Real estate brokers are

Real Estate Agents & Brokers Career Prospects in Virginia Real Estate Agents and Brokers Home | Find another career | Find career statistics Suggestions & corrections Printer friendly page What do they do? Real estate agents sell property for owners. Specializations : Residential property, commercial property Preferred education : Complete an approved real estate marketing program in high school (with Career & Technical Education), community college, or trade school; associate's or bachelor's degree is an advantage Certification & licensing : State license required Getting ahead : Selling more & higher-valued property brings more commissions & more property to sell Skills & knowledge : Selling, negotiating, & bargaining; working well with clients; knowledge of local area Where they work : Visiting houses & properties to be sold Job outlook : Good in the long run, but probably becoming more competitive as the housing boom of the last decade slows down Look for work : Link to job banks and other job search resources Earnings : Usually in the $16-110,000 range Links : Find more information about this career Become An Agent & Get Rich Quick? Think Again Interviews with real people See a video WHAT DO THEY DO? It's the "American Dream"-- buying a house somewhere to call one's own. And the people who assist in that dream, making a fair profit at the same time, are real estate agents. When people want to buy a house, some land, or a commercial property, they usually contact a real estate agent or broker who collects listings of all the houses, properties and parcels of land for sale in a particular city or neighborhood. The agent sorts through the listings and selects the properties that seem to fit a buyer's price range and needs. The agent then shows the property to the buyer, along with any others that seem to fit the bill. When clients have questions--for instance, how old is the roof and is the property in a flood zone--agents track down the answers. They draw up contracts between buyers and sellers, and help smooth along the whole process by acting as a "go-between" between buyer and seller. Money enters the picture when the agent actually makes a sale. Agents charge both buyers and sellers for their services. Many also offer services like renting and managing property owned by others, also for a fee. Real estate brokers are the people who own and manage real estate agencies. Real estate agents are usually independent sales workers who provide their services to a licensed broker on a contract basis. In return, the broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agent’s sale of the property. (Agents are also sometimes called realtors if they belong to the National Association of Realtors). Despite all the excitement and money in real estate in recent years, selling real estate is not an easy line of work. Agents must stay on top of changes in the market by constantly touring homes that have just been listed. They work nights and weekends and have to be on call for clients who want to see them at odd times. They spend many weekend afternoons sitting at "open houses" and must be aggressive and good at drumming up new clients. In very competitive markets they must perfect the art of cold-calling or canvassing for new business. Va Association of Realtors Most importantly, real estates agents must be expert negotiators since they must manage delicate price negotiations when an interested buyer and seller hook up. The agent also coordinates the "closing" when a property is sold, that is, the actual signing of papers and transfer of a property's title. Once the property is sold, the agent who sold it and the agent who first got the listing both receive a portion of the commission. Agents who sell a property they also listed can increase their commission. Real estate agents and brokers need to know a lot about the communities in which they work. They need to know about the local real estate market and about local services, particularly the schools. They also need to be familiar with local zoning and tax laws, and know where to get financing. A broker's knowledge, resourcefulness, and creativity in arranging mortgages often means the difference between success and failure in closing a sale. Above all, the successful real estate agent has to be able to sense what clients really want in a property, be good at selecting properties that clients will like, and at helping clients be realistic about what they can afford. This type of job, in short, calls for a business-minded "people" person who really knows the lay of the land, so to speak. Specific tasks include: Finding properties to sell Estimates property will sell for to set the opening price Meeting with prospective buyers Helping buyers find property that they like Knowing the physical condition, features, and special characteristics of properties Preparing purchase agreements Referring clients to lawyers and tax consultants Working with lenders, home inspectors and others until the sale is completed to the client's satisfaction Commercial Investment Real Estate Real Estate Professional Realty Times The right job for you? Learn more with an informational interview with a local employer . The wrong job for you? Take an interest test & find a better one . SOME AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION Most real estate agents and brokers 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. EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, & LICENSING In Virginia, as in every other state, real estate brokers and agents need a license. Prospective agents need to be at least 18 years old, and pass a written exam. The exam--more comprehensive for brokers than for agents--includes questions on basic real estate transactions and laws affecting the sale of property. In Virginia, agents have to complete 60 hours of real estate classes at an approved school and pass the state and national portions of the salespersons exam. Brokers must complete 180 hours of education, pass the state and national portions of the broker exam, and submit proof that they worked as a salesperson during 36 of the preceding 48 months before applying for a license. A college degree is helpful in certain areas like commercial real estate, but it is not required. Real estate licenses must be renewed every two years. To qualify for renewal, agents and brokers need to complete 8 hours of approved continuing education. In addition to licensure and continuing education requirements, real estate agents and brokers in Virginia cannot be guilty of violating the fair housing laws of any jurisdiction, nor convicted anywhere for a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, sexual offense, drug distribution, physical injury, or any felony. Real estate agents and brokers can also study to earn their GRI a nationally recognized professional designation that stands for Graduate, REALTOR® Institute. Studying to be a real estate agent in Virginia: Are you in high school? Learn more about Career and Technical Education . Find out about CTE courses in Real Estate Marketing. Students who complete this course are eligible to take the Virginia real estate licensing exam. Planning to go to college? Find real estate programs at community colleges . Read " How do I become a realtor " from the Virginia Association of Realtors. Find out more about getting a license and other issues from the Virginia Association of Realtors. Find more information on licensure and a list of schools and colleges approved to offer the required courses for brokers and agents from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Read about GED , High School , Community College , Financial Aid , & more in The World of Education Va public schools • Your School Division • HS Graduation Requirements • Career Readiness Certificates GETTING AHEAD Real estate agents advance as they learn more about the business, become more efficient, and as a result increase their earnings by selling more property. They may also earn larger commissions by moving to agencies that list more expensive properties. In large agencies, experienced agents can advance to sales manager or general manager. Experienced real estate agents who go on to get a broker’s 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. Bright ideas for getting ahead in any job SKILLS, ABILITIES, & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Communicating clearly Working well with customers or clients Working in a highly competitive environment Attention to detail Listening carefully to what someone else is saying Keeping track of numerous responsibilities at once Dealing with people under stress Being consistently pleasant and polite Building and maintaining good public relations Selling, negotiating, and bargaining Thorough knowledge of local area Inspiring trust and confidence Keeping abreast of economic conditions and trends In addition to career-specific skills, everybody needs these basic skills: Reading Math Writing Speaking & listening Computer literacy Problem-solving & decision-making Understanding the broader picture Working with people A strong work ethic A positive attitude Independence & initiative Self-presentation WHERE THEY WORK ( Employer locator ) Real estate brokers and agents spend much of their time away from their desks, showing properties to customers, analyzing properties for sale, or meeting with clients. Increasingly, real estate agents work from home because now they can get so much of the information they need over the Internet. OUTLOOK Real estate brokers and agents enjoyed boom times during the last decade, as demand for housing soared. However, the future will not be quite so bright if interest rates rise and sales slow. In fact, some experts fear that the recent housing boom is expanding into a bubble that will soon burst leading to a fall in house prices and a slowdown in sales. Even if the real estate market holds up, opportunities for agents and brokers are expected to grow more slowly than average through 2012. People who want to buy houses can now do a lot of their own searching on the Internet, and this will probably reduce the need for agents and brokers. However, jobs prospects in this field also tend to vary by region and since many people are expected to retire from this field in coming years, there will always be work available. The economy in: Your area • Virginia • The nation Employment projections Monster Employment Index Manpower Employment Outlook LOOK FOR WORK See job ads at Virginia's Job Bank • More job banks • Find local employers Learn job search skills—from reading job ads to preparing for the interview EARNINGS See what people usually earn Most real estate agents in Virginia earn somewhere in the $16-73,000 range. Brokers usually earn more, in the $20-110,000 range. Incomes in this occupation vary widely because agents work on commission. They are paid a percentage of each sale they make, so their incomes depend on the price and the number of properties they sell. The average commission is about 5-7 percent of a property's selling price. This commission rate varies from firm to firm, and commissions are often split between broker and agent on a 50-50 basis. Commissions can also be split between the agent and broker of the listing firm and the agent and broker of the firm that made the sale. Learn more about earnings at Salary.com , Payscale.com , Career Info Net , & other sites FOR MORE INFORMATION Virginia Association of Realtors 10231 Telegraph Road Glen Allen, VA 23059 www.varealtor.com Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Real Estate Board 3600 W Broad St Richmond, VA 23230 www.state.va.us/dpor/reb_main.htm National Association of Realtors 4301 North Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611 www.realtor.com/ National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. 1629 K St NW, Suite 1100 Washington DC 20006 www.nareb.com/ About.com's Real Estate professional's page Realty Times realtytimes.com/ WetFeet.com, Career Profiles and Interviews Career Overview www.wetfeet.com/asp/careerprofiles_overview.asp?careerpk=33 Industry Overview www.wetfeet.com/asp/industryprofiles_overview.asp?industrypk=27 Real People Profiles www.wetfeet.com/research/rpp/rppbycareer.asp?careerpk=33&careerName=Real+Estate This page was last edited on: November 18, 2005

Real Estate Agent

Prudential Northeast Properties - A Maine Real Estate Agent | Buying, Selling, Residential Homes, Commercial Properties Residential Property Commercial Property Land Multi-Family Rentals Find a Professional Contact Us Relocation Services Buying and Selling Tips Request for Info Careers in Real Estate Community Consumer Information Home Bangor Office 160 Broadway (Main Office) Bangor, Maine 04401 (207) 942-8261 (tel) (207) 942-9544 (fax) Ellsworth Office 105 High Street Ellsworth, Maine 04605 (207) 667-4604 (207) 667-4719 (fax) Searsport Office 185 West Main Street Searsport, Maine 04974 (207) 548-2280 (207) 548-0246 (fax) Camden Office 23 Main Street Camden, Maine 04843 (207) 236-4393 (207) 236-4314 (fax) Newport Office 158 Main Street Newport, Maine 04953 (207) 368-4400 (207) 478-4361(fax) Northeast Harbor Office 12 Summit Road Northeast Harbor, Maine 04662 (207) 276-5108 (207) 276-5091 (fax) Dexter Office 24 Main Street Dexter, Maine 04953 (207) 924-3300 (207) 924-6700 (fax) Prudential Northeast Properties is a Maine real estate company serving all of Eastern, Central, Coastal, and Downeast Maine. We can help you with: Buying or Selling a Home Real Estate Investment Commercial Properties Mortgage Finance Appraisal Services New Home Construction Why Choose Prudential? Our commitment to serving the needs of our clients with uncompromising professionalism, caring and integrity sets our company apart from other firms. Experienced, knowledgeable real estate brokers combined with our "one stop shop" approach to real estate allows us to provide you with superior service and products. We have been in business since 1903, and our affiliation with Prudential Real Estate enhances our network capacity and provides access to the best tools and programs available. With our world wide reach and state of the art technology and services we simply have more to offer you. Whether you're interested in buying or selling a home in Maine, or seeking resort, vacation and retirement living opportunities in Maine, we offer you a wide range of information designed to help you make the right decision concerning this substantial investment. If you're thinking about relocating, be sure to explore "relocation services " to make yours an easy move. We invite you to become one of our valued clients today - Welcome. OR Property Type Residential Commercial Land Multi Family City/Town OR MLS Number | Residential Property | Commercial Property | Land | Multi-Family | Rentals | Find a Professional | Contact Us | Relocation Services | Buying and Selling Tips | Request for Info | Careers in Real Estate | Community | Consumer Information | Home | 1998 - 2005 Prudential Northeast Properties. An independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Home Equity Account Services

Bank of America | Home | Personal Locations • Contact Us • Help • Sign In Search Online Banking Sign In View demo | Learn more | Enroll Enter Online ID Save this online ID Enter Passcode: Account in: the following geographical location Canada ---------- Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Dist. 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 Forgot or need help with your ID? Reset passcode " width="190" height="28" border="0" / Sign In to Other Services Service My Mortgage Online Investing Future Scholar Military Bank Online Account Shortcuts Open an Account Checking Accounts Savings Accounts CDs Credit Cards Mortgages Home Equity Account Services Reorder Checks Set up direct deposit Request a Check Card Link accounts Change Address Change Phone Number ATMs & Banking Centers Address: City: State: Choose State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Dist. 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 or ZIP Code: Banking Centers ATMs More Location Search Options " / " / Online Services Online Banking with Bill Pay | Other Online Services Checking & Savings Overview | Checking Accounts | Savings Accounts | CDs | Keep the Change™ Cards Credit Cards | Check Cards | Gift Cards Loans & Home Buying Overview | Mortgages | Refinance | Home Equity | Auto Loans | Education & Other Loans | Movers Resource Center | Real Estate Center Investments & Wealth Management Investment Services | Premier Banking & Investments | The Private Bank | Family Wealth Advisors | IRAs | Columbia Funds | Trust Services | 529 College Savings Plans | Charitable Giving Program Specialized Banking & Additional Services Military Bank | Student Banking | Accessible Banking | Insurance | Foreign Currency / Travelers Cheques | SafeSend Money to Mexico Financial Education & Tools Overview | Savings & Budgeting | Home Purchase | Loans & Credit Cards | Credit Management | Investing | Retirement | Estates | Taxes | Education | Car Purchase En Espaol Your Security and Privacy Partner Learn how we're committed to your security Protect yourself against fraud Guard against scams with the free Bank of America Toolbar " border="0" hspace="5" vspace="5" / Online statements provide security you can bank on. Learn more " border="0" hspace="5" vspace="5" / A simple way to invest online. Now trade for as low as $7. Learn more " border="0" hspace="5" vspace="5" / Home Equity Line of Credit. No fees to get it, use it or keep it. Learn more Visa® Platinum 0% fixed introductory APR* and no annual fee. Learn more Shopping for competitive auto insurance? Get a convenient and free rate quote today. Learn more " border="0" / Service agreement Privacy & Security • Careers • Site Map Investment products provided by Banc of America Investment Services, Inc.®: Are Not FDIC Insured May Lose Value Are Not Bank Guaranteed Banc of America Investment Services, Inc is a registered broker-dealer, member NASD and SIPC and is a nonbank subsidary of Bank of America, N.A. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender © 2005 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Foreclosure Property

George Achenbach - Goldmining in Foreclosure Properties Free Investing Books, Audios - Click Here to View Receive 5 Free Bonuses! Click Here to Subscribe! Site Navigation Investor Information Home Investing Newsletter Real Estate Articles Success Stories Recommended Reading Free Investing Books Investing Glossary Investing Abbreviations Community Tools Real Estate Chat Room Chat Room Schedule Real Estate Forums Newsgroup Forums Beginners, Carlton Sheets Bird Dogs, Wholesaling Foreclosures, Short Sales Sub2, Lease Options Rehabbing, Landlording Financing, Hard Money Asset Protection, Legal Commercial, Mobile Homes Real Estate Marketing Product Catalog Best Sellers All Investing Products Real Estate Audios Real Estate Books Real Estate Courses Real Estate Ebooks Real Estate Forms Real Estate Software Real Estate Videos Course Specials Investor Services Miscellaneous Real Estate Seminars No Risk Guarantee Investor Resources Real Estate Clubs Cash Flow Clubs Hard Money Lenders State Property Codes Tax Appraisal Districts Investor Referrals Business Tools Real Estate Forms Investor Network Ads Real Estate Classifieds Site Information Advertising Rates Advertiser Login Link to REIClub Contact REIClub Goldmining in Foreclosure Properties by George Achenbach Start Building Wealth Today by Investing in Distressed Properties! Combining proven strategies with nearly thirty years experience in real estate, author George Achenbach takes you step by step through the entire foreclosure processfrom the first notice of default to the foreclosure sale or auction to the final disposition of the property. Everything you need to know to purchase and profit from distress properties is here, including sample forms, worksheets, checklists, and real-life examples, as well as procedures to follow, evaluation techniques, and negotiating tips. There are even suggestions on leasing homes, creating rental income, saving on taxes, and avoiding pitfalls. Additionally, a new chapter covers the pros and cons of bankruptcy and highlights the latest proposed changes in the law such as the homestead exemptions and needs-based rules. Goldmining in Foreclosure Properties shows investors and first-time buyers how to take advantage of one of the most profitable investment opportunities in the world with expert guidance on: Procedures for locating distressed properties Financial analysis techniques for evaluating property and making the right offer Bidding successfully at auctions Effectively dealing with lenders when the property goes REO How you can benefit from reselling property quickly Negotiating tips for dealing with new purchasers and profitably transferring titles Generating rental income, capital appreciation, and tax savings through property leasing (263 Page Paperback) Only $27.95! Order Info 30 Day No-Risk Guarantee Free shipping on orders of $300.00 or more! Orders typically arrive within 4 to 7 business days. Author's Products Goldmining in Foreclosure Properties Testimonials Add a Testimonial Privacy | Terms of Use | View Cart 2002-2004 All Rights Reserved. REIClub.com

Buy Property in a

How to Buy Property in a Retirement Community - eHow.com Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything Web eHow.com Home Finance & Business Center Real Estate How to Buy Property in a Retirement Community Seniors at all levels of independence may choose to buy property in a continuing-care retirement community. These communities can offer a vibrant social environment, a packed schedule of activities, help when needed, and the opportunity for transition into a more assisted living environment should needs change. They're also a good choice for people who simply want to live in an adults-only community. Steps: 1. Consider your present needs, and think about what lies ahead. Your goal may be to hold on to your independence for as long as possible. 2. Be aware of the costs beyond the cost of the home or apartment purchase (which may start at $150,000). Monthly maintenance fees can run into the low thousands. 3. Ask for referrals from your doctor, a social worker or a senior support group. You can also get lists of nearby communities online or in your phone book. 4. Tour as many properties as possible. Investigate the upkeep and safety of the facility. Find out about special amenities, from sports facilities to dining options. 5. Ask for a typical schedule. Does it offer activities both on and off the site? Does it reflect your interests? 6. Talk with the director about the staff. Is the facility properly staffed with well-trained and -screened people? What's the turnover? Talk to the employees, too. Are they happy? Do they enjoy working there? 7. Find out exactly what the fees include. If you have special meal requirements, ask if they can be met. Inquire whether the fees will change as residents find they need more assistance. 8. Chat with residents and ask for their honest opinions about the facility. If everyone is hiding in their home or apartment, that's not a good sign. Also, what is the average age of the people you see? Is that the stage you're at? Overall Tips: Check your contract to establish what happens if you decide to sell your home. In some cases, you may forfeit your entrance fee, which can be $10,000 and up. The monthly fees for some retirement communities are higher than for other types of assisted living. Get financial advice before signing on the dotted line. What to look for: Affordability Great facilities Well-trained staff A good fit with your lifestyle 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: Buy a Tenancy-in-Common Unit Choose an Assisted Care or Nursing Home Find Out About Gay and Lesbian Retirement Communities Buy a Condominium Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community for a Senior Project Details: Skill Advisory: Moderate New! -- Related eHows: Buy a Tenancy-in-Common Unit Choose an Assisted Care or Nursing Home Find Out About Gay and Lesbian Retirement Communities Buy a Condominium Find a Continuing Care Retirement Community for a Senior 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: --? Web eHow.com Home | Site Map | About Us | How To Books | Link to eHow Subscribe to the eHow of the Day Mailing List : Have the eHow of the Day appear on your My Yahoo! Page: Add the eHow of the Day to your RSS reader: © 1999-2005 eHow, Inc. How things get done. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .