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Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents share many of the same responsibilities as real estate brokers, so the responsibilities of the two are commonly confused.  A real estate sales agent is often employed by a broker on a contract basis, and receives commission for completed sales.  They make sales presentations, identify suitable real estate, conduct tours or open houses, assist buyers in locating financial institutions, and organize all aspects of the sale.  It is necessary for a sales agent to have a thorough knowledge of the real estate market in numerous areas. Before beginning their search for clients, they must meet with them and determine needs, wants, and the clients’ financial situation to ensure they find the best property for each client.  They spend a lot of time researching and meeting with clients before a sale is closed.  Upon signing sales contracts, agents must make sure any agreed upon arrangements, repairs, or renovations are completed before the closing date.  There is a large amount of work associated with each sale, professionals must work efficiently and with ease when dealing with clients. 

A real estate agent job generally deals with residential property, but larger or more specialized firms may handle agricultural, commercial, industrial, or any other types of real estate sales.  While real estate offices are generally small, with few associates, technology has made it possible for professionals to work from home offices.   Jobs in real estate sales offer employees comfortable, modern, and well lit offices, but the majority of their day is usually spent away from their desks.  They may be out networking, looking for potential properties, meeting with clients, showing homes, or delivering necessary documents.  Work weeks generally exceed 40 hours, and may require candidates to work evenings, weekends, or to be on call to assist clients at any hour. 

Training for these positions vary by employer, but all real estate sales positions require associates to be licensed in the state in which they practice.  Licensure requires candidates to be at least 18 years of age and pass the specified examination.  Professionals are required to renew their license every one to two years, but additional examination is not required; rather, professionals must pursue continuing education to maintain status.  Upon hire, many professionals provide specific training, or even set up intensive training programs for candidates to attend.  With increased legal knowledge necessary for real estate agents, many employers increasingly prefer candidates with associates, bachelors, or masters degrees.  Candidates must be honest, trustworthy, enthusiastic, tidy, mature, and possesses a good personality.  These positions require a lot of interaction with the public, therefore superb communication skills are a must. 

Real estate occupations are susceptible to changes in the economy, interest rates, and seasons.  When the economy declines or interest rates increase, many individuals put off large endeavors such as buying a house or property, and winter months are usually slow as well.  During these times, agents may decrease hours, or leave the field all together.  In spite of these changes, the real estate industry is projecting average growth.  Qualified professionals should experience relatively high prospects due to population growth and increased housing needs.  Real estate jobs are relatively flexible, easy to qualify for and offer the potential for high pay, so there tends to be a great deal of competition when entering these positions.  Qualified candidates should thoroughly research a position before applying.

For more information on a career as a real estate agent, please visit the following sites:

• USA Real Estate License School Courses
• RealEstateExpress.com
• Advanced Real Estate Sales Coaching
• Wired
• NCBuy

If you are searching for a real estate agent position, or are looking to hire a real estate agent, visit iHireRealEstate.  We are a niche job board focusing only in real estate positions and candidates.