Real Estate Brokers and

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 ). Last Modified Date: December 20, 2005 Occupations: Management | Professional | Service | Sales | Administrative | Farming | Construction | Installation | Production | Transportation | Armed Forces Related Links: Tomorrow's Jobs | OOH Reprints | Important Info | How to Order a Copy | Teacher's Guide to OOH Additional Links: Career Guide to Industries | Career articles from the OOQ | Employment Projections | Publications Home | BLS Home Back to Top www.dol.gov Frequently Asked Questions | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey Privacy & Security Statement | Linking to Our Site | Accessibility U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections Suite 2135 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001 URL: http://www.bls.gov/OCO/ Phone: (202) 691-5700 Fax: (202) 691-5745 Do you have a question about the Occupational Outlook Handbook ? Technical (web) questions: webmaster@bls.gov Other comments: feedback@bls.gov Occupations: Management Professional Service Sales Administrative Farming Construction Installation Production Transportation Armed Forces Related Links: Tomorrow's Jobs OOH Reprints Important Info How to Order a Copy Teacher's Guide to OOH Additional Links: Career Guide to Industries Career articles from the OOQ Employment Projections Publications Home BLS Home

Las Vegas Real Estate

AOL City Guide: Las Vegas - Real Estate, Homes, Apartments, Realtors, Mortgage Site Map | City's Best Ticket Marketplace | Hot Tickets Casinos | Strip Map | Weather | Getting Around | Maps & Directions | Golf Events | Gambling Guide People | Local Personals | White Pages | Yellow Pages | Autos | Real Estate | News & Headlines | Sports | Jobs | Movies Out of Work? Get ahead of the competition. Find jobs, career advice and more. Summer Love Search photos and find a summer romance. Get lovin' now. Choose property type. - Property Type - Apartments Senior Housing & Care Corporate Housing Enter city name. Select State Ala. Alaska Ariz. Ark. Calif. Colo Conn. Del. D.C. Fla. Ga. Hawaii Idaho Ill. Ind. Iowa Kan. Ky. La. Maine Md. Mass. Mich. Minn. Miss. Mo. Mont. Neb. Nev N.H. N.J. N.M. N.Y. N.C. N.D. Ohio Okla. Ore. Pa. R.I. S.C. S.D. Tenn. Texas Utah Vt. Va. Wash. W.Va. Wis. Wyo. · Find the Perfect Neighborhood · Best City Neighborhoods · Best Cities for Young People · Local Schools Information Home Values Find out how much your home and nearby properties are worth. Family-Friendly? Discover the best cities for safe schools and affordable housing. New to the Area? Meet area singles like you at CityGuide Local Personals. For Sale By Owner Find FSBO listings or list your own home for sale on RealtyTrac. Check out our featured listings to find great homes near you. Type: Rate: • See rates from area lenders Enter city Enter State State Ala. Alaska Ariz. Ark. Calif. Colo Conn. Del. D.C. Fla. Ga. Hawaii Idaho Ill. Ind. Iowa Kan. Ky. La. Maine Md. Mass. Mich. Minn. Miss. Mo. Mont. Neb. Nev N.H. N.J. N.M. N.Y. N.C. N.D. Ohio Okla. Ore. Pa. R.I. S.C. S.D. Tenn. Texas Utah Vt. Va. Wash. W.Va. Wis. Wyo. Enter State State 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 Tennesee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming AOL Keyword: Local Real Estate Bars, Music & Nightlife | Restaurants & Dining Guide | Movies | Tickets People & Personals | Real Estate | Visitor's Guide | Shop & Find | Yellow Pages | Government Guide About Us | Advertise With Us | Help & Feedback | Updated Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Trademarks | Site Map AOL Music | Moviefone | AOL Games | AOL TV | Black Voices | Shopping AOL CityGuide has a finger on the pulse of this city, and cities around the nation: from New York restaurants to Las Vegas entertainment, Chicago real estate, Washington hotels, Florida weather, San Francisco theaters, Boston markets and Los Angeles nightlife. You'll find the best local restaurants, hotels, entertainment, movies, concert tickets, events, weather, bars, nightlife, personals and so much more. We're the better way to search your city. © 2005 America Online, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Real Estate

Century 21 Real Estate: home buying, home selling, financing and property listings. español Put My Century 21 to work for you, simply register your email address and create a password. Once you're registered, you'll be able to • save property descriptions • store your search criteria • file agent information • build a custom library Find out more or register now! Already registered? Sign in . -- Welcome to Century 21 Real Estate Century 21 Real Estate is your online resource for home buying, home selling, financing and property listings. Whether it's a house, condo, or any other type of property, we can assist you with your real estate needs. Search for Properties Looking to buy a new home, condo or any other property? Search thousands of properties in our real estate listings. Search Property Listings » First Time Homebuyers Guide » View Our Buyer Service Pledge » International Century 21 Real Estate LLC is part of the largest real estate referral network in the world - with over 110,000 brokers and sales associates in over 30 countries and territories. Access our world offices today» Sell a Property Let our real estate agents create a customized marketing plan to sell your property. List your Property » View Our Seller Service Pledge » View Mortgage Rates View current mortgage rates, apply for a home equity loan, crunch numbers with home mortgage calculators and more! Apply for a Mortgage Now» Use Our Mortgage Calculators » Find an Office or Agent Find and contact a CENTURY 21 Office or Agent to handle your real estate needs. Find an Office or Agent » Quick Vote! Your vote counts! Let us Know Where do you spend the most time? Bedroom Living Room Kitchen Bathroom Dining Room ©2005 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. All rights reserved. Information appearing on this site has been produced by or obtained primarily from Century 21 Real Estate LLC and its representatives and from CENTURY 21 franchisees. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the broker information, sales associate information, listing information or other information provided by our franchisees appearing on or through this site. Such information has been provided by independent third parties who are solely responsible for such content. Certain conditions and restrictions apply to System promotions. Terms and Conditions of Use.

Las Vegas Real Estate

Buy House

Amazon.com: House of Wax(1953): Video Your Store Video See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | advanced search | browse genres | top sellers | new & future releases | kids & family | movie showtimes | today's deals | used videos Search Amazon.com VHS Used Videos DVD DVD & VHS Movie Showtimes Web Search This item is not eligible for Amazon Prime, but over a million other items are. Join Amazon Prime today. Already a member? Sign in . VIDEO INFORMATION Explore This Video buying info technical information editorial reviews customer reviews RATE THIS VIDEO I dislike it I love it! 1 2 3 4 5 Edit your ratings Favorite Magazines! Explore our new Magazine Subscriptions store . Visit the DVD Store The Tingler DVD 35 used & new from $2.40 Have one to sell? House of Wax(1953) see larger picture Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days 35 used & new from $2.40 Edition: See more product details Customers who bought this video also bought: Diary of a Madman / Movie VHS Haunted Palace (1963) / Movie VHS The Raven VHS The Pit and The Pendulum VHS Pinky VHS Explore Similar Items : 5 in Video , and 20 in DVD Customers who viewed this videoalso viewed: Mystery of the Wax Museum VHS Dr X VHS Explore Similar Items : 2 in Video , and 8 in DVD Product Details Director: Andr De Toth Format: Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC Rated: Studio: Warner Home Video Video Release Date: July 28, 1998 VHS Features: NTSC format ( US and Canada only. This VHS will probably NOT be viewable in other countries. Read more about VHS formats .) Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC From IMDb: Quotes & Trivia ASIN: 0790736055 Other Formats: DVD Average Customer Review: Based on 58 reviews. Write a review . Amazon.com Sales Rank: Today: #767 in Video Yesterday: #1,048 in Video Editorial Reviews Amazon.com House of Wax brought Vincent Price into the horror genre, where he fit as snugly as a scalpel in a mad scientist's hand. A remake of the 1933 film Mystery of the Wax Museum , this entertaining Gothic shocker casts Price as a sculptor of wax figures; his unwilling victims--er, "models"--lend their bodies to his lifelike depictions of Marie Antoinette and Joan of Arc. The film was one of the top 10 moneymakers of its year, thanks in part to the 3-D gimmick, which explains why so many things are aimed at the camera (why else would the paddleball man be there?). Footnote to history: director Andre De Toth was blind in one eye, and thus could not see in three dimensions. --Robert Horton Spotlight Reviews (What's this?) Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 11 of 11 people found the following review helpful: Solid, 50s Gothic Horror Flick , October 11, 2004 Reviewer: Westley (The South)- See all my reviews Horror films in the 1950s were often set in earlier times - including "House of Wax" - a gothic-styled thriller. Vincent Price stars, and this movie was his first of many, many horror films. He's perfect in this role, and it's puzzling why no one had cast him as this type of character before. He plays Prof. Henry Jarrod, a wax figure sculptor who's far too obsessed with his work. He's the head of an unsuccessful wax museum and watches in disgust as other museums make money by showing horror style wax figures, such as mass murderers. When his museum is burned to the ground, he re-emerges and seeks vengeance on persons responsible. The film received a great deal of buzz as the second 3-D film released by a major studio ("Bwana Devil" was the first); not surprisingly, it was a major hit, becoming the 7th biggest money-maker of 1953. "House of Wax" was actually a remake of a 1933 film, "Mystery of the Wax Museum." In addition, a remake of this film is currently in the works, and should be released in 2005. One of the stars of the upcoming film is Paris Hilton, which should be interesting! Although I prefer Castle's horror films from this period, Price alone makes this film worthwhile. Carolyn Jones ("Addams Family") is also fun as a kind harlot. Overall, the movie holds up pretty well, mostly because of its creepy tone. I saw the movie in 2-D but still enjoyed it quite a bit. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 18 of 19 people found the following review helpful: one of Price's best films , October 8, 2004 Reviewer: Deborah MacGillivray (Scotland, England & US)- See all my reviews This movie has wit, excellent pacing and a strong supporting cast (including a blonde Carolyn Jones "Morticia" from the Addams Family) and a small role for Charles Bronson (playing Igor and billed as Charles Buchinsky). Prince gets to be both understated and hammy in the brilliant film, that he is likely best know for. It catches the atmosphere of the Gaslight period, and is lighting speed, as Price goes from a brilliant artist of life-like wax figures, to a scarred man, nearly killed by his partner wanting the insurance. He is forced to watch his two crowning glories, his Joan of Arc and his Marie Antoinette destroyed in the fire. With scared hands, he is forced to use bodies to fill his new house of wax, while Price also manages to meet out a little revenge to his former partner. At first bodies are vanishing from the morgue, but when Price sees Jones - the living image of Joan of Arc - and Phyllis Kirk, his Marie Antoinette come to life in his mind - he knows he must possess the bodies of both women to see if greatest works recreated. Is so spooky, and Kirk ably screams her way from one mishap to the next. Just does not get any better. --This text refers to the DVD edition Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) All Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. I'm Melting! Melllting!... , December 29, 2005 Reviewer: Bindy Sue Fr?nk?nschtein "bigfootsalienbaby" (under the rubble)- See all my reviews Poor Henry Jarrod (Vincent Price). He's a wax-sculptor / wax museum owner who just wants to bring a little beauty into the world w/ his life-like, historical figures. Unfortunately, the public doesn't want beauty, it wants wax versions of murderers and sensationalism. Jarrod's partner knows this and decides to torch the museum for the insurance money. When Jarrod resists, he gets torched as well. Years later, a new wax museum opens, run by Henry Jarrod! He didn't die after all. Now, people are being murdered by a mysterious, disfigured man in a black hat and cloak. Their bodies are then stolen from the morgue! Where are they going, and why are Jarrod's new wax figures so eerily familiar looking? HOUSE OF WAX is the first of a long line of horror / revenge movies for Vincent. You can see the same tormented / demented soul here that would later shine in movies like PIT AND THE PENDULUM, THEATRE OF BLOOD, MADHOUSE, THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES, and DR. PHIBES RISES AGAIN. HOUSE OF WAX is an excellent remake of the 1933 film MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM w/ Lionel Atwill and Fay Wray (both are also in The Vampire Bat and Doctor X). I love both movies! While HOUSE is more gothic, MYSTERY is more '30s pulp. They each have their own creepy charm and interesting plotpoints. Atwill is sedate yet sinister, while Wray is her usual beautiful, vulnerable self. HOUSE OF WAX / MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM make a great double feature... --This text refers to the DVD edition Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) House of Wax- Phyllis Kirk , December 18, 2005 A Kid's Review An otherwise corny film, but viewers can delight in the closeup shots of Miss Kirk's beautiful wriggling toes as she struggles with her iron clamps that hold her down. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: GOOD OLD FASHIONED GOTHIC THRILLS , November 6, 2005 Reviewer: Michael Butts (Martinsburg, WV USA)- See all my reviews It's 1953, and Vincent Price is about to appear in his first horror film, a move that of course predicated what was to be the genre we remember this marvelous actor for. Filmed in 3-D, a feat in itself for fifty years ago, this tale revolves around Price, a wax museum curator, who is badly disfigured in a fire set by his greedy partner (the effable Roy Roberts) in order to get the twenty five thousand dollars in insurance money. A few years later, a now demented Price wants revenge and gets it, while setting up a fanciful new wax museum whose figures have a secret twist. We all know how they're made, but it's fun guessing along. Carolyn Jones (Addams Family), Phyllis Kirk, Frank Lovejoy and Charles Bronson all show up in supporting roles and the end result is a campy, enjoyable thriller, actually much more interesting than the confusing 2005 remake. Price fans will love this one. --This text refers to the DVD edition Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 1 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Vincent Price enters the world of horror movies via the "House of Wax" , October 26, 2005 Reviewer: Lawrance M. Bernabo (The Zenith City: Duluth, MN United States)- See all my reviews With the new "House of Wax" out on DVD this week I thought it was time to go back and see the original version with Vincent Price. Of course, director Andr De Toth's 1953 film was based on Michael Curtiz's slightly superior 1933 film "Mystery of the Wax Museum," which why those two films have much more in common that the two "House of Wax" films. Besides, this "House of Wax" was shot in 3-D and part of the fun in watching it again is to spot the 3-D effect. The opening titles and the ping pong player (Reggie Rymal) going after our popcorn are the most obvious ones, but you will notice the film is not full of obvious 3-D shots (pay attentions to limbs and such, especially on the Can-Can dancers). The craze was launched the previous year with the release of "Bwana Devil," in an attempt to win back audiences from the exploding success of television. Fortunately, "House of Wax" stands on its own. This time the setting is in Baltimore before the Civil War rather than contemporary New York City. Henry Jarrod (Vincent Price) is a brilliant artist when it comes to making wax figures, although the way he talks to his creations makes us doubt his sanity. When Jarrod's partner, Matthew Burke (Roy Roberts), tries to burn down their wax museum for the insurance money, Jarrod fights him and is presumed killed in the inferno trying to rescue his beloved creations. Years later a hideously disfigured man kills both Burke and his gold digging mistress, Cathy Gray (Carolyn Jones), whose bodies are stolen from the morgue. At this same time Jarrod, now rolling around in a wheelchair with his hands horrible burned by the fire, opens up his new House of Wax. Jarrod has become interested in using Sue Allen (Phyllis), the ex-roommate of Burke's dead mistress, as the model for his new Marie Antoinette. Sue is seeing Scott Andrews (Paul Picerni), who is working as one of Jarrod's assistants, along with the deaf-mute Igor (Charles Bronson when he was still going by Buchinsky) and the squirrelly Leon Averill (Nedrick Young). Meanwhile, Lt. Brennan (Frank Lovejoy) and Sgt. Jim Shane (Dabbs Greer), are investigating the disappearing corpses and trying to figure out the mystery. The problem is that from the viewers point of view it is clear who is doing the murders, so there are no real surprises here. The only really spooky part is when the shadowy figure is following the damsel in distress through the misty streets. But there is fun to be had in just seeing the displays of wax works in the two museums, both of which are filmed in such rich colors that you forget their are dead people underneath the wax. If you have ever been to a real wax museum, that is to say a good one like one of Madame Tussaud's (in London for me), the only real difference is that the chamber of horrors is dimly lit to heighten the effects (and the shocks), while Jarrod's displays are bathed in light (all the better to see them in). Besides, it is the idea of what those figures really are that is at play here. The whole idea of preserving corpses as art, whether you use wax or plaster (as in "A Bucket of Blood") is pretty creepy. The whole idea of displaying perfectly preserved corpses, as was done with Vladimir Lenin and Eva Peron, seems rather ghoulish if you are not part of those respective cults of personality. The recent controversy over whether sending plastinated corpses on exhibition tours crosses the line between science education and desecration speaks to this as well. The climax of these films always comes when the wax breaks or melts away and the horrible truth is revealed. "House of Wax" also has the added advantage of letting us see Vincent Price's face crumble away to reveal the horrors beneath, which would be repeated in the Dr. Phibes movies. In fact, it was "House of Wax" that effectively launched Price on his career in horror films for which he is ultimately remembered. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 58 customer reviews... So You'd Like To... Own the Ultimate Horror Collection? :by Lonely Schoolboy , Screenwriter Watch Horror Movies :by jem-aja , Horror Fan find out horror's REAL timeline? :by Wes , horror fanatic, monster hunter Listmania! The Price of Legend: The 10 Best Vincent Price Appearances :A list by owl_stretching_time , Film Merchant and Price Nut. My Favorite Vincent Price Films :A list by Trish , Vinnie fan Best Classic Horror Movies--EVER :A list by Trish , Horror buff Browse for VIDEO in: Amazon.com Outlet > Video Outlet > Deals Under $12 VHS > Genres > Horror > General VHS > Genres > Horror > Classic Horror & Monsters > General VHS > Today's Deals in Video > Deals Under $12 VHS > Studio Specials > Warner Home Video > Warner Video Bargains > Horror • I have seen this video, and I want to review it. • tell a friend about this item . • Write a So You'd Like to... guide . • Check Purchase Circles . For more information about "House of Wax," visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. If you need help with an order, please contact Customer Service . Please mark as many of the following boxes that apply: Product information is missing important details. Product information is incorrect.Propose corrections using our Online Catalog Update Form . The page contains typographical errors. The page takes too long to load. The page has a software bug in it. Content violates Amazon.com's policy on offensive language . Product offered violates Amazon.com's policy on items that can be listed for sale. Comments or Examples: Examples: Missing information such as dimensions and model number, typos, inaccuracies, etc. Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . Search VHS Used Video DVD DVD & VHS Movie Showtimes All Products for Turn your past video purchases into $$$ Learn more about selling at Amazon.com today! Top of Page Advanced Search | Browse Genres | Top Sellers | New & Future Releases Kids & Family | Movie Showtimes | Bargain Outlet | Used Videos Amazon.com Home | Directory of All Stores Our International Sites: Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | Japan | France | China Help | Shopping Cart | Your Account | Sell Items | 1-Click Settings Investor Relations | Press Releases | Careers Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1995-2005, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates