Buy House
Buy my house, please! - Sep. 11, 2003 CNN/Money Web Autos Real Estate Money's Best Home Markets & Stocks News Jobs & Economy World Biz Technology Commentary Personal Finance College Credit and Debt Insurance Interest Rates Retirement Tax Center Ask the Expert Five Tips The Good Life Millionaire in the Making Money 101 Moneyville Retirement Planner Savings Calculator Asset Allocator Mutual Funds Money Magazine Video CNN TV Fortune 500 Best Employers Money 101 Portfolio Calculators Real-time Quotes Last 5 Quotes SPONSORED BY include virtual="/fn_adspaces/markets-stocks/last_five_quotes/sponsor.88x31.ad" -- CNN/Money Email newsletters RSS Mobile news Money archives Buy story reprints Find a Mortgage SPECIAL OFFER Your Money Your Home Buy my house, please! As the market cools, it will take more work to get that 'For Sale' sign out of your front yard. September 11, 2003: 5:10 PM EDT By Sarah Max, CNN/Money Staff Writer BEND, Ore. (CNN/Money) To say that it's been a seller's housing market is the understatement of the year. Homeowners looking to sell in most parts of the country haven't had to wait around very long for a suitable offer, and those in the best markets have seen their homes swooped up in a matter of days, even hours. In early 2003, in fact, 21 percent of all houses went into contract less than one week after going on the market, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). On average, houses sold in just five weeks nearly half the time it took throughout the 1990s. "I believe this may be our best year ever," said David Hemenway, a realtor in Cottage Grove, Ore., who's been in the business since 1968. On the other side of the country in Sebring, Fla., realtor Chip Boring is enjoying a record year. Yet, both are aware that great times can't last forever. "Up until the last 2 1/2 years the average time on the market was anywhere from 180 days to 210 days," Boring said. And Hemenway recalls the early 1980s when his listings lingered on the market, sometimes for years. As interest rates creep up, buyers' budgets creep down and markets return to more normal levels, sellers will discover that it takes a little more work (and patience) to unload their homes. Many already have. While there is little you can do to change the laws of supply and demand, you have some control over whether your house sits or sells. Here are the most common reasons houses don't sell, in order of importance. The price is not right Even in the best of markets, setting your price too high is a mistake -- unless you really don't want to sell your house. "Starting too high is the worst thing you can do," said Hemenway. More on Your Home • Mortgage Application Center • Beating higher rates • Mortgage demand hits 14-month low • Choosing the best mortgage now Why? Because your greatest opportunity for selling your house is immediately after it goes on the market. That's when the majority of serious buyers will see the house. "Even if you lower the price to reflect the market, you'll have fewer people coming through than if you'd just priced it right to begin with," said Hemenway. In fact, it's not until after you bring the price down below the market something few sellers want to do that interest will pick up again. To make matters worse, say real estate agents, the longer a house sits the harder it is to sell. "Everyone thinks there must be something wrong with the house if it hasn't sold," said Boring, adding that for this reason he won't take on a listing if the seller insists on asking more than the house is worth. To drum up new interest among buyers, sellers sometimes pay for extra advertising or offer to, for example, pay for closing costs as a way to get buyers' attention. "In markets where people don't have a lot of cash, paying for closing costs or buying down interest rates with points up front can put you at a huge advantage," said Ron Phipps, a realtor in Warwick, R.I. The house is in the wrong place When markets are good, buyers are more willing to buy on the outskirts of an area or turn a blind eye to busy streets, bad views and other problems. But when markets cool down, it's these spots that suffer the most, said Hemenway. Short of moving the house, there is not much you can do if it is in the wrong location. But while in the house you can take care to make sure you don't over-improve your property relative to the ones around it. "If you have a $300,000 house in a neighborhood of $100,000, be prepared to lower the price or let it sit," said Boring. Buyers can't get past the front door Realtors say that getting buyers to take a look inside a house is the biggest challenge of selling a house. Once they've stepped through the door buyers are more likely to consider a place. "I recently sold a house that from the front was not very inspired," said Phipps. "The buyers came to the open house only because they needed to kill time, but once inside they were interested." For this reason, a little time and money spent on curb appeal will go a long way. Trimming the grass, washing the windows and planting a few flowers may be all it takes. In the case of houses whose best features are inside or out back, Phipps recommends taking good interior pictures and putting 360-degree tours online. Sellers sometimes get buyers to look past their homes' imperfections with creative extras. "I've seen sellers offer decorating allowances, and pay for cleaning service and landscaping," said Phipps. "Several years ago a seller in the bakery business offered to bring the buyer a different cake every month." Too much chintz and tchotchkes Less is more when it comes to attracting buyers. "Put all of those pictures of your family and other personal treasures away," said Sheryl Gregory, a broker in Wynthrop, Maine. "It distracts buyers and makes it harder for them to picture themselves in the house." She also recommends taking down distracting curtains and putting on a fresh coat of paint. "Buyers sometimes get scared if they wander through a house and think they're going to have to do a lot of painting," she added. --* Disclaimer Selling? Buying? Click to compare top local real estate agents More on YOUR HOME • Your Home: Bracing for higher rates • Refinancing demand lags again • A rose is (not) a rose TODAY'S TOP STORIES • Most overvalued housing markets • Risks to the economy in 2006 • Which was the worst ad of all in 2005? CNN Money contact us | subscribe to Money magazine advertising -- | site map | glossary | RSS | press room OTHER NEWS: CNN | SI | Fortune | Business 2.0 | Time © 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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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
home mortgage. YOUR VA
VA Loans from the VA Mortgage Center 800-405-6682 Contact Why a VA Loan? Pre-Qualify VA Loan THE VA LOAN SPECIALISTS If you are among the 29 million veterans or active duty service personnel who are eligible for a Veteran Loan, the VA Mortgage Center can help provide you with the advice and resources needed to buy or refinance the home of your dreams, while ensuring you get the best rates on your loan. GET STARTED WITH YOUR VA LOAN Your State: Select... Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District Of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Unsure Loan Type: VA Home Purchase VA Refinance The VA Mortgage Center specializes in helping veterans with all of their mortgage lending needs. Loan Limits Increased - To $417,000! As of January 1, 2006, qualified Veterans and Active Duty military can obtain a loan of up to $417,000 or $625,500 in high cost areas- with no money down. Let one of our knowledgeable, courteous VA specialists help you maximize your VA benefits today. Prequalify now OUR PURPOSE The VA Mortgage Center is founded on 2 principles. First, we believe every military service member and veteran should be aware of their VA Benefits for home loans. Furthermore, we feel that any and all interested service members should be guided through the VA home loan process by a knowledgeable VA loan specialist. DO YOU KNOW IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A VA LOAN? Almost every veteran is eligible for Veterans Affair benefits like VA home loans. These loans are generally the best choice for veterans who are planning to make a home purchase or to refinance an existing home mortgage. YOUR VA BENEFITS The Department of Veteran Affairs, which originated in 1930, provides a variety of financial benefits for Veterans and their dependents. VA home loans are one of the prime VA benefits provided for by this Department. VA LOAN SPECIALISTS VA Mortgage Center's knowledgeable Veteran loan professionals are waiting to answer all of your questions and help you with the entire VA loan application process. You may contact one of our specialists using our simple online form or by calling a specialist at 800-405-6682. PRE-QUALIFY Apply online for a VA mortgage loan Whether you plan to Purchase a Home or Refinance an existing home loan for a better interest rate (or to take out cash), contact us to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility and get Pre-Qualified. Helpful VA specialists are standing by. Please call 800-405-6682 . EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER " I was a bit nervous to make such a large purchase, but the VA Mortgage Center was there for me every step of the way. Kris, my loan officer, was extremely patient with me, and kept me informed daily as to the status of my loan. I love my new home! " - Paul St. Pierre E-7 Master Sergeant, McGuire AFB Read More Testimonials about the VA Mortgage Center VA Loan Information VA Loan FAQs VA Loan VA Loan Qualification Home Purchase VA Refinance Cash-Out Refinance Contact Us Privacy Policy The VA Mortgage Center is a private lender specializing in VA loans , we are NOT affiliated with any government agency . We originate loans in most states . In order for us to best serve our customers, the VA Mortgage Center may share customer information with trusted affiliates.
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
Real Estate Prices
MONEY Magazine: Your Home 2005: The 100 Major Markets - Jun. 1, 2005 Web CNN/Money Buying & Selling Investment Property Home Improvement Million $ Life Financing Best Places SAVE | EMAIL | PRINT | SUBSCRIBE TO MONEY | The 100 Major Markets While currently hot real estate markets may cool, don't look for many outright losers just yet. June 1, 2005: 7:01 PM EDT More real estate • Pros and cons of interest-only mortgages • How much house can you afford? NEW YORK (MONEY Magazine) - Home prices across the country will likely keep rising over the next year. While many hot markets on both coasts could see a dramatic slowdown in their growth rates, the forecasters at housing research firm Case Shiller Weiss aren't predicting outright losers anywhere. Nationally, home values climbed 14 percent last year, or nearly double the 8 percent of 2003, when the bubble talk began in earnest. Prices are up 20 percent or more in some coastal cities, putting homes out of reach for many. In Los Angeles, for example, just 5 percent of homes sell at prices affordable to a median-income local family. Don't panic just yet, though. Any pop is unlikely to be nearly as severe as what can happen in the stock market. Local markets can drop 10 to 20 percent, but that's about as bad as it usually gets. And a crash is merely a paper loss as long as you don't need to move. Meanwhile, you get a roof over your head and, with a little luck, nice neighbors and good public schools too. Metro area Median home price 5yr change in avg home price Growth forecast to June 2006 United States $190,000 65.1% 7.1% New York/Northern New Jersey/Long Island/Connecticut New York City $435,000 91.2% 12.6% Nassau/Suffolk, N.Y. $440,000 92.1% 11.6% Newark $330,000 79.0% 11.4% Bergen/Passaic, N.J. $390,000 81.9% 11.3% Middlesex/Somerset/Hunterdon, N.J. $318,000 87.4% 11.1% Monmouth/Ocean, N.J. $328,000 97.0% 11.3% Jersey City $300,000 114.2% N.A. New Haven/Bridgeport/Stamford/Waterbury/Danbury $335,000 69.7% 9.0% Trenton $230,000 83.4% 11.0% Los Angeles/Riverside/Orange County Los Angeles/Long Beach $442,000 122.3% 5.0% Riverside/San Bernardino, Calif. $329,000 137.3% 4.5% Orange County, Calif. $610,000 126.3% 6.8% Ventura, Calif. $550,000 122.6% 5.8% Chicago $254,000 49.6% 8.6% Washington/Baltimore Washington $385,000 107.4% 13.9% Baltimore $140,000 85.3% 14.2% San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose Oakland $535,000 96.3% 13.3% San Francisco $750,000 67.7% 13.6% San Jose $619,000 63.0% 13.9% Vallejo/Fairfield/Napa, Calif. $449,000 125.1% 13.8% Santa Rosa, Calif. $500,000 107.8% 13.2% Santa Cruz/Watsonville, Calif. $599,000 86.2% 13.0% Boston/Worcester/Lawrence/Lowell/Brockton $339,000 73.6% 8.0% Dallas/Fort Worth Dallas $137,000 23.1% N.A. Fort Worth/Arlington N.A. 23.5% N.A. Philadelphia/Wilmington/Atlantic City Philadelphia $180,000 71.0% 11.7% Atlantic/Cape May, N.J. $249,000 112.6% 9.4% Detroit/Ann Arbor/Flint Detroit $160,000 24.3% 4.3% Ann Arbor $225,000 28.1% 1.2% Houston $136,000 25.2% N.A. Atlanta $188,000 25.2% 6.4% Miami/Fort Lauderdale Miami $240,000 106.1% 15.3% Fort Lauderdale $257,000 105.8% 16.3% Phoenix/Mesa $190,000 53.1% 17.7% Seattle/Tacoma/Bremerton Seattle/Bellevue/Everett $315,000 38.1% 9.1% Tacoma, Wash. $212,000 36.9% 4.2% Minneapolis/St. Paul $225,000 63.2% 7.4% Cleveland/Akron Cleveland/Lorain/Elyria $153,000 20.0% 4.3% Akron $148,000 17.5% 0.7% San Diego $554,000 138.3% 5.9% St. Louis $129,000 38.1% N.A. Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater $172,000 70.8% 14.7% Pittsburgh $108,000 31.1% N.A. Denver $250,000 33.3% 6.0% Cincinnati/Hamilton Cincinnati $172,000 18.9% 4.0% Hamilton/Middletown, Ohio $182,000 20.5% 3.2% Portland, Ore./Vancouver $226,000 36.6% 9.8% Sacramento/Yolo Sacramento $376,000 131.1% 17.1% Yolo, Calif. $379,000 140.9% 17.4% Kansas City, Mo. $149,000 30.8% N.A. Orlando $195,000 60.6% 14.3% Indianapolis $113,000 18.8% N.A. San Antonio $123,000 24.8% N.A. Norfolk/Virginia Beach/Newport News $168,000 60.9% N.A. Las Vegas $285,000 107.0% N.A. Columbus, Ohio $172,000 22.7% 3.7% Milwaukee/Waukesha $199,000 40.5% N.A. Charlotte/Gastonia/Rock Hill, N.C. N.A. 19.1% N.A. Salt Lake City/Ogden $155,000 -0.2% 0.0% Austin/San Marcos $151,000 24.9% N.A. Nashville $139,000 19.3% 6.4% Providence/Warwick/Pawtucket $257,000 111.7% 17.7% Raleigh/Durham $186,000 18.9% N.A. Hartford $228,000 54.1% 8.9% Buffalo/Niagara Falls $95,000 27.00% N.A. Memphis $126,000 11.5% 3.2% West Palm Beach/Boca Raton, Fla. $282,000 98.0% 21.0% Jacksonville, Fla. $154,000 57.4% N.A. Dayton/Springfield, Ohio $135,000 15.1% 0.3% Fresno $243,000 129.1% N.A. Tucson $179,000 46.6% 8.5% Albuquerque $146,000 13.3% 1.4% Knoxville $121,000 27.3% 7.0% Bakersfield, Calif. $195,000 114.1% N.A. Toledo $124,000 19.7% 0.6% Youngstown/Warren, Ohio $90,000 15.0% 1.8% Springfield, Mass. $182,000 64.1% 10.5% Sarasota/Bradenton $229,000 83.5% 17.0% Stockton/Lodi, Calif. $370,000 126.9% 21.8% Daytona Beach, Fla. $153,000 79.9% 22.0% Lakeland/Winter Haven, Fla. $133,000 46.5% 9.8% Johnson City/Kingsport/Bristol (Tenn./Va.) $90,000 16.2% 4.8% Lansing/East Lansing $134,000 33.0% 2.9% Modesto, Calif. $305,000 140.5% 15.2% Fort Myers/Cape Coral, Fla. $124,000 92.1% 15.1% Canton/Massillon, Ohio $129,000 16.7% 2.2% Salinas, Calif. $526,000 136.2% N.A. Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/Lompoc $445,000 147.9% N.A. Visalia/Tulare/Porterville, Calif. $190,000 86.1% N.A. Fort Pierce/Port St. Lucie, Fla. $280,000 99.8% 13.7% New London/Norwich, Conn. $226,000 71.9% 6.3% Naples, Fla. $300,000 109.3% 22.4% San Luis Obispo/Atascadero/Paso Robles, Calif. $475,000 137.7% 11.3% Merced, Calif. $270,000 126.2% 16.6% Clarksville/Hopkinsville (Tenn./Ky.) $95,000 15.3% 4.2% Chico/Paradise, Calif. $250,000 119.6% 15.2% Burlington, Vt. $226,000 62.7% 7.8% Barnstable/Yarmouth, Mass. $369,000 115.7% 5.6% Punta Gorda, Fla. $154,000 98.1% 17.5% Pittsfield, Mass. $165,000 57.8% 11.1% NOTES: Data as of 2004 unless otherwise noted. N.A.: Not applicable or not available. SOURCES: Fiserv CSW, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Housing and Development, National Association of Realtors. «top» The Hot List Most profitable renovations How risky is your 401(k)? 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