purchase property for business

Thai Law Firm for land and property purchase by foreigners in Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Chang, Chiang Mai. Home Business Guide Publications FAQs Links Meet Us Contact Us Careers --- Proud Sponsor: Thailand Law Forum USA Visa Thailand LAND PURCHASE Buying land or purchasing property in Thailand is attractive for a variety of reasons. Some buy land to build a vacation or retirement home in Thailand while others purchase property for business and investment purposes. Our licensed attorneys have been supervising land purchases in Thailand for over 20 years. We specialize in protecting foreigners' rights in Thailand. Can a foreigner buy land or purchase property in Thailand? Thai law, in general, prohibits non-Thai citizens from buying land or purchasing property in Thailand. However, there are various exceptions to the law, as well as methods for foreigners who want to buy land or purchase property to acquire rights to land and property in Thailand legally. What are the options available for buying land or property in Thailand? For a foreigner wishing to buy land or purchase property in Thailand, there are mainly four options worth exploring. These include using investment, leasing, owning a company and marrying a Thai spouse. Investing/BOI : With significant investment of funds, foreigners may be allowed to own a limited amount of land under Thai property law. Some foreign companies seek and obtain the approval of the Board of Investment (BOI) to purchase land for a limited period. This option, however, is not available to the vast majority of non-Thai nationals seeking to obtain a second home, retirement home or investment in Thailand because of the legal restrictions involved. As a result, other options must be examined. Leasing : Thai property law allows a foreigner to lease land for a maximum of 30 years, with lease renewal options of 30 years. Many foreigners choose this method to secure land or property ownership. In comparison to setting up a company, land leasing is easier and requires less maintenance. (More information on land leasing in Thailand can be found here) Owning a company : A foreigner may use a Thailand-registered company to obtain property rights or land interest in Thailand. This "Thai" company must be at least 51% owned by Thai shareholders, while the remaining 49% or less may be held by foreigners. (Some law firms are still using the old law and recommending 39% foreign ownership.) Marrying a Thai spouse : A recent revision of Thai law has provided the opportunity for a Thai with a foreign spouse to buy land or property in Thailand. Prior to registering the land parcel at the Land Department, the couple may be asked to sign declarations, declaring that the funds for the property came solely from the Thai spouse. This may, in effect, result in the non-Thai spouse waiving his/her rights on the land or property. Such declarations may become problematic in a divorce case as the non-Thai spouse may have difficulties proving that the land was marital property. To prepare for such an event, a skillfully-drafted prenuptial agreement may be useful. How useful is a limited liability company for a foreigner who wishes to buy land or purchase property? This is one of the most popular methods employed by foreign investors who want to buy land or purchase property in Thailand. Although Thai law generally requires Thai nationals to own a majority interest in a company in order to legally purchase land or property, various legal documents and procedures can be used to provide greater protection for foreign minority shareholders. I am an American who owns 100 per cent of a Thailand-registered company under the Amity Treaty. Am I able to use this Amity Treaty company to buy land or purchase property? Unfortunately, an Amity Treaty company only allows Americans to transact in certain types of businesses. Under the Treaty, Americans can own a majority share in a Thai company but they are not granted the right to buy or purchase land in Thailand. How many types of title deeds are available for private land ownership? There are mainly three types of title deeds for private land ownership in Thailand. The best title deed for land ownership is the Chanot (Nor Sor 4), which must be registered at the Land Department in the province in which the land is located. Although it is possible for a land parcel to be commonly held by several individuals, only the person whose name is indicated on a Chanot has all the legal rights to that land. The deed can act as evidence of ownership, and it can be used to engage in legal acts upon that land as allowed by the law. The second and third best title deeds are the Nor Sor 3 Gor and the Nor Sor 3. For Nor Sor 3 title deeds, the Land Department does not utilize official markers to designate land boundaries. As a result, these title deeds have less specific land demarcation than the Chanot. Foreigners who intend to buy land should also be aware of the problematic "possessory right". This land-ownership right is not substantiated by a title at the Land Department but it is shown using tax payments. Title Deed Definition Chanot (Nor Sor 4) Full title deed Nor Sor 3 Gor Second best title deed. Used while awaiting measurement for a Chanot . Nor Sor 3 Third best title deed. Ownership may be established; Less specific boundary demarcation than a Chanot . Possessory Right One of the weakest land rights. Normally an inherited land right proven by tax payments at the local administrative office. Can you tell me more about land mortgages in Thailand? An application made in writing, followed by a registration at the Land Department of Thailand are two necessary procedures for land mortgages in Thailand. Buildings built on the land after the mortgage date will be not covered unless they were agreed upon prior to the signing of the mortgage documents. Such buildings and other immovable structures should be mortgaged and registered separately at the Land Department or local Amphur (province). I would like to know the pros and cons of utilizing company formation to own land in Thailand. With this approach, foreigners are able to acquire ownership interest in a freehold land in Thailand. This ownership is deemed permanent if the company stays in operation and does not sell or transfer the land. Company formation for the purpose of owning land would be suitable for people considering setting up businesses in Thailand; people with intentions of holding land for investment or for long duration; and as inheritance for future heirs. One other advantage of this type of ownership is the possibility of mortgaging and/or subdividing the land for resale purposes. This is a right normally conferred by land leases. For a Thailand-registered company to buy land legally, it must consist of Thai shareholders. Some foreigners hire Thai nationals to act as nominees of their company but this may be risky in the long run. These Thai nominees will become legal shareholders of the company and therefore, legally ow n the company. Even if there are ways of reducing shareholders' control in the company, it is still a risky approach to undertake for a foreigner. Another disadvantage is the need to maintain regulatory compliance of the company. The law requires a Thailand-registered company to file annual balance sheets and to maintain a company address. Moreover, companies that are not operating may be de-listed. It would, therefore, be wise to use an active company to purchase land or buy property in Thailand. If I hire a Thai national to buy land or purchase property on my behalf, can this person execute an agreement stating that the land belongs to me? In principle, it is illegal for a Thai national to buy land or purchase property on behalf of a foreigner. Therefore, the agreement carried out would be considered illegal and not put into effect. Which is a better alternative for buying land outside of Bangkok - hiring a local law firm from the province or a Bangkok-based law firm? A dearth of qualified law firms in provinces outside of Bangkok often poses problems for foreigners seeking a firm to handle all their legal needs. Before you hire a local law firm, do check that there is no pre-existing working relationship between the seller/Land Department officials and the local law firm. This is to prevent any biased assessments during the process of buying land. On the other hand, foreigners are able to find many qualified law firms in Bangkok. Bangkok-based law firms are able to commute to the provinces to execute the land transaction. Many foreigners feel more comfortable with this approach as these law firms operate independently and in full interests of the client (buyer). (Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. No warranty is expressed or implied. Before taking any legal action, persons are advised to seek the advice of an attorney qualified in the area of law concerned.) www www.sgalegal.com Siam Global Associates Co., Ltd. Suite 606, 6th Flr., Nai Lert Building 87 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Vadhana Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel: (662) 650 3510 (-12) Fax: (662) 655 0655 E-mail: sgalegal@cscoms.com © 2001-2005 Siam Global Associates Co., Ltd.

real estate broker, who

Real Estate - Forbes.com U.S. | EUROPE | ASIA Jump Select Section Home Investment Newsletters Polls & Discussions Premium Tools Special Reports Video & Audio Watchlist IT Research Library IT Product & Service Search Business -Manufacturing -Technology -Commerce -Services -Energy -Healthcare -Small Business Technology -E-Business -Enterprise Tech -Infoimaging -Personal Tech -Science & Medicine -Wireless Markets -Equities -Economy -Commodities -Bonds -Emerging Markets -Currencies Work -Careers -Compensation -Entrepreneurs -Management Lists -Companies --Forbes 500s --Forbes Global 500 --200 Best Small Cos. --400 Best Big Cos. --Largest Private Cos. -People --World's Richest People --100 Top Celebrities --400 Richest Americans --Best Paid CEOs -Places --Best Places Personal Finance -Estate Planning -Funds -Philanthropy -Retirement -Strategies -Taxes Lifestyle -Collecting -Health -Real Estate -Sport -Travel -Vehicles -Wine & Food Columnists Magazines -Forbes Magazine -Forbes Global -Forbes FYI -Forbes ASAP -Best of the Web -Archives -Subscriptions Tools About Us Contact Us Help Reprints/Permissions Sitemap Advertising Conferences Forbes Collection Forbes Mobile Special Advertising Search Quote HOME PAGE FOR THE WORLD'S BUSINESS LEADERS Home Special Advertising Section Paid Advertisement Article When it comes to Real Estate, Knowing Your Stuff is the Key to Success Are you looking to buy or sell a home or other piece of property? The real estate market is a difficult one, and should not be entered casually. With the right information, you can make your venture a success, but all to often lack of foresight and failure to do the proper exploration leave consumers in unfortunate situations that are difficult to rectify. An educated consumer is a happy consumer, and in no market is this truer than the property market. Before you commit, learn as much as you can – whether you’re buying or selling, you’ll never regret doing a little extra research. Real Estate Basics To begin with the basics, let’s consider a few definitions. “Real Property” is legally defined as “land and improvements permanently attached to the land.” Improvements include everything from houses and garages to in-ground swimming pools, but exclude portable items like mobile homes and tool sheds. Also included in real property are substances beneath the land, such as gas, minerals and oil. There are many types of real estate, but most consumers will encounter only two: single-family homes and commercial property. Commercial property may include spaces used for retail, office, shopping, hotels, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, apartment complexes, as well as vacant land zoned to be used for any of those purposes. Aside from specialty properties like farms and industrial sites, almost any property to be used for anything besides a single-family homes is considered commercial. Different rules govern transactions involving each kind of property, and it’s important to know what you will encounter before you get started. The use of any property is limited by zoning laws, which govern the purpose – for example, housing, retail, or industrial – for which the real estate can be used. Zoning laws also restrict the size and height of buildings, the portion of property that may be used for parking, how far buildings must be set from the street and from each other, and whether and what kind of hazardous materials can be stored there. Public easement and right of way laws, which fall into the general category of zoning, outline whether and which parts of private property must be reserved for public use, usually in the form of sidewalks, electrical lines, sewer pipes, fire hydrants and similar public goods. Laws differ from town to town, so if you are looking at multiple locations, keep track of how each municipality’s rules will affect how you can use your property. Choosing a Real Estate Professional Although some people prefer to work on their own, it is usually good to hire a licensed real estate professional if you are looking to buy or sell a house. You may choose between a real estate broker, who is independently licensed to review the entire market and show any house that suits your needs, and a real estate agent who works for a specific company and is usually restricted to showing properties in that company’s listings. Which one you choose will depend on your needs, budget, and the number of real estate companies competing in your area. If there are a large number of companies, you may do better with a broker, but if there are only a few, you can save money by using an agent. No matter what type of professional you choose, there are a few things you should consider before making your decision. How does the agent or broker intend to market your house? How successful has he been in the past, particularly with homes in your range and area? If he is an agent, what is his company’s track record? What is the time limit on the contract you will sign, and can you break it if you’re dissatisfied? Do you feel comfortable that he understands your needs and will work hard to meet them? Recall that, above all, real estate agents are salespeople, so be sure that you are confident that they are working with you as well as for their employers. A great way to narrow down choices is to check the Internet for websites that compare companies and agents in your area. You may also want to talk with friends who have recently moved about their experiences with local agents and brokers. Buying and Selling: What You Need to Know When you are in the market to buy, your individual situation will determine whether or not to hire a professional. You may find that you can do well enough finding suitable listings without the help of an agent. However, if you live in a city where good housing is scarce, you may want to engage someone to help you discern the good from the bad. Real estate agents can also be very helpful when it’s time to close the deal, sorting out what items are included with the house (for example, appliances and furnishings) and working with the seller to divide costs fairly. Although it is possible to sell your home without professional help, but this should be attempted with great caution. A real estate professional will help sort through potential buyers to find people who are serious, work with to get a fair price for your property, and be indispensable at closing time when it comes to dividing up property taxes and other shared costs. In general, as a seller, you should expect to run up against a number of expenses when you close on your house. These may include excise tax (a tax levied on the seller of any property or item), attorney and professional fees, property taxes, real estate commission, and fees for survey, inspection, certification and other items, depending on the laws of the state in which the house is sold. Commercial Property: Buying and Selling If you are looking to buy or sell commercial property, your best bet is to engage a real estate attorney who can advise you on legal matters involving the transfer. As with home purchases, it’s important to have the property inspected thoroughly before committing to buy. You will also want to ensure that zoning laws permit you to renovated buildings to suit your needs – for example, buildings that are zoned as small retail outlets may not always be turned into restaurants; warehouses may not necessarily be converted to apartment complexes. Real estate lawyers will make sure that you know as much as possible about your property before you buy. Do Your Homework Youll be Amazed at the Difference it Makes! The best way to be successful in any real estate transaction is to come in with your eyes open. Listed below or some top real estate websites that can help you find what you're looking for today: HomeGain: Selling Your Home? - Let local real estate agents know about the home you'd like to sell so they can address your specific needs. They will send you customized responses including their credentials, business experience, and commission rates to compete for your business. HomeGain: Buying A Home? - Let local real estate agents know about the home you'd like to buy so they can address your specific needs. They will send you customized responses including their credentials, business experience, and local market knowledge to compete for your business. Foreclosure Search: Simple Real Estate Secrets - Search foreclosures in the USA. Includes bank foreclosures, court foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, homeowners in bankruptcy, HUD homes, VA homes, government homes & more! Make Real Money Investing In Real Estate - Lou Vukas gives you the insider secrets to making real money in real estate regardless of your credit, finances or location. ^ Paid Advertisement Article ^ Ad Information        Forbes.com Wireless        Reprints / Permissions        Subscriber Services        ©2004 Forbes.com™      All Rights Reserved       Privacy Statement        Terms, Conditions and Notice Search Engine Marketing by 360i, Inc.

Home Mortgage Home Equity

State Farm Bank® - Home Mortgage Loans -- Search statefarm.com® Powered by Google™ Banking Bank accounts Credit cards Loans Home Mortgage Home Equity Vehicle Security Safeguards Find an agent by zip/postal code Advanced Search 24-hour Customer Service Limited Service 12am-5am CT 1-877-SF4-BANK 1-877-734-2265 HOME MORTGAGE LOANS > Learn about mortgages Select a Product ==================== CENTERS - Purchase - Refinance - Affordable Housing ==================== PRODUCTS - Fixed Rate - Adjustable Rate - Affordable Housing ==================== LENDING PROCESS - How to apply - Pre-approval ==================== MORTGAGE TOOLS - Calculators - FAQ - Mortgage glossary - Application checklist - House hunting tips - Home comparison chart ==================== CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE - Access my account - Contact us - Mortgage Inquiry - Locate an Agent > How to apply > Access my account > View on-line mortgage application status > Contact us Information Minimum loan amount is $25,001 Maximum loan amount is $650,000* * Larger loan amounts available by request on an individual case basis. · Variety of products: - Fixed rates - Adjustable rates - Affordable housing · Pre-approvals available · Can be used for purchasing or refinancing: - Primary residence - Second home - Investment property (availability varies by mortgage product). Properties may be a single family home (1-4) unit, condominium or Planned Unit Development (PUD) · Loans to finance the construction of a property are not available. However, any of the mortgage products may be used for a mortgage upon completion of the construction · Rates may change daily based on market conditions · Fees and closing costs vary by geographic area and the type of loan · Maximum loan-to-value varies by product and situation but can be as high as 97 percent · Property that is for sale or has been sold (i.e. "bridge loans") is not eligible · FHA and VA loans are not available at this time Centers · Purchase center · Refinance center · Affordable housing center More About Mortgage Loans · Rates · Products · Mortgage Calculators · Frequently asked questions · Home mortgage glossary · Application checklist · House hunting tips · House hunting checklist · Home comparison chart · How to apply for home mortgage loans · 24-Hour account access via phone and Internet · Learn how to stop mortgage fraud Related Links · Home Equity Loans/Line of Credit · Mortgage Disability Income Pricing and APR Assumptions Location: Pricing could vary based on the state where the property is located. Contact a Mortgage Consultant for a price quote based on your property location. Loan amount: $200,000 for conforming products; $500,000 for JUMBO products Loan-to-value ratio: 80% or lower Property type: Single Family Primary Residence Loan purpose: Purchase only Escrow: Customer escrows for taxes, insurance, etc. as part of monthly payment Closing Costs/Prepaids: Estimated at 1% of the purchase price/value of the home Lock period: 30 days Income Documentation: All income used to qualify for a loan is documented Additional Notes · Mortgage rates change on a daily basis and have the ability to change within the day depending on market conditions. · Your rate at loan approval may be different based on underwriting considerations and your individual financing request. · Fees and closing costs vary by geographic area and the type of loan. · All loans are considered as either a conforming loan or a JUMBO loan (also known as a non-conforming loan). A conforming loan is a loan with a mortgage amount that does not exceed eligibility limits for purchase by the secondary mortgage market (i.e. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, etc.). A JUMBO loan is a loan with mortgage amount that exceeds the eligibility limits for purchase by the secondary mortgage market. · The APR and payments on Adjustable Rate Mortgage ( ARM ) Loan Products are subject to change after the loan is closed due to the product's variable-rate feature. For good neighbor service in your mortgage loan process, call your local State Farm agent, call State Farm Bank toll-free at 1-877-SF4-BANK (1-877-734-2265) or submit your mortgage inquiry online. *Some products and services may not be available in all areas. [ home | sitemap | my account | login | register | contact us | privacy | terms of use ] [ insurance | banking | mutual funds | planning & learning | agents | about us ] Search statefarm.com® Powered by Google™ Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

Home For Sale

Homes on Sale - Browse - property for sale by owner Sell Car | Insurance | mortgage | credit cards | loans | England (3219) Scotland (422) Wales (294) Ireland (244) Europe (7560) USA (823) Canada (265) Africa (392) Asia (1150) Caribbean (91) Middle East (450) Oceania (143) All England Scotland Wales Ireland Europe USA Canada Africa Asia Caribbean Middle East Oceania Any words All words Exact Phrase Advanced Search Search By AD # Samui Island Luxury House + Red teak wood furniture no fee & Tax, !!Spacial price!! 1. 200 yards from beach. 2. 39K - 3/4 Bed. Sea Captains House 3. bargain house near greek and turkish border ,spa resort ,lakes 4. Jumeirah Islands, Dubai 5. Disney Orlando 5 minutes 6. Dalmatian old stone house/TRGOSTAN 7. Samui Island Luxury House + Red teak wood furniture no fee & Tax, !!Spacial price!! 8. 1 Bedroom and Studios in Dubai International City 38k+ Freehold (Dubai Property) 9. Attractive house near Greek border 10. FREEHOLD PROPERTY DUBAI MARINA Online Now Welcome, guest ! We have 3 members and 385 guests online. Home : there are (15073) homes for sale by owner! Sell your house online today! It is free to advertise this month normally £25 now £0.00 until sold ... hurry offer lasts only until January 2006! [ register now ] Sell your house FAST! Buy a " For Sale " board England (3221) English property for sale, rent, PX ... Scotland (422) Scottish property for sale, rent, PX ... Wales (295) Properties on sale in Wales Ireland (244) Properties on sale in Ireland Europe (7568) Properties on sale in Europe USA (826) Properties on sale in the USA Canada (270) Properties for sale in Canada Africa (393) Properties on sale in Africa Asia (1150) Properties on sale in Asia Caribbean (91) Buy and sell property in the Caribbean Middle East (450) Properties on sale in the Middle East Oceania (143) Properties on sale in Australia, New Zealand, Fiij Featured homes - being sold by owner 4 Bedroom Detached Property LLANELLI, 4 bed, Price 249500 BRAND NEW GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT Duquesa, Nr Estepona, 2 bed, Price Euros185000 villa in Marbella REDUCED marbella, 3 bed, Price euros675000 Detached house for sale in Pumula, Bulawayo Bulawayo, 1 bed, Price 5000 Recently Reduced House For Sale Crewe, 4 bed, Price GBP249950 detached Bungalow FOR SALE leverington near Wisbech, 2 bed, Price 140000 Semi-Detached house for sale in Sitges - Spain Sitges, 3 bed, Price 600000 Luxury Villa In Warsaw, Poland (European Union) Warsaw, 4 bed, Price EUR3900000 Brittany Modern Detached House in pretty village. Langourla Dept.22, 4 bed, Price euro190000 Polruan/Fowey with harbour views Polruan/Fowey, 2 bed, Price 315000 Impressive timber-framed family home Hoxne, 3 bed, Price 440000 Canadian Style Lodge, Ranch/Farm , Riding Hall, Large Family Farmhouse, barns, Large Hay Barn , 1.8 hectares of Land. Lohnsburg, 6 bed, Price euro550000 Latest 10 Property Ads Photo Title Beds, City Price Posted Country Residence 5, Bulawayo US$ 0 29, Dec 2005 Large 5 Bedroom Terrace 5, Liverpool 195000 29, Dec 2005 6 Bedroom Art Deco Flat 6, Saltdean 365000 29, Dec 2005 France , Corse : House with a swimming pool near sea NOW 420000 5, France, bastia 390000 29, Dec 2005 Established Gite Complex For Sale 10, Pouligny Notre Dame 425000 29, Dec 2005 HOUSE IN COSTA DAURADA 3, TORREDEMBARRA ( LA POBLA DE MONTORNS) 228385 29, Dec 2005 Equestrian Property on 20.000 square meters 3, Susteren EUR 1135000 29, Dec 2005 Near BISCAROSSE St Julien en Borne 1, St Julien en Borne Euro 125000 29, Dec 2005 Detached 4 bedroom villa 4, Kusadasi 49500 29, Dec 2005 100 4, lake hopatcong /nj emty 425000 29, Dec 2005 Featured Ad's Home LOAN Conveyancing Home Insurance Credit Cards For Sale Board Compare Mortgages Mortgage calculator Property Books Finance Check? Guides Savings Calculator Estate Agents Spin Selling your own home Adding a photo Standard Loans Loan APR Northern Rock Loan 5.6% Liverpool Victoria Loan 5.8% cahoot fixed rate loan 5.8% Amberloan 6.2% Home | Place Ad | Browse | Terms | Privacy | Top Sites | Sitemap | Forum | Links | Services | Contact us ©2005 Homes On Sale

Real Estate Brokers and

Real estate brokers and sales agents Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition U.S. Department of Labor | Bureau of Labor Statistics | Bulletin 2600 Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents Nature of the Work Working Conditions Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Employment Job Outlook Earnings Related Occupations Sources of Additional Information Significant Points Real estate brokers and sales agents often work evenings and weekends and usually are on call to suit the needs of clients. A license is required in every State and the District of Columbia. Although gaining a job may be relatively easy, beginning workers may face competition fromwell-established, more experienced agents and brokers in obtaining listings and in closing an adequate number of sales. Employment is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates; during periodsof declining economic activity and increasing interest rates, the volume of sales and the resultingdemand for sales workers fall. Nature of the Work [ About this section ] Back to Top One of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples lives is the purchase or sale of a home or investment property. Because of this complexity and significance, people typically seek the help of real estate brokers and sales agents when buying or selling real estate. Real estate brokers and sales agents have a thorough knowledge of the real estate market in their communities. They know which neighborhoods will best fit clients needs and budgets. They are familiar with local zoning and tax laws and know where to obtain financing. Agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in price negotiations between buyers and sellers. Real estate agents usually are independent sales workers who provide their services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agents sale of the property. Brokers are independent businesspeople who sell real estate owned by others; they also may rent or manage properties for a fee. When selling real estate, brokers arrange for title searches and for meetings between buyers and sellers during which the details of the transactions are agreed upon and the new owners take possession of the property. A broker may help to arrange favorable financing from a lender for the prospective buyer; often, this makes the difference between success and failure in closing a sale. In some cases, brokers and agents assume primary responsibility for closing sales; in others, lawyers or lenders do. Brokers supervise agents who may have many of the same job duties. Brokers also supervise their own offices, advertise properties, and handle other business matters. Some combine other types of work, such as selling insurance or practicing law, with their real estate business. Besides making sales, agents and brokers must have properties to sell. Consequently, they spend a significant amount of time obtaining listings—agreements by owners to place properties for sale with the firm. When listing a property for sale, agents and brokers compare the listed property with similar properties that recently sold, in order to determine a competitive market price for the property. Once the property is sold, both the agent who sold it and the agent who obtained the listing receive a portion of the commission. Thus, agents who sell a property that they themselves have listed can increase their commission. Most real estate brokers and sales agents sell residential property. A small number—usually employed in large or specialized firms—sell commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other types of real estate. Every specialty requires knowledge of that particular type of property and clientele. Selling or leasing business property requires an understanding of leasing practices, business trends, and the location of the property. Agents who sell or lease industrial properties must know about the regions transportation, utilities, and labor supply. Whatever the type of property, the agent or broker must know how to meet the clients particular requirements. Before showing residential properties to potential buyers, agents meet with them to get a feeling for the type of home the buyers would like. In this prequalifying phase, the agent determines how much the buyers can afford to spend. In addition, the agent and the buyer usually sign a loyalty contract which states that the agent will be the only one to show houses to buyers. An agent or broker then generates lists of properties for sale, their location and description, and available sources of financing. In some cases, agents and brokers use computers to give buyers a virtual tour of properties in which they are interested. With a computer, buyers can view interior and exterior images or floor plans without leaving the real estate office. Agents may meet several times with prospective buyers to discuss and visit available properties. Agents identify and emphasize the most pertinent selling points. To a young family looking for a house, they may emphasize the convenient floor plan, the areas low crime rate, and the proximity to schools and shopping centers. To a potential investor, they may point out the tax advantages of owning a rental property and the ease of finding a renter. If bargaining over price becomes necessary, agents must follow their clients instructions carefully and may have to present counteroffers in order to get the best possible price. Once both parties have signed the contract, the real estate broker or agent must make sure that all special terms of the contract are met before the closing date. For example, the agent must make sure that the mandated and agreed-upon inspections, including that of the home and termite and radon inspections, take place. Also, if the seller agrees to any repairs, the broker or agent must see that they are made. Increasingly, brokers and agents are handling environmental problems as well, by making sure that the properties they sell meet environmental regulations. For example, they may be responsible for dealing with lead paint on the walls. While loan officers, attorneys, or other persons handle many details, the agent must ensure that they are carried out. Working Conditions [ About this section ] Back to Top Advances in telecommunications and the ability to retrieve data about properties over the Internet allow many real estate brokers and sales agents to work out of their homes instead of real estate offices. Even with this convenience, much of the time of these workers is spent away from their desks—showing properties to customers, analyzing properties for sale, meeting with prospective clients, or researching the state of the market. Agents and brokers often work more than a standard 40-hour week. They usually work evenings and weekends and are always on call to suit the needs of clients. Although the hours are long and frequently irregular, most agents and brokers have the freedom to determine their own schedule. Consequently, they can arrange their work so that they can have time off when they want it. Business usually is slower during the winter season. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement [ About this section ] Back to Top In every State and the District of Columbia, real estate brokers and sales agents must be licensed. Prospective agents must be high school graduates, be at least 18 years old, and pass a written test. The examination—more comprehensive for brokers than for agents—includes questions on basic real estate transactions and laws affecting the sale of property. Most States require candidates for the general sales license to complete between 30 and 90 hours of classroom instruction. Those seeking a brokers license need between 60 and 90 hours of formal training and a specific amount of experience selling real estate, usually 1 to 3 years. Some States waive the experience requirements for the brokers license for applicants who have a bachelors degree in real estate. State licenses typically must be renewed every 1 or 2 years; usually, no examination needs to be taken. However, many States require continuing education for license renewals. Prospective agents and brokers should contact the real estate licensing commission of the State in which they wish to work in order to verify the exact licensing requirements. As real estate transactions have become more legally complex, many firms have turned to college graduates to fill positions. A large number of agents and brokers have some college training. College courses in real estate, finance, business administration, statistics, economics, law, and English are helpful. For those who intend to start their own company, business courses such as marketing and accounting are as significant as courses in real estate or finance. Personality traits are equally as important as ones academic background. Brokers look for applicants who possess a pleasant personality, are honest, and present a neat appearance. Maturity, good judgment, trustworthiness, and enthusiasm for the job are required in order to encourage prospective customers in this highly competitive field. Agents should be well organized, be detail oriented, and have a good memory for names, faces, and business particulars. Those interested in jobs as real estate agents often begin in their own communities. Their knowledge of local neighborhoods is a clear advantage. Under the direction of an experienced agent, beginners learn the practical aspects of the job, including the use of computers to locate or list available properties and identify sources of financing. Many firms offer formal training programs for both beginners and experienced agents. Larger firms usually offer more extensive programs than smaller firms. More than a thousand universities, colleges, and junior colleges offer courses in real estate. At some, a student can earn an associates or bachelors degree with a major in real estate; several offer advanced degrees. Many local real estate associations that are members of the National Association of Realtors sponsor courses covering the fundamentals and legal aspects of the field. Advanced courses in mortgage financing, property development and management, and other subjects also are available. Advancement opportunities for agents may take the form of higher rates of commission. As agents gain knowledge and expertise, they become more efficient in closing a greater number of transactions and increase their earnings. In many large firms, experienced agents can advance to sales manager or general manager. Persons who have received their brokers license may open their own offices. Others with experience and training in estimating property value may become real estate appraisers, and people familiar with operating and maintaining rental properties may become property managers. (See the Handbook statements on property, real estate, and community association managers ; and appraisers and assessors of real estate . ) Experienced agents and brokers with a thorough knowledge of business conditions and property values in their localities may enter mortgage financing or real estate investment counseling. Employment [ About this section ] Back to Top In 2004, real estate brokers and sales agents held about 460,000 jobs; real estate sales agents held approximately 24 percent of these jobs. Many worked part time, combining their real estate activities with other careers. About 6 out of 10 real estate agents and brokers were self-employed. Real estate is sold in all areas, but employment is concentrated in large urban areas and in rapidly growing communities. Most real estate firms are relatively small; indeed, some are one-person businesses. By contrast, some large real estate firms have several hundred agents operating out of numerous branch offices. Many brokers have franchise agreements with national or regional real estate organizations. Under this type of arrangement, the broker pays a fee in exchange for the privilege of using the more widely known name of the parent organization. Although franchised brokers often receive help in training sales staff and running their offices, they bear the ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of their firms. Real estate brokers and sales agents are older, on average, than most other workers. Historically, many homemakers and retired persons were attracted to real estate sales by the flexible and part-time work schedules characteristic of the field. These individuals could enter, leave, and later return to the occupation, depending on the strength of the real estate market, their family responsibilities, or other personal circumstances. Recently, however, the attractiveness of part-time real estate work has declined, as increasingly complex legal and technological requirements are raising startup costs associated with becoming an agent. Job Outlook [ About this section ] Back to Top Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014, because of the increasing housing needs of a growing population, as well as the perception that real estate is a good investment. Relatively low interest rates should continue to stimulate sales of real estate, resulting in the need for more agents and brokers. In addition, a large number of job openings will arise each year from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. However, job growth will be somewhat limited by the increasing use of technology, which is improving the productivity of agents and brokers. For example, prospective customers often can perform their own searches for properties that meet their criteria by accessing real estate information on the Internet. The increasing use of technology is likely to be more detrimental to part-time or temporary real estate agents than to full-time agents, because part-time agents generally are not able to compete with full-time agents who have invested in new technology. Changing legal requirements, such as disclosure laws, also may dissuade some who are not serious about practicing full time from continuing to work part time. This occupation is relatively easy to enter and is attractive because of its flexible working conditions; the high interest in, and familiarity with, local real estate markets that entrants often have; and the potential for high earnings. Therefore, although gaining a job as a real estate agent or broker may be relatively easy, beginning agents and brokers may face competition from their well-established, more experienced counterparts in obtaining listings and in closing an adequate number of sales. Well-trained, ambitious people who enjoy selling—particularly those with extensive social and business connections in their communities—should have the best chance for success. Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents often is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates. During periods of declining economic activity and increasing interest rates, the volume of sales and the resulting demand for sales workers falls. As a result, the earnings of agents and brokers decline, and many work fewer hours or leave the occupation altogether. Earnings [ About this section ] Back to Top The median annual earnings of salaried real estate sales agents, including commissions, were $35,670 in May 2004.The middle 50 percent earned between $23,500 and $58,110 a year.The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,770.Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest number of real estate sales agents in May 2004 were as follows: Residential building construction $54,770 Offices of real estate agents and brokers 37,970 Activities related to real estate 32,460 Lessors of real estate 25,840 Median annual earnings of salaried real estate brokers, including commission, were $58,720in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,480 and $99,820 a year.Median annual earning of real estate brokers were $61,550 in offices of real estateagents and brokers and $44,920 in activities related to real estate. Commissions on sales are the main source of earnings of real estate agents and brokers.The rate of commission varies according to whatever the agent and broker agree on, the typeof property, and its value. The percentage paid on the sale of farm and commercialproperties or unimproved land is typically higher than the percentage paid for selling a home. Commissions may be divided among several agents and brokers. When the property issold, the broker or agent who obtained the listing usually shares the commission with thebroker or agent who made the sale and with the firm that employs each of them. Although anagents share varies greatly from one firm to another, often it is about half of the totalamount received by the firm. Agents who both list and sell a property maximize their commission. Income usually increases as an agent gains experience, but individual motivation,economic conditions, and the type and location of the property also affect earnings.Sales workers who are active in community organizations and in local real estate associationscan broaden their contacts and increase their earnings. A beginners earnings often areirregular, because a few weeks or even months may go by without a sale. Although some brokersallow an agent to draw against future earnings from a special account, the practice is notcommon with new employees. The beginner, therefore, should have enough money to live forabout 6 months or until commissions increase. Related Occupations [ About this section ] Back to Top Selling expensive items such as homes requires maturity, tact, and a sense of responsibility.Other sales workers who find these character traits important in their workinclude insurance sales agents ; retail salespersons ; sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing ; and securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents .Although not involving sales, the work of property, real estate, and community association managers ,as well as appraisers and assessors of real estate, requires an understanding of real estate. Sources of Additional Information [ About this section ] Back to Top Disclaimer: Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. Information on licensing requirements for real estate brokers and sales agents is available from most local real estate organizations or from the State real estate commission or board. More information about opportunities in real estate is available on the Internet site of the following organization: National Association of Realtors. Internet: http://www.realtor.org OOH ONET Codes [ About this section ] Back to Top 41-9021.00, 41-9022.00 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook , 2006-07 Edition , Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents , on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ ocos120.htm (visited December 29, 2005 ). Last Modified Date: December 20, 2005 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics