Real Estate Agent Courses

Are you thinking of looking into real estate agent courses? Selling real estate is a fun career for many to take part in.

However, many may not realize that in order to become a broker or sales agent they will have to be fully licensed, a requirement in every state. This can be a rewarding job that nearly anyone can enjoy, although new agents may have to face some harsh competition from more established agents in the same area. Real estate agent courses can really help one obtain a job in this field as well. Basically, a real estate agent works with clients who are trying to buy or sell homes. They earn commissions on the sale or rental of properties that they help to facilitate. These agents work to negotiate with both buyers and sellers, acting as a go-between. As buying or selling property can be a very involved and complicated event, many would prefer to hire a real estate agent, paying them a commission fee or certain percentage of the sale. Having an experienced agent handling the matter can give one added peace of mind knowing that everything will be properly handled.

Real Estate Degrees and Programs

Marylhurst University

• Accelerated MBA - Real Estate Studies
• BS in Real Estate Studies (Accelerated Program)

Drexel University Online

• Graduate Certificate in Real Estate

Florida International University

• Master of Science - International Real Estate

New England College

• Master of Science in Management - Real Estate Management

Allied Schools

• Certitficate and Diploma Programs (see individual state offerings)

Stratford Career Institute

• Real Estate Appraisal

Real Estate Agent Training and Education

While a college degree is not necessary to enter this field, the process of selling real estate is gradually becoming more legally complex, making it difficult for those without a solid education to deal with. Every state requires agents to be licensed, completing thirty to sixty hours of class time and a written examination, depending on the individual state. These licenses will also need to be renewed every few years, and this may require taking real estate agent courses. Some states will waive the licensing if an individual has a bachelors degree in real estate.

Some larger real estate businesses will offer extensive training to their agents. And an increasing number of institutions, from universities and local colleges to online colleges, are now offering courses in real estate. Many are providing an associates or bachelors degree in this field.

Someone interested in a career in this field will have to have an ability to work well with people, having great communication skills. They will need to be very mature individuals that are honest, trustworthy, highly organized and detail oriented, with a good memory. Some particular areas of training and licensing may include real estate agent courses such as:

• Real Estate Assistant
• Real Estate Appraisal
• Real Estate Broker License
• Real Estate Development
• Real Estate License
• Real Estate License Exam
• Real Estate License Renewal
• Real Estate License Exam Prep
• Salesperson/Broker License Exam Preparation
• Salesperson/Broker License Renewal
• Contractors Licensing
• Real Estate License Exam Preparation

Real Estate Agent Careers

Most real estate agents work with residential properties, and the vast majority is self-employed rather than working for a real estate firm or mortgage broker. This was once also a popular part-time job. However, with a rise in technical and legal requirements, the start up costs of this type of business has also increased, leading to the decline of the part time work.

Although many do work independently, most work full time, including nights and weekends, doing their best to be available to their clients and build a reputable business. An agent can expect to earn increased commission rates as they become more experienced and adept at the process. The more transactions they are able to complete in a given time period, the more their rates will increase.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Outlook

The average salary for a real estate agent is $30,000, although some in this field make well above $80,000. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2010, the median annual wage of real estate brokers was $54,910, and the median annual wage of real estate agents was $40,030. The employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is expected to grow 11% between 2010 and 2020.

Those working in sales firms can advance themselves to sales or general manager with some hard work and effort, leading to a higher salary. And those who work hard to gain respect in their general location may build a solid well paying business from their reputation alone.

While real estate sales have slacked off during the past years, due to a slow economic climate, sales in this field are being stimulated by low interest rates and good bargains available on the market. This is certainly a career that is more easily influenced by economic trends, but those who are determined and have a good understanding of the market may still do quite well. Taking real estate agent courses will also keep you abreast of trends in the market and profession.

Real estate agent courses and real estate appraisal training