Real estate is the land and anything built on it such as business buildings, residential homes, roads, and bridges as well as natural resources. The business of real estate involves the purchasing, selling, or renting of these properties. Real estate agents are educated and trained professionals who assist clients in performing these tasks. Real estate agents’ responsibilities include soliciting clients to purchase, sell, or rent properties; advising clients of various costs, market conditions, and other related information; acting as a liaison between the seller and the buyer of these properties; advertising different properties; and preparing required documents when purchasing or selling a property.
Students interested in pursuing a career as a real estate agent should encompass a number of skills and qualities essential in this field...Read More
Real estate agents must have exceptional interpersonal skills since they spend a substantial amount of time interacting with sellers and buyers of properties. They must always be clear and thorough with information pertaining to the property. Real estate agents must have friendly personalities and some charisma. They must have the ability to spark an interest in properties to potential clients. Real estate agents must have the ability to work independently since they often manage their own projects.
Real Estate Education Levels Available
Pre-licensing Program in Real Estate
Completing a pre-licensing program in real estate will provide students with the knowledge and training needed to acquire entry-level positions in the real estate field. The pre-licensing program in real estate is generally a one-year program and students will take courses in areas such as real estate brokerage, property investing, property management, real estate appraisal, real estate law, and real estate marketing. Due to the short duration of this program and the opportunity for professional employment upon completion, students are drawn to enroll in this program. Upon completion, students must pass an examination which assesses their skills and knowledge in the real estate field as well as complete a set minimum number of hours of real estate courses to become licensed.
Admission Requirements
For most colleges and universities, the admission requirements for a pre-licensing program in real estate include a high school diploma or its academic equivalent (i.e., GED), a transcript from the high school the student graduated from, SAT or ACT test scores, and an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend along with the application fee.
Tuition and Accreditation
There are numerous factors which affect college and university tuition fees such as public versus private institutions, distance education, government funding, etc. However, the average range for a pre-licensing program in real estate may vary from $ 8,085 to $ 23,871 in tuition fees. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
It is extremely important for students to attend an accredited institution. This tells employers that the applicant graduated from a college or university which provides high-quality education and adheres to certain academic standards. Students who enroll in a pre-licensing program in real estate should attend a college or university accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Average Annual Salary Range for Real Estate Agents
The average annual salary range for real estate agents is $ 41,930 to $ 61,930 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, keep in mind that there are various aspects which determine an individual’s salary such as their level of education, the extent of their experience, their field of specialization, and who they are employed by. Therefore, salaries for the same occupation may vary from person to person.
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