National
| Median wages (2008) |
$19.30 hourly, $40,150 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
432,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
115,000 additional employees |
41-9022.00 - Real Estate Sales Agents
Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties, such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
Sample of reported job titles:
Realtor, Associate Broker, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Broker Associate, Sales Agent, Broker Associate, Broker in Charge, Real Estate Salesperson
Tasks
- Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration.
- Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers, generally representing one or the other.
- Compare a property with similar properties that have recently sold to determine its competitive market price.
- Advise clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements and related matters.
- Promote sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and participation in multiple listing services.
- Accompany buyers during visits to and inspections of property, advising them on the suitability and value of the homes they are visiting.
- Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds and leases.
- Confer with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators to ensure that terms and conditions of purchase agreements are met before closing dates.
- Interview clients to determine what kinds of properties they are seeking.
- Coordinate property closings, overseeing signing of documents and disbursement of funds.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Digital cameras |
| Laser printers |
| Measuring wheels for distance — Measuring wheels |
| Notebook computers — Laptop computers |
| Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers — Personal digital assistants PDA |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Customer relationship management CRM software — Agent Business Builder; DataBasix Technologies Lead Commander; Top Producer software; Topaz Software Symplifi (CRM feature) |
| Data base user interface and query software — Argosy Legal Systems Power Closer; Front Desk software; Showing Suite HomeFeedback; Showing Suite HomeFollowup |
| Expert system software — CMA Stuffers; Commercial Pro software; ProForce Highlight Flyer Master; RPIS Silent Flyer |
| Financial analysis software — In-Hand Pocket APOD; RealData Comparative Lease Analysis; SRC Cash Flow Analyzer Pro; Wheatworks Real Estate Calculator Suite |
| Graphics or photo imaging software — ClipEze software; Easypano Tourweaver; Panoweaver software; The IPIX Real Estate Wizard hometour360 Wizard |