, real estate, or other purposes. Download Shareware Version from Download 1 or Download 2 . Real Estate Calculator Suite Real Estate Calculator Suite includes a Date Calculator, a Fraction / Decimal interest rate conversion table, sample text for closing credit accounts, a Documentation List to help you gather your paperwork, a Home Inspection form to help you review potential homes, a Mover's To Do List, a Fraction/Decimal Conversion Chart and useful tips for home buyers and sellers PC Property Manager Real estate software-PC Property Manager is a rental property management software & Real Estate Investment Software system for residential rental property investors to manage their financial and other rental property transactions. It is more than an excellent book-keeping system. Amortization Calculations Mortgage and loan software includes the powerful Amortization Schedules Plus! feature that allows you to override, skip or add any number of payments. Includes 14 different Day Count Conventions including 30/360 and Actual/Actual, plus many different Payment Types including Normal, Continually Adjusting Payments, Fixed Principal plus Interest and Interest Only. Back To Real Estate Software. Top^ Property Management software Practical and easy-to-use DIY property management software to create tenant statements and reports, track payments and expenses for unlimited number of tenants, owners, loans and investments PLUS loan and investment tracker and simulator. Amortization Calculato r Amortization schedules and calculators to solve financial questions instantly Make better financial decisions and save time and money with the Ultimate Loan Calculator. Amortization Loan Software Calculate your payment and make a payment schedule. Can accept up to 30 balloon payments, if you have any. 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QuikCalc Mortgage & Loan Manager Lite Down Payment Amount, Gross Debt Service Ratio, House Price from Payment Amount, Interest, Amount, Maximum Loan, Maximum Payment, Mortgage Payment, Principal Amount, Rent Payments Total, Time to Pay Off Accelerated Loan, Total Debt Service Ratio, Total Debt Service Ratio Maximum Amount, Total Interest Paid, Total Paid for Home. QuikCalc Mortgage & Loan Manager Personal Mortgage and loan software includes the powerful Amortization Schedules Plus! feature that allows you to override, skip or add any number of payments. The Loan Management feature allows you to track actual loan terms and varying interest rates, as well as your actual payments made and projected payments QuikCalc Amortization Mortgage and loan Real Estate Investment Software includes easy to use amortization tables and schedules that allow any interest rate, payment and compounding frequency, including accelerated payments. Includes many reports including annual summaries. 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Texas Land

Bush and the Texas Land Grab Bush and the Texas Land Grab July 16, 2002 By Nicholas D. Kristof Editorial Op-Ed To submit a Letter to the Editor: letters@nytimes.com Democrats and media hounds are baying under the wrong tree. The point in President Bush's business career where he took outrageous shortcuts was not at Harken Energy, but rather when he was grabbing land for a new baseball stadium in Arlington for his Texas Rangers baseball team. Mr. Bush broke no laws. Neither do the overwhelming majority of corporate executives. The cloud over the business world comes not so much from lawbreaking as from avaricious bruising of the public interest. The challenge is not catching criminals but injecting public scrutiny into a culture of cronyism in which executives, accountants, regulators and "independent" board members all ooze empathy for each other. When Asia had its economic crisis in 1997-98, Americans properly trashed its "crony capitalism." But we suffer from the same affliction ourselves, and President Bush will not address the issue seriously because cronyism has been his way of life -- the Bushes call it loyalty. I have a stack of court documents from Arlington that portray the "sordid and shocking tale" of the Rangers stadium, as one lawsuit puts it. Essentially, Mr. Bush and the owners' group he led bullied and misled the city into raising taxes to build a $200 million stadium that in effect would be handed over to the Rangers. As part of the deal, the city would even confiscate land from private owners so that the Rangers owners could engage in real estate speculation. "It was a $200 million transfer to Bush and Rangers owners," complains Jim Runzheimer, an anti-tax campaigner in Arlington. William Eastland, a leading Republican in Arlington, is also outraged, and puts it this way: "You're using public money for a private purpose." Mr. Eastland was a Bush delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2000 but still believes that the Bush group behaved shadily and against the public interest. Local voters overwhelmingly approved the deal, so maybe we shouldn't get so exercised by star-struck local officials giving $200 million to rich baseball owners. But the most unseemly part of the deal was that Mr. Bush and the Rangers' owners conspired with city officials to seize private property that would be handed over to the Bush group. "A group of wealthy and influential people threatened and traded their way into an unprecedented takeover of government power and private property in an awesome display of greed and avarice," charges a lawsuit by the landowners, in what strikes me as a fair recitation of events. Another suit charges that the deal "can only be described as astounding, unprecedented and blatantly illegal." A copy of the secret agreement among Mr. Bush and the other Rangers owners shows that they intended to make money not just by running a baseball club but also by land speculation. For example, one owner found a nice chunk of land and sent a memo suggesting that it "sounds like another condemnation candidate if you want to work the site into your master plan," according to the court documents. Another of the owners' internal memos casts a proprietary gaze on a property and declares: "We plan to condemn this land." For a group of financiers to go around town admiring properties and deciding which to seize through the government power of condemnation so that they can acquire free land and speculate on it is appalling. Even Kazakhstan would blush at such practices. Horace Kelton, for example, owned land that the Rangers wanted. The owners got Arlington to seize it, with the city paying less than $1.50 per square foot even though it had previously paid $10 a square foot for other land nearby. "It was an extremely low price, and that's why we had a court case that lasted seven years," Mr. Kelton recalled. Eventually, his family got $11 a square foot. In fairness, Mr. Bush was simply being a hard-nosed businessman. He did a great job leading the owners' group, and it's hard to take seriously the caricature of him as unintelligent when he led the Rangers so lucratively. Indeed, his $14 million profit on the Rangers financed his entry into politics. But it's also a sordid tale of cronyism, of misuse of power, of cozy backroom money-grubbing -- a more pressing threat to American business than outright criminality. LINK to source

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Unbiased property investment tips and advice to maximise profits from property! Maximise profits from property investment - free independent advice! "Hi Alan, am keen to know more on property investment and I have just subscribed to your Newsletter, and want to congratulate you on your informative site together with the contents." Barbara Burton "Hi Alan, You seem to have your head screwed on, and yes I'm in my fourth hour on your EXCELLENT site." Richard Harries, Pembrokeshire Enter your E-mail Address Enter your First Name (optional) Then Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it only to send you Property Investment Tips. Hi, Property investment is as good an investment as there is, so it still amazes me how little people know about the potential to make money from property, and property investment. There are people sitting on huge amounts of equity who, if they invest this money wisely could be retiring within 2 years!!!! Dont believe me? Thats exactly what I just did, aged 28!! After remortgaging my property, I reinvested that money and last year I made more than 100k after tax, and will make more than that this year. Now I had a good job beforehand, with a gross salary of over 50k, but when you compare that net amount of around 35k with the money I made from property - simply by releasing equity and spending my spare time understanding the vast possibilities in property and investing in some excellent opportunities, I cant believe more people do not do it. I am now in a position where I do not need a 9-5 job anymore . This gives me plenty of time to spend with my family, on the golf course, on holiday, at the football etc etc and I have no boss to report to!!! I believe there are possibilities for anyone out there, whether you are a first time buyer, and not sure where to buy, someone looking for a hands free property investment with guaranteed returns, someone looking to top up their pension, or someone who is willing to give 10 hours a week or so and be in a position to sack the boss in 3-4 years time!! However for anyone to succeed at property investment, they must have some good knowledge - a clear strategy, understand property tax, mortgages for investment properties and importantly understanding what a good property investment deal is and the power of leverage. Now when I first started researching on the internet, I came across some excellent resources and invaluable information - however there are also some who are more interested in charging you a fee than getting you a good deal. That is why I decided to share some of my experiences, and give some of my recommendations and property investment tips. Any of these recommendations I will have personally used, and will have confidence in their knowledge and integrity. I will not accept adverts or endorse any company I am not convinced about. I have now set up a second site - as from March 2005 - with all recommended property investment deals, as and when they arise - this gives me the opportunity to put more details down. Please, if are interested in updates on deals, also sign up on www.property-investment-deals.com for latest deals. I have a newsletter I send out every 2-3 weeks, where I discuss various strategies and property investment tips, and discuss exactly what I have done so far on this Tips site. I will also try to answer any questions, or at least point you in the right direction. I will also analyse deals/courses/mortgage options put forward by some of my contacts. Enter your E-mail Address Enter your First Name (optional) Then Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it only to send you Property Investment Tips. I will continually update any good sources I find, and I will continue to share my experiences with you. By no means is this list exhaustive and I am sure there are plenty more good sources, although I also know some not so good - email me with any good experiences/sources you have used for any property investment, and I will share this with the subscribers. Have a look down the left hand side, where I have covered what I consider the key factors when investing in property, and look at each of them, investment property mortgage options, property tax, property investment strategies/courses, and property investment deals at home and abroad, to see who I recommend and why. All this advice is free and is solely based on my experience and the contacts I have made - I will not be offended if you do your own thing, but I am completely independent, so I would at least take note of all my efforts over the last few years!! Of course, you should always do your own research, and do please note the disclaimer page. Any questions I will attempt to reply, please email me at alan@property-investment-tips.com. Also make sure you sign up for free newsletter before you forget, this is packed full of good tips and advice, so I've been told! "Alan, I have just read your back issues, and enjoy the way that you write! I am currently an ex-pat living in Ohio, but with an existing and pending property in the UK....look forward to your next issue " Amanda, Ohio "I've signed up for your newsletter today and from what I've seen of your website, it looks very informative, good balanced outlook on what people should do when investing in property." Nihar Dutt, www.propertynetworking.co.uk "I am impressed with the newsletters, very professional Alan. Your comments on Cyprus and Bulgaria are fab, especially for new investors - DD is vital - and even then I still think its risky so recommending agents shall be of great assistance". Alex Angel, Edinburgh "Hi Alan,First of all, thank you ever so much for sharing your experience. Your website is absolutely fantastic!" Patrice Lavallee, Suffolk "ALAN, I read your newsletters with interest and have recently been in discussions with Property Network Spain. Hopefully the outcome will be profitable!" ALEX CARAVELLO, Residential Lettings & Management "Alan, Great newsletter as per usual. My name is Tom Dyer and i got the info about your newsletter from a good friend of mine, who himself had it referred to him via another friend.It just goes to show that good information travels very fast.Great to have the opportunity to get access to the newsletters and some of your philosophy. Keep em' comingAll the very best" Tom Dyer "Hi Alanthanks again for the posts you send, they are a great eye opener - i'm learning a hell of a lot." Shuko mwambazi Alan just wanted to drop you a line, to say thanks!! For the past few months I had been looking to invest some money and saw property as a possible opportunity. However, having never previously bought, due to continued job relocation, my knowledge of this market was somewhat limited. The information and advice provided on property-investment-tips.com has proved invaluable in taking me from a position of knowing nothing - about how mortgages work, where to buy and which investment companies I could trust - through to the purchase of my first property!! I have bought in Cyprus through investincyprus.com, and am delighted with it! Maybe meet you out there in 18 months??!! Thanks again, and have subscribed to your newsletter to keep eye on other opportunites. Have also given details to my work colleague who is also keen to buy. James Thomson, Edinburgh Hi, I found out about your site and was pretty impressed with everything! I am very interested in purchasing ANY property with good growth and rental prospects in the UK. I am living and working in Shanghai..... Look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Robert Gavin Hi Alan, I found your website very informative and helpful. Thank you very much. My husband is British and I am Vietnamese. We have been working abroad as expats. We have some savings and would like to invest in land and property anywhere, in the UK or Vietnam or abroad. We would appreciate very much if you could give us some advice on what and how to do as we feel uncertain. We feel that we have the potential and could do something good with our savings but did not know where and how to start then we found your site. Thank you very much and I look forward to hearing from you, Best regards, Linh Dear Alan, Thank you for the latest edition of your newsletter and links to the superb articles on your excellent website - it is certainly coming along nicely! I am a first-time property investor and recently had the pleasure of meeting you at the Property show at the ExCel centre in Docklands, accompanied by my wife Christine..... above all, if he comes with your recommendation then I'm sure he is someone that can be relied upon. Ironically, I had been meaning to drop you a line for a while to further enquire about your exploits in property renovation, which I have so keenly read in your emails lately. But now your site has blossomed with so much information, I have learnt an awful lot by just scrolling through the wealth of advice available. Looking forward to hearing from you. ..........Many thanks for your prompt reply. It would be great to meet up with you again in the future, Alan - if anything to buy you a pint for your troubles! Thanks again for your support Kind regards, John Marsden Hi AlanI'll attempt to be brief and to the point! I like your website without having met you or had any communication with you - you do seem to come accross someone who is approachable and kind of normal!! Hence I write to you. I am interested in a one to one consultaion session with you and would like to make a reservation for a London meeting sometime after May. Is that possible? I am currently in Sudan undertaking 5 months voluntary work (back in May) and since being here I have had much time to reflect, to consider my next 'project', look at where I'm heading and to set some more goals and achievements for myself. I also have time while I am out here to do some homework and research (which is how I found you!).I have signed up to your e-zine, and have not yet read everything you have to offer on your site, however I wanted to book in with you as soon as possible, Mandy Evill So, have a look at the headings for the specific area you want to find out more on, and start to share some of the potential to be made in the world of property investment!!! Regards Alan Forsyth Why Property? Why property as an investment? Property Investment Strategies to maximise profits Property Investment Strategies - I'll give you some tips and advise on the best places to learn what is best for you! Location, location,l... Location - why it is still as important as ever, do not limit yourself! Buy to Let What to look out for when considering buy to let in UK and abroad Buy to Re-sell or Remortgage Buy to Re-sell, or Property renovation is as popular as ever, you only need to switch on the TV to see! I give my tips when starting out. UK property investment has become very popular over last few years My thoughts/tips on UK property investment Overseas Property Investment Overseas property investment is becoming more and more popular - check out my tips! Spanish property investment Spanish Property Investment is as popular as ever, read my recommendations on best companies to invest with in Spain Cyprus Property Investment Cyprus Property Investment is getting very popular - read my tips on the best company/places for property investment in Cyprus Bulgaria Property Investment Bulgaria property investment - why it is such good value Scotland Property Investment Scotland Property Investment Estonia property Estonia property Property Tax advice Importance of understanding types of property tax when investing in property. Best sources of information Mortgage advice for Investment Property Mortgage Advice for Investment Property, my tips and advice overseas mortgages Recommended overseas mortgages for property investors 1 to 1 Consultancy 1 to 1 Consultancy Recommended Property Investment Courses Property Investment Courses Landlords Insurance Landlords Insurance - my recommendations Rental Property Investment Software Recommended Rental Property Investment Software Articles Articles written and published by Alan Forsyth Rich Dad, Poor Dad Rich dad poor dad Books Best value books for property investment, financial freedom Resources Quick summary of best property resources on the internet when looking to invest in property. Contact Me Contact me for any further advice on products advertised here, or any further property questions Exchange URLs Exchange URLs Disclaimer Disclaimer other resources general other resources general About us About us

Home Loan Center Mortgage

Sallie Mae Home Loans -- Click Here to Apply Today search SMHL.com " / Finance your child's private K-12 education to keep your payments practical and affordable Apply Today ! -- Home Loan Center Mortgage Solutions Manage Your Credit Calculators Glossary FAQs You Are Unique! -- At Sallie Mae Home Loans, we understand your individuality. With a Sallie Mae Home Loan you can look forward to: Financial Options personalized for you. Less Paperwork and faster turnaround. One-of-a-kind service and expert support. Not sure where to start? Check out our Loan Center or call us at (800) SLM-6404 to speak with one of our Home Loan Experts. If you are interested in receiving a free copy of our Sallie Mae Home Loans Home Buyers Guide, you can download one now or call us at (800) SLM-6404 to request one by mail. Click here to read the latest version of the Sallie Mae Home Loans Unique Expressions Newsletter or call us at (800) SLM-6404 to request one by mail. What Will My Payments Be? Loan Amount Appraised Value Term (years) Interest rate Property tax (yearly) Insurance (yearly) " name="B1" © FinanCenter Wipe out your student loans! Win up to $25,000 in student loan payoffs, or $12,000 cash. Learn more now. Privacy Statement Terms and Conditions of Use Licenses Contact Us Site Map Sallie Mae is a registered service mark and Sallie Mae Home Loans and the Sallie Mae Home Loans logo are service marks of Sallie Mae, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corporation. SLM corporation and its subsidiaries other than the Student Loan Marketing Association are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. Sallie Mae Home Loans, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Lender. © 2004 Sallie Mae All Rights Reserved.

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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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