They often work evenings and weekends to suit the convenience of their clients. Employment Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers held about 374,000 jobs in 1994. Many worked part time, combining their real estate activities with other careers. Most were self-employed, working on a commission basis. Some large real estate firms have several hundred real estate agents operating out of many branch offices.
Many brokers have franchise agreements with national or regional real estate organizations.
Under this type of arrangement, the broker pays a fee in exchange for the privilege of using the more widely known name of the parent organization. Although franchised brokers often receive help in training salespeople and in running their offices, they bear the ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of the firm. Real estate is sold and appraised in all areas, but employment is concentrated in large urban areas and in smaller but rapidly growing communities. Training , Other Qualifications, and Advancement Real estate agents and brokers must be licensed in every State and in the District of Columbia. All States require prospective agents to be a high school graduate, be at least 18 years old, and pass a written test.