home equity line of

NYS Banking Department-Home Equity Line Of Credit Survey Interest Rate Information Home Equity Line Of Credit Markets Albany Buffalo Long Island New York Metro Rochester Syracuse Westchester Co, NY Definition of terms used in this survey. New York State home equity line of credit Average Highest Lowest 6.72 8.25 1.74 Albany Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Adirondack Trust Co 518-584-5844 12/23/05 7.00 P+0.00% (no floor); no yrly fee; $10,000 min Central National Bank 800-449-6842 12/23/05 8.25 P+1.25% (no floor); no yrly fee; $7,500 min Citibank 800-627-3999 12/23/05 7.25 P+0.25% (no floor); no yrly fee; $25,000 min Citizens Bank, N.A. 800-922-9999 12/23/05 7.00 P+0.00% (no floor); $50 yrly fee; $10,000 min First Niagara Bank 518-270-3200 12/23/05 7.75 P+0.75% (no floor); no yrly fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 5.99 P+1.25% (1.25% floor); 4-mo intro; no yrly fee; $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.69 Range: P+0.69% to P+1.44% (no floor); $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 5.49 P+0.95% (no floor); 6-mo intro; no yrly fee; $15,000 min Pioneer Savings Bank 518-274-4800 12/23/05 6.75 P-0.25% (no floor); no yrly fee; $2,000 min TrustCo Bank 518-436-9043 12/23/05 7.50 P+0.50% (no floor); no yrly fee; $7,500 min Buffalo Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Bank of Akron 716-542-5401 12/23/05 2.49 P-0.25% (no floor); 4-mo intro; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of America 800-299-2265 12/23/05 7.49 P+0.24% (no floor); .25% disc w/auto debit; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.50 Range: P+.50% to P+5.00% (no floor); $50 yrly fee; $5,000 min Citibank 800-627-3999 12/23/05 7.25 P+0.25% (no floor); no yrly fee; $25,000 min Citizens Bank, N.A. 800-922-9999 12/23/05 7.00 P+0.00% (no floor); $50 yrly fee; $10,000 min Evans National Bank 716-549-6000 12/23/05 1.74 P+0.00% (no floor); 3-mo intro; $99 yrly fee; $7,500 min First Niagara Bank 877-722-9842 12/23/05 8.00 P+0.75% (no floor); no yrly fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 5.99 P+1.25% (1.25% floor); 4-mo intro; no yrly fee; $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.69 Range: P+0.69% to P+1.44% (no floor); $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 6.20 P+0.95% (no floor); 6-mo intro; no yrly fee; $15,000 min Long Island Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Astoria Federal S&LA 800-278-6742 12/23/05 7.00 P+0.00% (no floor); .25% disc w/auto debit; $25 yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of America 800-299-2265 12/23/05 7.49 P+0.24% (no floor); .25% disc w/auto debit; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of New York 212-495-1784 12/23/05 4.25 P+0.99% (no floor); 6-mo intro; no yrly fee; $5,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.50 Range: P+.50% to P+5.00% (no floor); $50 yrly fee; $5,000 min Citibank 800-321-2484 12/23/05 7.25 P+0.25% (no floor); no yrly fee; $25,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 5.99 P+1.25% (1.25% floor); 4-mo intro; no yrly fee; $10,000 min North Fork Bank 877-694-9111 12/23/05 7.00 P+0.00% (no floor); no yrly fee; $25,000 min Queens County Svgs Bk 718-433-4368 12/23/05 7.00 Range: P+0.00% to P+4.25% (no floor); $500-$600 fee; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Ridgewood Svgs Bk 718-240-4800 12/23/05 7.25 P+0.25% (no floor); no yrly fee; $10,000 min Washington Mutual Bank 800-788-7000 12/23/05 8.00 Range: P+0.75% to 3.75% (no floor); $45 yrly fee; $10,000 min New York Metro Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Astoria Federal S&LA 800-278-6742 12/23/05 7.00 P+0.00% (no floor); .25% disc w/auto debit; $25 yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of New York 212-495-1784 12/23/05 4.25 P+0.99% (no floor); 6-mo intro; no yrly fee; $5,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.50 Range: P+.50% to P+5.00% (no floor); $50 yrly fee; $5,000 min Citibank 800-321-2484 12/23/05 7.25 P+0.25% (no floor); no yrly fee; $25,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 5.99 P+1.25% (1.25% floor); 4-mo intro; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Independence Community Bank 800-732-3434 12/23/05 7.25 P+0.25% (no floor); .25% disc w/auto debit; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Manufacturers and Traders Trust Co 800-724-2440 12/23/05 5.49 P+0.95% (no floor); 6-mo intro; no yrly fee; $15,000 min North Fork Bank 877-694-9111 12/23/05 7.00 P+0.00% (no floor); no yrly fee; $25,000 min Queens County Svgs Bk 718-268-6801 12/23/05 7.00 Range: P+0.00% to P+4.25% (no floor); $500-$600 fee; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Washington Mutual Bank 800-788-7000 12/23/05 8.00 Range: P+0.75% to 3.75% (no floor); $45 yrly fee; $10,000 min Rochester Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 7.49 P+0.24% (no floor); .25% disc w/auto debit; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Canandaigua National Bank 585-394-4260 12/23/05 7.75 P+0.75% (no floor); .25% disc w/auto debit; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.50 Range: P+.50% to P+5.00% (no floor); $50 yrly fee; $5,000 min Citibank 800-627-3999 12/23/05 7.25 P+0.25% (no floor); no yrly fee; $25,000 min Citizens Bank, N.A. 800-922-9999 12/23/05 7.00 P+0.00% (no floor); $50 yrly fee; $10,000 min First Niagara Bank 716-434-6621 12/23/05 7.75 P+0.75% (no floor); no yrly fee; $10,000 min Five Star Bank 888-624-2300 12/23/05 7.25 P+0.25% (no floor); 0% 3 month intro; no yrly fee; $7,500 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 5.99 P+1.25% (1.25% floor); 4-mo intro; no yrly fee; $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.69 Range: P+0.69% to P+1.44% (no floor); $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 6.20 P+0.95% (no floor); 6-mo intro; no yrly fee; $15,000 min Syracuse Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Alliance Bank 800-310-6275 12/23/05 1.99 P-0.26% (no floor); 4-mo intro; no yrly fee; $5,000 min Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 7.49 P+0.24% (no floor); .25% disc w/auto debit; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.50 Range: P+.50% to P+5.00% (no floor); $50 yrly fee; $5,000 min First Niagara Bank 877-722-9842 12/23/05 8.00 P+0.75% (no floor); no yrly fee; $10,000 min Fulton Savings Bank 315-592-4201 12/23/05 6.00 P+0.00% (no floor); 12-mo intro; no yrly fee; $5,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 5.99 P+1.25% (1.25% floor); 4-mo intro; no yrly fee; $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.69 Range: P+0.69% to P+1.44% (no floor); $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 6.20 P+0.95% (no floor); 6-mo intro; no yrly fee; $15,000 min Solvay Bank 315-468-1661 12/23/05 7.00 P+0.00% (4.00% floor); no yrly fee; $2,500 min The Oneida Savings Bank 315-363-2000 12/23/05 5.25 P+0.00% (no floor); 6-mo intro; no yrly fee; $7,500 min Westchester, Co Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Astoria Federal S&LA 800-278-6742 12/23/05 7.00 P+0.00% (no floor); .25% disc w/auto debit; $25 yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 7.49 P+0.24% (no floor); .25% disc w/auto debit; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of New York 212-495-1784 12/23/05 4.25 P+0.99% (no floor); 6-mo intro; no yrly fee; $5,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.50 Range: P+.50% to P+5.00% (no floor); $50 yrly fee; $5,000 min Citibank 800-321-2484 12/23/05 7.25 P+0.25% (no floor); no yrly fee; $25,000 min First Niagara Bank 877-722-9842 12/23/05 8.00 P+0.75% (no floor); no yrly fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 5.99 P+1.25% (1.25% floor); 4-mo intro; no yrly fee; $10,000 min Manufacturers and Traders Trust Co 800-724-2440 12/23/05 5.49 P+0.95% (no floor); 6-mo intro; no yrly fee; $15,000 min Wachovia Bank, NA 800-922-4684 12/23/05 7.25 Range: P+0.00% to 2.00% (no floor); no yrly fee; $8,000 min Washington Mutual Bank 800-788-7000 12/23/05 8.00 Range: P+0.75% to 3.75% (no floor); $45 yrly fee; $10,000 min Rates are subject to change without notice and may vary from branch to branch. Although the rates reported here have been obtained from the financial institutions themselves, the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed by the publisher. 2005: Bankrate.com All rights reserved. | Home Search | Site Map | | Interest Rates | | Credit Cards | MortgageRates | Home Equity Lines of Credit | | Home Equity Loans | New Auto Loans | Used Auto Loans | Last Modified Friday, December 23, 2005 FastCounter by bCentral

home equity loanmay be

Home Equity Loans Home Equity Loans:When Banks Compete, You Win Home Equity Loans Ifyou need to remodel or repair your home, for debt consolidation or for educational expenses a home equity loanmay be the best option available to you. Not only are you able to "tap" the equity in your home, theinterest charges are, in most cases, tax deductable (there are limits to your deductability if the total amountof loans is in excess of 100% of its value). There are a couple of options available to you. You can choose either a HomeEquity Loan , which is a fixed amount of money that is repaidover a fixed number of years, or a Home Equity Line of Credit , where you will be approved for a set amount of money which you will access asyou need it--whether for home improvements or some other use. Accessing your line of credit is as easy as writinga check. Likeall other loans, there are variances in terms, interest rates and the like. A good of comparison for home equityloans is LendingTree , where you submit an easy application and get offers from lenders competing foryour business--all within a few days (a process that used to take weeks!) Here is where you can take advantageof the ability of the Internet to make quick comparisons, saving both time and money. You can find both home equityloans and home equity lines of credit. More information . With interest rates falling considerably this year, this can be an excellent opportunity to restructure your payments,get a better rate than most credit cards and personal loans and work on the process of eliminating your debt load. Home | Your Checklist | Remodel | Refinance | Repair | Maintain Safe & Secure | Organize | Resources | More Links

Buy Property

Buying property in the Canary Islands, Spain, property for sale in the Canary Islands, Spain Buying Property in Spain Canary Islands Sponsor this Page for 720.00 a year 250,000 - 30 0,000 Unique Visitors every month! Click here Home | Spanish Shop | Photo Library | Message Board | Classified Ads | Property | Currency Converter | Site Map | Stats | Search | Advertise | About Us | Contact Us Move to Spain - Property - Canary Islands Introducing the new service from idealspain.com www.idealspain-properties.com - Properties for sale & to rent throughout the whole of Spain Fanabe Properties - Full service estate agents in Southern Tenerife. Re sales, new developments, holiday and letting, investment. Mortgages, Insurance and taxes independent advise. Holiday and long term rentals. International Property Shop - We have a good selection of new build and resale properties in Tenerife. 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Not just a few Spanish verbs, but over 500 words of the Spanish language, including complete Spanish phrases and sentences. Watch our free online demo that plays the first 15 minutes of a lesson. In this demo, the in program manual is displayed on the screen. spanish-online.co.uk Spanish book, cd and cd-rom publishers. User-friendly material for complete beginners to intermediate level. To make the most of our great offers, use the promotional code IDEALSPAIN on our online shop. Intasure - Insurance for your holiday home in Spain - Property insurance for expatriates in Spain - Comprehensive golf cover 365 days of the year which covers theft of equipment, medical expenses, travel, public liability and even hole in one cover - Low, low cost travel insurance. Avro is the UK's leading charter flight-only company, selling over one million seats every year. We have recently expanded and now offer scheduled flights to destinations worldwide, with flights available from over 70 of the world's leading airlines. Bookings.org - The best selection of Hotels, at great prices, throughtout Spain... View Special offers here & 5,166 Golf courses in Europe - Find golf courses in Spain, view pictures of all courses with maps. Book nearby hotels online . Car Hire Booking Centre Online together with IdealSpain.com - Created with one main objective; to offer clients the best vehicles with the best service at unbeatable prices. Why pay more when BOOKING CENTRE ONLINE offers MORE THAN THE REST, CHEAPER THAN REST? Car hire throughout Spain, the Canary & Balearic Islands . Hotel Club - The fast and secure service offering savings of up to 60% on your accommodation. To view Specials click here . PHA Travel has been offering independent advice on Health and Travel Insurance since 1995. 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Denver Real Estate

Denver Colorado real estate agent, Denver lofts for sale, Denver village lofts and area homes OUR COMMITMENT TO Our Real Estate BUYERS: You can expect a no worry “Hands-On-Service” during the entire process of purchasing your new home: Selection and previewing of real estate, along with investigation of neighborhoods, and comparable price analysis before making an offer to insure you will get the best price possible Choosing one of our preferred real estate lenders that can and will work within your needs and provide you the best possible programs and rates Persuasive and professional real estate negotiation Examination & interpretation of real estate contracts and disclosures & home inspections, plus facilitating a “Problem Free” transaction. To Our Real Estate SELLERS ... Follow-up is the “Key” to the successful Sale of your real property: “We Get You SO Ready To SELL...It Almost Makes You Want To Stay” We begin with a professional real estate market analysis to determine a price that will allow fair but aggressive competition A comprehensive plan of action will outline our experience-based methods for selling your home as quickly as possible and at the highest return of profit for you Our aggressive marketing programs will allow maximum exposure to potential home buyer. We have a 99.9% completion rate on all our real estate transactions...Problem free and No surprises!! Let us take the worry out of the process for you. Site Map Featured Properties Property Search Virtual Tours My Dream Home Preferred Lenders Neighborhoods Home Login Register Contact About Us

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 ). 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