Real Estate Agent Careers Information
A real estate agent plays an integral role in the process of buying or renting property. Typically real estate agents are independent workers who offer their services to a licensed real estate broker. In turn, the broker pays the real estate agent a portion of the commission earned on the sale of a property.
Real Estate Agent Careers & Degrees
- Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
- Associate of Science (ASBA) - Business Administration
- B.S. in Business Administration - Finance
- B.S. in Business Administration - Health Care Management
- B.S. in Business Administration - Human Resource Management
Western International University: National
- Business Administration (BS)
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration in Accounting
Everest Online: Online
Real estate agents assist buyers with visiting, inspecting, and orchestrating offers on properties. They help owners sell property by establishing a price, listing the property, and holding open houses for buyers to visit. Real estate agents also counsel all clients on market trends, pricing and interest rates, and various legal matters. Real estate agents should expect to work evenings and weekends to cater to the convenience of their clients.
Real Estate Agent Careers Path
One needs at least a high school diploma, and then a real estate sales license, which typically includes 30-90 hours of classroom instruction and passing a written examination. As real estate transactions have grown in complexity, many firms seek out college graduates who received an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Real Estate Agent Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Well organized, detail-oriented, pleasant and sociable demeanor, trustworthy, high energy level, persistent. A good memory for names, faces, personal details, and neat physical appearance are also important.
Real Estate Agent Interview
Read More from a Real Estate Agent…
Real Estate Agent Careers: Salary Expectations
Real estate agents’ profits stem mainly from commissions on sales, which will differ by the type of property and its value. The median annual earnings of salaried real estate sales agents, including commissions is approximately $40,150 with the middle 50% earning between $27,390 and $64,820 a year.
Real Estate Agent Careers: Job Outlook
Despite the tough housing market, the growth of real estate agents is expected to be on average with most careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to grow by 14% by 2018.
Real Estate Agent Associations and Resources
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Slightly off the Footpath
- Real Estate Appraiser
- Commercial Real Estate
- Property Manager
- Mortgage Lender
- Insurance Sales Agent
- Sales Representative
- Title Examiner
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos120.htm(visited November 1, 2011).
