However, a large number of job openings will arise due to replacement needs. Each year, thousands of jobs will become available as workers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Well-trained, ambitious people who enjoy selling should have the best chance for success. Increasing use of electronic information technology will increase the productivity of agents and brokers as computers, faxes, modems, and databases become commonplace. Some real estate companies use computer-generated images to show houses to customers without leaving the office.
Internet sites contain information on vast numbers of homes for sale, available to anyone.
These devices enable an agent to serve a greater number of customers. Use of this technology may eliminate some marginal agents such as those practicing real estate part time or between jobs. These workers will not be able to compete as easily with full time agents who have invested in this technology. Changing legal requirements, like disclosure laws, may also dissuade some that are not serious about practicing full time from continuing to work part time. Another factor expected to impact the need for agents and brokers is the ability of prospective customers to conduct their own searches for properties that meet their criteria by accessing real estate information on the Internet.