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Real Estate Agent

Quick Facts

Median Salary$87,083
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth-3.96%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Real Estate Agent works with clients to help them buy, sell or rent property. Works with and represents either a buyer or a seller in real estate transactions, and specializes in residential, commercial or other types of property. Offers clients up to date knowledge of local communities, real estate markets and prices. May be licensed to operate a real estate business.


Core Tasks:

  • Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration.
  • Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds, and leases.
  • Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers, generally representing one or the other.
  • 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.
  • Generate lists of properties that are compatible with buyers' needs and financial resources.
  • Promote sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and participation in multiple listing services.
  • Coordinate property closings, overseeing signing of documents and disbursement of funds.
  • Compare a property with similar properties that have recently sold to determine its competitive market price.
  • Interview clients to determine what kinds of properties they are seeking.
  • Contact previous clients for prospecting of referral business.
  • Coordinate appointments to show homes to prospective buyers.
  • Answer clients' questions regarding construction work, financing, maintenance, repairs, and appraisals.
  • Review property listings, trade journals, and relevant literature, and attend conventions, seminars, and staff and association meetings, to remain knowledgeable about real estate markets.
  • Advise sellers on how to make homes more appealing to potential buyers.
  • Advise clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements, and related matters.
  • Contact property owners and advertise services to solicit property sales listings.
  • Display commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential properties to clients and explain their features.
  • Accompany buyers during visits to and inspections of property, advising them on the suitability and value of the homes they are visiting.
  • Arrange for title searches to determine whether clients have clear property titles.
  • Develop networks of attorneys, mortgage lenders, and contractors to whom clients may be referred.
  • Review plans for new construction with clients, enumerating and recommending available options and features.
  • Inspect condition of premises, and arrange for necessary maintenance or notify owners of maintenance needs.
  • Visit properties to assess them before showing them to clients.

What to expect as a Real Estate Agent

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

12% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Real Estate Agent related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

5993 openings for Real Estate Agents

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Real Estate Agent. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.