CALIFORNIA OCCUPATIONAL GUIDE - NUMBER 90
2005
INTEREST AREA
ENTERPRISING
REAL ESTATE
SALES AGENTS
WHAT DOES A REAL ESTATE
SALES AGENT DO?
REAL ESTATE SALES AGENTS help their
clients buy and sell real estate. Working
through a real estate broker, Agents
perform a valuable service for both the
buyer and seller by arranging the transfer
of property.
Real Estate Sales Agents must perform
several tasks to complete transactions.
They help buyers find the appropriate
property that meets their needs and
financial resources. Agents routinely use
computers to identify potential properties
that match customers' needs. They
research comparable listings and make
preliminary estimates to set the selling
price of property. To anticipate
prospective buyers' questions, Agents
must be familiar with the condition,
features, and special characteristics of the property as well as
the availability of transportation, schools, and shopping.
Once a buyer is found, Real Estate Sales Agents prepare a
purchase agreement. They may refer clients to lawyers and tax
consultants to resolve legal and tax issues. Agents coordinate
the work of title or escrow companies, lenders, home
inspectors, and pest control operators until the transaction is
finished. Real Estate Sales Agents may specialize in selling
apartment buildings, residential, recreational, commercial,
industrial, or farm property. Agents also become involved in
leasing arrangements, particularly in the commercial field.
A number of real estate brokerage firms use a computerized
loan processing system real estate application contract
transmission (REACT). This system allows Agents to qualify the
buyer electronically and approve a mortgage within an hour,
pending verification of data provided and an appraisal. By
using this computerized system, Agents expect to significantly
reduce the time usually required to sell homes to qualified
buyers.
Real Estate Sales Agents perform the following tasks:
• Display commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential
properties to cl