Real Estate Agent
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Job Description
Real estate brokers operate their own real estate office or work for another commercial real estate firm. They oversee real estate transactions. Other duties usually include selling real estate or renting properties and arranging loans for purchasers. A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS®, the largest trade group in the country. REALTORS® are held to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents and must adhere to a Code of Ethics. Some REALTORS® are brokers, while some are agents.
Job Tasks
- Manage or operate real estate offices, handling associated business details.
- Sell, for a fee, real estate owned by others.
- Obtain agreements from property owners to place properties for sale with real estate firms.
- Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers over property prices and settlement details and during the closing of sales.
- Generate lists of properties for sale, their locations, descriptions, and available financing options, using computers.
Annual Salary
- Workers on average earn $68,850 in Massachusetts.
- 10% of workers earn $46,630 or less.
- 10% of workers earn $208,000+ or more.
Required Education
High school diploma/GED, License
Local Career Spotlight
Lexi Winter
Realtor & Owner
I’ve always known I was a people person. After graduating college with degrees in sociology and business management I tended bar where I met new people every day. It finally struck me that people were my real passion! I pursued my real estate license, and I’ve never looked back. It doesn’t take a college degree to become a realtor, but it does require lots of hard work and long hours. The payoff can be great though. Today I have my own business helping my clients buy and sell real estate. On a given day I may be having initial client meetings, staging a house, taking photographs, or attending appraisals and home inspections. The best part? I am my own boss. I make my own hours. The downside? Real estate earnings are based on commission, so if you don’t hustle you bring in zero income. But if you enjoy people, and you’re willing to work hard, this is a great profession. I love it!
Resources
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