A few, usually in large firms, specialize in commercial, industrial, agriculture, or other types of real estate. Each specialty requires knowledge of that particular type of property and clientele. Selling or leasing career property, for example, requires an understanding of leasing practices, career trends, and location needs. Agents who sell or lease industrial properties must know about transportation, utilities, and labor supply. To sell residential properties, the agent must know the location of schools, religious institutions, shopping facilities, and public transportation, and be familiar with tax rates and insurance coverage.
Brokers provide office space, but agents generally furnish their own automobiles.
Agents and brokers often work more than a standard 40-hour week. In addition, they often work evenings and weekends to suit the convenience of their clients. Employment Real estate agents and brokers held about 422,000 jobs in 1990. Many worked part time, and a significant number were self-employed. Many additional agents and brokers worked on a commission basis, many of them combining their real estate activities with other careers.