Farm and ranch brokers and managers specialize in rural properties and often have formal agricultural training. Land developers buy or otherwise control raw land and turn it into productive real estate. Appraisers help establish the value of real estate relative to general economic and local market conditions. A majority of real estate appraisers work estimating the value of houses and other residential structures. Other appraisal professionals specialize in commercial buildings and land.
Escrow agents are neutral third parties certified by the state to prepare transactions for closing.
Most transactions in Washington are closed by certified escrow agents. Title insurance professionals research the history of recorded documents relating to real estate and issue title insurance policies based on the results of this research. For a fee, real estate investment counselors give advice on investments, which requires them to be competent in areas such as complex commercial financing, property development, long-term leasing, and other areas outside of the expertise of some residential real estate salespersons. Syndicators are professionals working in the field of real estate securities and syndication who develop and offer limited partnerships for investment purposes. Urban and regional planners work for government agencies and private companies to manage land use, development, and natural resources.