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Real Estate
School of Business and Information Systems
Real Estate Majors at Southwestern College:
Real Estate
  • :: Broker License
  • :: Real Estate
  • :: Salesperson License

Search for Real Estate classes

Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents have a thorough knowledge of the real estate market in their community. They know which neighborhoods will best fit clients’ needs and budgets. They are familiar with local zoning and tax laws and know where to obtain financing. Agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in price negotiations between buyers and sellers.

Real estate agents usually are independent sales workers who provide their services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agent’s sale of the property. Brokers are independent businesspeople who sell real estate owned by others; they also may rent or manage properties for a fee.

Most real estate brokers and sales agents sell residential property. Agents may meet several times with prospective buyers to discuss and visit available properties. Agents identify and emphasize the most pertinent selling points.

Agents and brokers often work more than a standard 40-hour week. They usually work evenings and weekends and are always on call to suit the needs of clients. Although the hours are long and frequently irregular, most agents and brokers have the freedom to determine their own schedule.

Most states require candidates for the general sales license to complete between 30 to 90 hours of classroom instruction. Those seeking a broker’s license need between 60 to 90 hours of formal training and a specific amount of experience selling real estate, usually one to three years.

Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is expected to grow more slower than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. 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.

Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is often sensitive to swings in the economy, especially interest rates.

The median annual earnings of salaried real estate agents, including commissions, were $30,930 in 2002.

Salary Information
Median annual earnings of salaried real estate brokers, including commission, were $50,330 in 2002. The middle 50% earned between $29,240 to $90,170 a year. The lowest 10% earned less than $17,920; and the highest 10% earned more than $145,600 a year.

Median salary for real estate agents, including commission: $27,640
Median salary for brokers, including commission: $47,690

Employment Outlook
For California, the growth/change rate for careers in Real Estate Brokers will be about 27%, with a net change of about 700 openings.

Related Occupations
  • Mortgage Brokers
  • Appraisers
  • Property Managers
  • Escrow Officers
(Data based on 2004-2005 figures)
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