Over 1,000 universities, colleges, and junior colleges offer courses in real estate. Many local real estate associations that are members of the National Association of Realtors sponsor courses covering the fundamentals and legal aspects of the field. Advanced courses in mortgage financing, property development and management, and other subjects are also available through various affiliates of the National Association of Realtors. Advancement opportunities for agents may take the form of higher commission rates. As agents gain knowledge and expertise, they become more efficient in closing a greater number of transactions and increase their earnings.
Experienced agents can advance in many large firms to sales or general manager.
Persons who have received their broker's license may open their own offices. Others with experience and training in estimating property value may become real estate appraisers, and people familiar with operating and maintaining rental properties may become property managers. Experienced agents and brokers with a thorough knowledge of business conditions and property values in their localities may enter mortgage financing or real estate investment counseling. Top Employment of real estate agents and brokers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. However, a large number of job openings will arise due to replacement needs.