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Careers in Real Estate
Real estate agents and brokers assist in the process of buying and selling real estate for their clients. Working through a broker, agents perform an essential service for both the buyer and seller by promoting the orderly transfer of property. Real estate agents may specialize in selling apartment buildings, or residential, recreational, commercial, industrial or farm property. In the commercial field, real estate agents also become involved in leasing arrangements. Whatever the specialty, agents must have knowledge of all aspects unique to that type of property. The California Employment Development Department predicts that from 2002 to 2012 the real estate sales field will experience a strong increase of 27.4% in the number of employment opportunities (Source: Labor Market Info www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov).
Real estate agents are usually paid on a straight commission basis determined by agreement between the broker and the agent. Earnings will vary widely among agents because of the geographic area in which they work and the amount of time and energy put into the job. An agent’s reputation for integrity and service will be the key factor in determining his/her success.
Necessary Education and Skills for Career Success
 Above
all else, real estate agents and brokers must be licensed by the California
Department of Real Estate before they can practice. All applicants for
the license must be at least 18 years old and must pass an examination
administered by the California Department of Real Estate. There is also
an educational requirement for a real estate license, which consists of
a college-level course in real estate principles plus two additional courses
approved by the Department of Real Estate, one of which must be real estate
practices. See: www.dre.ca.gov/precours.htm for more detailed information.
Besides a license, real estate agents will benefit from having strong
verbal and written communication skills, a business background, professional
telephone and in-person sales techniques, and the ability to work independently.
General Info About the Program
De Anza College offers both a certificate and degree program to help individuals prepare for employment in real estate. In addition to meeting the state licensing requirements for both real estate agents and brokers, these programs also address specifics related to real estate such as real estate finance, appraisal and property management.
Real Estate Certificate and Degree Programs
The following links open in .pdf. 
Certificate of Proficiency:
Associate Degree (A.A.):
For more information contact the Business Department
Business and Computer Systems Division
De Anza L14
(408) 864-8796,8797
www.deanza.edu/businessdept
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