Real Estate Market Halt Could Mean Jolt in Agent Education Online

A flattening housing market could help real estate agents to seek further education online. As home sales continue to drop, agents choosing online classes in business administration, economics and English or earning a bachelor's degree can become more competitive in their field. In only four years, the number of National Association of Realtors members with bachelor's degrees has increased 20 percent.

(PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- After several years of a soaring housing market, the real estate sector has finally started to flatten out, which provides an opportunity for agents to further develop their skills and broaden their career. The current market gives online education resources, like Online-Education.net (http://www.online-education.net/) the opportunity to help professionals who are looking to enhance their realty knowledge base with related courses. The number of National Association of Realtors (NAR) members with a bachelor's degree is increasing, and Realtors with degrees earn more than Realtors who don't.

According to the October 2006 Freddie Mac Economic & Housing Outlook, home sales for this year are expected to fall 9 percent from 2005 totals to 6.8 million units. 2007 sales are projected to be even lower--6.4 million units. In August, sales of new and existing homes were 12 and 18 percent lower, respectively, than in 2005.

Those real estate agents interested in remaining competitive in their field should also consider these significant points published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics:

*    As real estate transactions have become more legally complex, many firms have turned to college graduates to fill positions.

*    A large number of agents and brokers have some college training.

*    College courses in real estate, finance, business administration, statistics, economics, law, and English are helpful.

*    For those who intend to start their own company, business courses such as marketing and accounting are as significant as courses in real estate or finance.

According to the 2001 National Association of Realtors (NAR) Member Profile, 26 percent of Realtors have bachelor's degrees and earn 30 percent more than Realtors without degrees, as reported by RealtyTimes.com. The 2005 NAR Member Profile indicates that 20 percent more Realtors--a total of 46 percent--now have at least a bachelor's degree.

Taking advantage of online degree programs or online classes can greatly benefit a real estate career. Colleges and universities offer a variety of real estate and related courses. Online education resources like Online-Education.net offer a one-stop source for real estate professionals. In addition to interactive career coaching, students can quickly find the class or online degree program that best fits their real estate goals.

Online-Education.net (http://www.online-education.net/) is a one-stop source for students and prospective students. In addition to interactive career coaching, the site offers information on courses, online degree programs, and computer training.

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