Buy Property in Bulgaria:

Amazon.co.uk: Buying a Property in Bulgaria: Books BOOK SEARCH BROWSE CATEGORIES SPECIAL OFFERS TOP SELLERS AUDIO BOOKS Paperbacks 3 for £12 NEW & USED TEXTBOOKS HARRY POTTER SELL YOUR BOOKS All Products -Books -Used Books -Collectable Books All Subjects -Art, Architecture & Photography -Audio Cassettes -Audio CDs -Biography -Business, Finance & Law -Children's Books -Comics & Graphic Novels -Computers & Internet -Crime, Thrillers & Mystery -Fiction -Food & Drink -Gay & Lesbian -Health, Family & Lifestyle -History -Home & Garden -Horror -Humour -Mind, Body & Spirit -Music, Stage & Screen -Poetry, Drama & Criticism -Reference & Languages -Religion & Spirituality -Romance -Science & Nature -Science Fiction & Fantasy -Scientific, Technical & Medical -Society, Politics & Philosophy -Sports, Hobbies & Games -Travel & Holiday -Young Adult All Subjects Art, Architecture & Photography Audio Cassettes Audio CDs Biography Business, Finance & Law Children's Books Comics & Graphic Novels Computers & Internet Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Education & Languages Fiction Food & Drink Gay & Lesbian Health, Family & Lifestyle History Home & Garden Horror Humour Mind, Body & Spirit Music, Stage & Screen Poetry, Drama & Criticism Reference Religion & Spirituality Romance Science & Nature Science Fiction & Fantasy Scientific, Technical & Medical Society, Politics & Philosophy Sports, Hobbies & Games Travel & Holiday Young Adult BOOKS INFO At A Glance Reviews Customer Reviews Table of Contents See more by this author E-mail a Friend About This Item Recommendations If you already own this, rate it and improve your recommendations , Not Rated Visit the Software shop Talk Now! Learn Bulgarian Find a huge selection of books at 30% off Become an Associate Join our Associates Programme and make money from your website! Buying a Property in Bulgaria Jonathan White Publisher: learn how customers can search inside this book. List Price: £14.99 Our Price: £10.49 & eligible for Free UK delivery on orders over £15 with Super Saver Delivery. See details & conditions . You Save: £4.50 (30%) Availability: usually dispatched within 24 hours. 28 Used & New from £9.08 See larger photo Edition: Paperback More Product Details ~ See Table of Contents Perfect Partner Buy Buying a Property in Bulgaria with How to Buy Property in Bulgaria: Everything a Brit... today! Total List Price: £26.98 Buy Together Today: £21.48 Customers who bought this item also bought: Bulgaria (Euromap S.) ;Map~GeoCenter International Ltd The Rough Guide to Bulgaria (Rough Guide Travel Guides S.) ;Paperback~Jonathan Bousfield, Dan Richardson Teach Yourself Bulgarian Complete Course (Book + CD Pack) ;Paperback~Michael Holman, Mira Kovatcheva Bulgaria (Cartographia European Road Map S.) ;Map~Cartographia Bulgarian-English, English-Bulgarian Dictionary (Hippocrene Practical Dictionaries) ;Paperback~Ivan Tchomakov (Editor) Explore similar items ... Product Details: Paperback 224 pages(April 29, 2005) Publisher: How To Books Language: English ISBN: 1845280318 Category(ies): Home & Garden Average Customer Review: | Write a review Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 10,556 (Publishers and authors: improve your sales ) sign in to turn on 1-Click™ ordering. 23 New from 9.08 5 used from 9.40 Have one to sell? (We'll set one up for you) View my Wish List . Reviews A Place in the Sun Magazine, September 2005 "A godsend for holiday home buyers and property investors alike." Shelter Offshore.com, August 2005 "At last! A well written, up to date and completely all encompassing guide to buying property in Blugaria." See all reviews... Customer Reviews Avg. Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other shoppers! Disappointing , December 27, 2005 Reviewer: John Roberts from Cardiff United Kingdom I bought this book with high hopes,currently being in the process of buying a property in Bulgaria. I was deeply disappointed. Much of the book contains bland generalisations and statements of the obvious. Much of it seemed to rely on the author's knowledge of Varna (a Black Sea coastal resort), which is no good to anyone buying a property in a ski resort, for example. There was also blatant advertising for a foreign exchange company. I can only assume that the company helped fund the book. I would estimate that less than 5% of the book is of any practical use, and much of that information can be obtained from a few internet searches. I am now nearing completion on my Bulgarian property purchase and this book has been of no assistance. Was this review helpful to you? 5 of 7 people found the following review helpful: Very Informative , September 13, 2005 Reviewer: D Smith from Bulgaria I bought a copy of this book in Golden sands from an estate agent known as Varna Property Sales. The book helped me decide what I should be looking out for, I returned to England and read the book thoroughly, the reading was very clear. I returned to Bulgaria armed with many questions for the estate agents, after which I bought a lovely detached house and have now retired to Bulgaria. If you are thinking of buying for investment or living, you should buy this book first. Was this review helpful to you? 3 of 4 people found the following review helpful: A book to buy if buying Bulgaria , August 23, 2005 Reviewer: Burns Family from England We found this book to be set out in clear, understandable information, and feel we have a better understanding of the processes to buying a property, and what pit falls to watch out for.If you want to buy in Bulgaria then you cannot go wrong in reading this book. The author as put a lot of time and efort into researing for this book and it shows.We will be taking this with us when we go to look for our new home in Bulgaria. Lets hope he will think of doing future books on living in Bulgaria as that will be our next step. Was this review helpful to you? 7 of 9 people found the following review helpful: Great read and very, very informative , May 11, 2005 Reviewer: Mr Parker from Leighton Buzzard, Beds United Kingdom At last - a coherent and informative guide to the real estate market in Bulgaria!!! It covered most aspects of property buying in great detail. Some sections, for example money transfer, give you step by step instructions to the best and cheapest options (e.g. an FX broker), including internet screenshots detailing how to fill in the forms etc. Many reference guide books send you to sleep after a few pages, but this book is written with a sense of humour and is a pleasure to read. We have already done some property deals in Bulgaria, but this book showed just how little we knew! Definite thumbs up! Was this review helpful to you? Customers who bought books by Jonathan White also bought books by these authors: Michael Holman Joanna Losack Paul Greenway Ivan Tchomakov Katy Pownall Look for similar books by subject: Browse for Books in: Subjects > Home & Garden > Buying & Developing Property > Property Guides Search for books by subject: Bulgaria Household Management Housing & property for the individual i.e., each book must be in subject 1 AND subject 2 AND ... 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Investment Property Ordinarily, when

How to Do a Tax-Deferred Exchange on Investment Property - eHow.com Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything Web eHow.com Home Finance & Business Center Taxes How to Do a Tax-Deferred Exchange on Investment Property Ordinarily, when you sell property for a profit and receive cash, the taxman is there to take his cut. A 1031 tax-deferred exchange on investment property allows you to roll over the gain from the sale of one investment property into another investment property without being taxed. (Note that this opportunity is available only on investment and income property - not on a personal residence.) Steps: 1. First, understand three basic rules: 1) The purchase price of the replacement property must be equal to or greater than the net sale price of the property you're relinquishing; 2)All cash or other proceeds received from the sale of the relinquished property must be used to acquire the replacement property; and 3) The properties must be of "like-kind," which means they must be the same type of property - must be, for example, property held for productive use in a trade or business or property held for investment. 2. Select an exchange facilitator to handle paperwork and to receive the funds from the proceeds of the sale. 3. Sell your investment property to a buyer; you must inform the buyer that you are doing a tax-deferred exchange. 4. Identify a replacement property within 45 days of the close of escrow or the date you transfer title of the investment property you relinquished. The address of the new property must be written down, signed by you and received by the intermediary or exchange facilitator within this 45-day period. (Failure to meet the identification requirements will make the sale of the relinquished property a taxable event.) 5. Acquire the identified replacement property within 180 days of the close of escrow or transfer of title of the investment property you relinquished. When you purchase this replacement property, you must make the seller aware that you are doing a tax-deferred exchange. Tips: When you are looking for a property to acquire, you may identify up to three properties of any value; one or more of these must be acquired. One property may be exchanged for several, or several properties may be exchanged for one. Unimproved real property held for investment qualifies for this type of exchange. Warnings: It's important to carefully plan the exchange with the assistance of an experienced and competent intermediary, preferably one who is completely familiar with the tax code in general as well as Section 1031. You, as the investor, may never receive or have access to proceeds from the sale of the relinquished property. 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: Invest in Rental Property Pay Taxes on Your Rental Home Get Tax-Free Profit From Your Rental Home Calculate the Tax Savings of Owning a Home Things You'll Need: calculators personal financial software real estate attorneys 1031-exchange facilitators Project Details: Skill Advisory: Moderately challenging New! -- Related eHows: Invest in Rental Property Pay Taxes on Your Rental Home Get Tax-Free Profit From Your Rental Home Calculate the Tax Savings of Owning a Home 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 .

Home Equity Loan /

Home Finance | Mortgage Refinance | Home Equity Loans | Home Equity Line of Credit -- BUY A HOME SELL A HOME HOME LOANS NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION ABOUT US MY ACCOUNT Find a REALTOR ® Buy or sell your home and you may receive a Gift Card worth up to $1,000. Find a REALTOR ® Find a Builder with iNest and Get 1% Cash Back! Finance Your Home Get a Mortgage Refinance Your Mortgage Home Equity Loan / Line of Credit Online Credit Report Search Homes for Sale Start Your Search Home Price Check ® Additional Services Insurance Quotes Get a Home Warranty Get a Home Inspection Find a Mover Find Home Improvement Professionals Change Your Address Setup Your Utilities Learning Center Qualifying for Home Loan How Much Can You Afford? How To Choose the Right Loan You are here: Home | Home Finance Center Get Banks Competing for Your Home Loan RealEstate.com has partnered with LendingTree to provide you with up to four offers for a home mortgage in one easy step. 3 Great Reasons to Get Your Mortgage Now 1. Get Pre-Qualified Many homeowners will require proof of pre-qualification before they will consider an offer for purchase on their home,so be prepared. 2. Rates are Low Rates are still at record lows so get the best rate possible by getting multiple offers from Lenders. Youonly need to fill out onesimple form. 3. Customer Care Our customer care agents are here to help you through the entire process. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a veteran of homebuying, we have you covered. You can complete your mortgage request over the phone with one of our trained customer care agents. Call 1-800-RealEstate. We're here to help you. Already submitted a mortgage request? Login to view offers. We Also Offer the Following Home Finance Products Since rates are low, you may want to consider refinancing your current home. Need money for home improvement. It may be tax deductible. Check with your tax advisor first. Know Your Credit Score. Make Smarter Decisions. Credit Reports TM , Score Power ® and Score Watch TM give you the tools you need to understand, manage and use your credit wisely. Figure Out How Much You Can Afford Total gross monthly income: Total monthly debt: Monthly payments you can afford with 28% rule: Monthly payments you can afford with 36% rule: Are You Paying Private Mortgage Insurance? Facts About Adjustable Rate Mortgages Choosing the Best Mortgage Which is better: 15 or 30 year term? Are extra payments advantageous? What will adjustable rate payments be? Buying a Home | Selling a Home | Homes for Sale | Credit Report & Score | House Prices at Domania New Home Construction | Find a Mover | Find a REALTOR ® | Home Financing | Real Estate Learning Center Customer Service | Publications | For the Media | News Releases | Join Our Real Estate Network | Post Home Listings Privacy | Security | Terms of Use | Jobs | Disclosures and Licenses | Sitemap | Loans | Commercial Real Estate Houses for Sale in: Atlanta | Austin | Boston | Charlotte | Chicago | Dallas | Denver | Houston | Las Vegas | Los Angeles Miami | Minneapolis | New York | Philadelphia | Phoenix | San Antonio | San Diego | San Francisco | Seattle Washington, DC | Real Estate in More Cities LendingTree technology and processes are patented under US Patent Nos. 6,385,594 and 6,611,816. © 1998 - Real Estate.com, a service of LendingTree, LLC. All Rights Reserved.This site is directed at, and made available to, persons in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii only. Conversion to LendingTree, LLC We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. REALTOR ® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS ® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all of the real estate professionals participating in the "Agent's Competing" program are REALTORS ® , which are members of the National Association of REALTORS ® . The Home Depot ® is not affiliated with LendingTree, LLC. The Home Depot ® is a registered trademark of Homer TLC, Inc. RealEstate.com is not sponsored by or affiliated with the parent franchisor companies of any of the participating members of its network. Partner Sites: Citysearch | Expedia | Hotels.com | Ticketmaster.com | Hotwire.com | Entertainment.com | Match.com Home Shopping Network | ReserveAmerica | LendingTree.com | iNest | ServiceMagic | Ask Jeeves | Gift Ideas Mortgage Calculator | Refinance at GetSmart | LendingTree Mortgage | Free Online Credit Report | Home Equity Loans

Home Loan Bank of

FHLBank Atlanta Login | News | Careers | Events | Site Map | Contact Us * Learn More * Member Login * FAQs * Learn More * Approved PFIs * View Pricing * 2006 AHP Announcement * 2006 AHP Updates * CIS Sponsor Login * Sponsor Registration Highlights from the Bank Bank Declares 4.60 Dividend The board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta has approved an annualized dividend rate of 4.60 percent. Readmore Historical Interest Rates Now on FHLBAccess All FHLBank interest rates are available on FHLBAccess, the Banks online, members-onlysystem. In early 2006, current and historical interest rates will no longer beavailable on the Bank's public website. Readmore Learn More About Funding In Key West FHLBank representatives will be presenting at the Southeastern Conference of Community Bankers on Jan. 27, 2005. They will be describing innovative ways to fund your loan growth. Read more New Forms for EDP\CIP Advances Available The Bank has revised the application and supporting documentation for the Community Investment and Economic Development advance programs. New forms are in effect immediately and can be downloaded from our website. View EDP forms View CIP forms First-time Homebuyer Funds Still Available The Bank has nearly $200,000 of matching funds available for member financialinstitutions that are working with first-time homebuyers who need down paymentor closing cost assistance. Read more November BankTalk and HillTalk Available Get the details behind structured repos, streamline securities safekeeping and wire transfers with FHLBAccess, and learn how the Banks Community Investment Program can help you save money. Read more Structured Repo Discussion The Expander Advance Member Products and Services Guide Capital Plan Reference Contact List COLLATERAL CVR Fee Schedule Webinar Recording Eligibility Qualifying Collateral Reports (QCRs) Verifications Government & Industry Relations Legislative Action Center HillNet: Grassroots Advocacy Program Terms and Conditions | Member Privacy Statement | General Privacy Policy © 2005, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. All Rights Reserved. Atlanta, GA, 30309; 1.800.536.9650.

Real estate agents usually

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