As the real estate industry grows and the demand for housing increases, more and more people are choosing careers in this lucrative field because of the opportunities it offers; opportunities such as independence, freedom from routine and set hours, unlimited income potential, investment opportunities and-perhaps most of all-professional fulfillment.

The real estate industry is broadly defined as the business of selling, purchasing, leasing, managing and evaluation real property. It is a service-intensive business, and it is the real estate professional who facilitates these actions.

Real estate is a serious profession, requiring a great deal of knowledge and skill. Buying a home is a major investment for your clients, and your services as a real estate professional will be invaluable in the purchase process.

While real estate careers attract people from all walks of life, those who achieve success share many common traits. First and foremost is the ability to work well with people. Real estate is a contact business and requires constant meeting and talking with the public. People who like people...like real estate! Success in the profession also requires maturity, good communication skills and, most important, enthusiasm.

With a real estate career, you can forget the 9-5 routine. Real estate sales associates are classified as independent contractors and not employees, so they usually set their own schedules. While most real estate offices have policies on telephone coverage and attending sales meetings, for the most part, you set your own hours. This aspect of the career appeals to many people because of the flexibility it allows.

Although real estate companies prefer full time salespersons, many companies will hire transitional (i.e., part time) salespersons with the understanding that they will only be available for real estate sales activities when they are not working at their primary place of employment. It is essential that all parties clearly understand the terms and conditions of the salesperson's employment and that the duties and responsibilities of the salesperson be clearly defined so no conflict of interest occurs.

Real estate offers virtually an unlimited income potential. Sales associates are paid on commission, so you will be compensated in direct relation to the quantity and quality of your efforts. You will have the chance to be paid what you think you are worth and not what someone else thinks you are worth.

As a real estate professional you can get ground floor information on investment opportunities. You will have first hand knowledge of properties as they become available and will have the skills to evaluate their investment potential. Real estate has always been one of the more stable investments, and most real estate professionals invest their money in their industry.