How to Get a Job in...
How to Get a Job in...
Real Estate
Employment of real estate brokers
and sales agents is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Although employment is only expected to increase by 3-9 percent, gaining a job as a real estate agent or broker may be relatively easy. Real estate agents and brokers will continue to experience some employment growth due to the perception that real estate is a good investment. 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.
Trends Increasing use of information technology will continue to raise the productivity of agents and brokers, limiting the potential for job growth to a certain extent. Prospective customers often can conduct their own searches for properties that meet their criteria by accessing real estate information on the Internet. However, most people still want and need the services of real estate agents and brokers to handle the actual sale. The use of technology may eliminate some marginal agents, such as those practicing real estate part-time or temporarily between jobs. Such workers generally are not able to compete with full-time agents who have invested in the technology. Changing legal requirements, such as disclosure laws, may also dissuade some who are not serious about practicing full time from continuing to work part time. Education & Training Prospective agents must be high school graduates and at least 18 years old. As real estate transactions have become more legally complex, many firms have turned to college graduates to fill positions. A valid driver’s license is important. College courses in real estate, finance, business administration, statistics, economics, law, and English are helpful.
Real Estate
Employment of real estate brokers
and sales agents is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Although employment is only expected to increase by 3-9 percent, gaining a job as a real estate agent or broker may be relatively easy. Real estate agents and brokers will continue to experience some employment growth due to the perception that real estate is a good investment. 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.
Trends Increasing use of information technology will continue to raise the productivity of agents and brokers, limiting the potential for job growth to a certain extent. Prospective customers often can conduct their own searches for properties that meet their criteria by accessing real estate information on the Internet. However, most people still want and need the services of real estate agents and brokers to handle the actual sale. The use of technology may eliminate some marginal agents, such as those practicing real estate part-time or temporarily between jobs. Such workers generally are not able to compete with full-time agents who have invested in the technology. Changing legal requirements, such as disclosure laws, may also dissuade some who are not serious about practicing full time from continuing to work part time. Education & Training Prospective agents must be high school graduates and at least 18 years old. As real estate transactions have become more legally complex, many firms have turned to college graduates to fill positions. A valid driver’s license is important. College courses in real estate, finance, business administration, statistics, economics, law, and English are helpful.
Tips for breaking in
• Complete an internship or obtain a part-time employment as a • • • •
Real Estate Assistant Conduct an informational interview or job shadowing experience Start in your own community; knowledge of local neighborhoods is a clear advantage. Network with professionals from different firms to learn which firm might be best for those just starting out in the field. Take a class - 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.
Tips for breaking in
• Complete an internship or obtain a part-time employment as a • Conduct an informational interview or job shadowing experi• Start in your own community; knowledge of local neighbor• Network with professionals from different firms to learn which
Real Estate Assistant ence
hoods is a clear advantage.
firm might be best for those just starting out in the field.
• Take a class - 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.
• Familiarize yourself with business conditions, property values,
and laws affecting the sale of property. • Well-trained, ambitious people who enjoy selling, especially those with extensive social and business connections in their communities, should have the best chance for success.
• Familiarize yourself with business conditions, property values,
and laws affecting the sale of property.
• Well-trained, ambitious people who enjoy selling, especially
those with extensive social and business connections in their communities, should have the best chance for success.
Helpful and required professional licenses/certifications: Real estate brokers and sales agents must be licensed in every state. It is required that brokers and sales agents pass a written test. The examination 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. State licenses typically must be renewed every 1 or 2 years, usually without having to take an examination. 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 exact licensing requirements. Earnings: The average income for Real Estate Sales Agents ranges $32,307 $42,470 The typical range for Real Estate Brokers, is approximately $50,000 - $72,130 Example Employers Commercial Real Estate Firms Residential Real Estate Firms Home Builder Companies Real Estate Brokerage Firms Mortgage Broker Firms Title Companies Land Development Cos.
Helpful and required professional licenses/certifications: Real estate brokers and sales agents must be licensed in every state. It is required that brokers and sales agents pass a written test. The examination 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. State licenses typically must be renewed every 1 or 2 years, usually without having to take an examination. 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 exact licensing requirements. Earnings: The average income for Real Estate Sales Agents ranges $32,307 $42,470 The typical range for Real Estate Brokers, is approximately $50,000 - $72,130 Example Employers Commercial Real Estate Firms Residential Real Estate Firms Home Builder Companies Real Estate Brokerage Firms Mortgage Broker Firms Title Companies Land Development Cos.
Desirable Qualities, Interests, and Skills Pleasant personality, honesty, and neat appearance; Maturity, tact, trustworthiness, and enthusiasm for the job are required in order to motivate prospective customers in this highly competitive field. Agents should be well organized, be detail oriented, have a good memory for names, faces, and business particulars and enjoy sales. Real estate professionals must be able to research, analyze, negotiate, plan and market. Associations National Association of Realtors - www.realtor.com North Carolina Association of Realtors - www.ncrealtors.org North Carolina Real Estate Commission - www.ncrec.state.nc.us/ Directories Charlotte Business Journal Book of Lists -Top 25 Commercial & Residential Real Estate Companies -Top 25 Home Builders Websites Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos120.htm Sample Job Titles Real Estate Agent Sales Associate Real Estate Broker Realtor Mortgage Broker
Desirable Qualities, Interests, and Skills Pleasant personality, honesty, and neat appearance; Maturity, tact, trustworthiness, and enthusiasm for the job are required in order to motivate prospective customers in this highly competitive field. Agents should be well organized, be detail oriented, have a good memory for names, faces, and business particulars and enjoy sales. Real estate professionals must be able to research, analyze, negotiate, plan and market. Associations National Association of Realtors - www.realtor.com North Carolina Association of Realtors - www.ncrealtors.org North Carolina Real Estate Commission - www.ncrec.state.nc.us/ Directories Charlotte Business Journal Book of Lists -Top 25 Commercial & Residential Real Estate Companies -Top 25 Home Builders Websites Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos120.htm Sample Job Titles Real Estate Agent Sales Associate Real Estate Broker Realtor Mortgage Broker
150 Atkins Building 704/687-2231 www.career.uncc.edu
150 Atkins Building 704/687-2231 www.career.uncc.edu