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The Realities of Real Estate Agents
from:With the sale of property wrapped up in laws, guidelines and ordinances, competent real estate agents are just the type of professional many do not like to go without. The purchase or sale of property can sometimes be confusing and intimidating, especially for those who are new to the world of real estate. Real estate agents and their specialized knowledge not only work to create a smooth buying or selling experience, but an educational one as well. The agent who is not able to provide this for his or her clients is not likely to find themselves in great demand.
Real estate agents are commonly referred to as sales agents, as they work to get their clients the highest price when selling and the lowest price when buying. Because of the number of aspects involved with the buying and selling of property, becoming a real estate agent requires one to meet all licensing requirements for their state of practice. Thanks to the advent of the internet, training for a real estate license can now be obtained through accredited online courses. Sellers or buyers acting on their own behalf do not require licensing. Likewise, in some states, attorneys can also act as an agent without needing to meet state licensing requirements.
In the world of real estate, there can be some confusion as to the difference between Realtors, real estate agents and real estate brokers. While agents work for others and focus mainly on sales, brokers often take on their own branch responsibilities. Realtors are those who are a combination of a broker and agent. Each type of agent has their own level of schooling, training, and exams that must be successfully passed in order to obtain a legitimate license for practice. Practicing without a license is both unethical and unlawful. As an unfortunate number have found, those who use unlicensed professionals leave themselves open for no compensation under the law should a transaction hit a snag and go terribly wrong.
Legitimate and ethical real estate agents are those who display their license number prominently and welcome all inquiries into their background and sales experience. They also regularly renew their license in order to continue practicing legally. While some agents work for a firm or other prominent outfits, others work as free agents or proprietors of their own agencies. For the most part, agents work on a commission. Depending on whether they work for a firm or their licensing and experience, many agents will offer their clients a number of helpful services related to the sale or purchase of property.
Chicago Real Estate Specific links
Chicago Real Estate News
Prime Group Realty Trust Announces Relocation of BDO USA, LLP's Chicago Office ... - MarketWatch (press release)
Prime Group Realty Trust Announces Relocation of BDO USA, LLP's Chicago Office ... MarketWatch (press release) CHICAGO, May 23, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Prime Group Realty Trust (otc pink:PMGEP) (the "Company" or "PGRT") announced today that the accounting and consulting firm of BDO USA, LLP ("BDO USA"), entered into a new lease with an affiliate of PGRT that ... |
Finding a good agent to sell your home - Chicago Tribune
Finding a good agent to sell your home Chicago Tribune As the daughter of a successful real estate agent in Chicago, Ilyce can tell you that the best agents not only have a real understanding of the housing stock, but they also have years of experience watching property come on and go off of the market. |
HomeFinder.com Agent Makeover Sweepstakes - RealEstateRama (press release)
HomeFinder.com Agent Makeover Sweepstakes RealEstateRama (press release) by HomeFinder.com Chicago, IL – May 24, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Need something to jump-start your real estate business? Managing a busy scheduling, marketing yourself as an agent, and keeping up with everything else involved with the relentless real ... |
Lehman Sets Pact to Buy All of Archstone for $1.58 Billion - Wall Street Journal
Lehman Sets Pact to Buy All of Archstone for $1.58 Billion Wall Street Journal The deal ends a high-stakes chess game over the past six months between Lehman and Chicago real-estate investor Sam Zell over control of Archstone, which owns more than 70000 apartments in the US and Germany. Mr. Zell is chairman of Equity Residential, ... |
Property market improving: April home sales in Chicago up nearly 20% - Examiner.com
 HNN Huntingtonnews.net | Property market improving: April home sales in Chicago up nearly 20% Examiner.com ... of Chicago, a more than 19 percent increase in condo sales through April 2012 over the same time period last year is positive,” said Bob Floss, president of the Chicago Association of Realtor and Managing Broker/Owner of Bob Floss and Son Realty. Local home sales jump, prices show stability |