Real Estate Agent

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Work Tasks

• Help people buy, sell, or rent homes, offices, and industrial space
• Research the real estate market in their area
• Try to match the buyers needs with available properties
• Know zoning and tax laws and where to get loans
• Work in offices or at the properties they are showing to possible buyers
• Work with properties for sale/rent, cameras, photographs, newspaper ads, mortgages, loan applications, contracts, settlement papers, computers, and cell phones

Salary, Size & Growth

• $52,500 average per year ($25.25 per hour)
• A large occupation (195,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.4% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: Must have a real estate license
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree with courses in real estate or business
• Skills/Courses: College courses include real estate, finance, business administration, statistics, economics, law, and English; additional training in mortgage financing, property development and management.
• Certification/Licensing: A license is needed, which requires being 18 years of age or older, a high school diploma, courses in real estate and passing a test.