One of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples' lives is the purchase or sale of a home or property. Because of this complexity, people typically seek the help of real estate brokers and sales agents when buying or selling real estate.

Real estate agents usually are independent sales workers who provide their services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agent's sale of the property. Brokers are independent businesspeople who sell real estate owned by others. They also may rent or manage properties for a fee. When selling real estate, brokers arrange for title searches and for meetings between buyers and sellers during which the details of the transactions are agreed on and the new owners take possession of the property.

In every state, real estate brokers and sales agents must possess a license. Prospective agents must be high school graduates, at least 18 years of age, and pass a written test. The examination, which is more comprehensive for brokers than for agents, includes questions on basic real estate transactions and laws affecting the sale of property. Most states require candidates for the general sales license to complete between 30 and 90 hours of classroom instruction. In order to qualify for a brokers license, sixty to ninety hours of training and up to three years of experience are required. Some states waive the experience requirements for the broker's license for applicants who have a bachelor's degree in Real Estate. State licenses typically must be renewed every one or two years. Although a re-examination might not be required, many states require continuing education for license renewals.

Persons who have received their broker's license may open their own offices. Others with experience and training in estimating property value may become real estate appraisers, and those familiar with operating and maintaining rental properties may become property managers. This field has seen an upsurge with the rising property prices on average, over 3000 real estate broker licenses are approved each month.