PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

De Fries and Hays agree that an agent is always working, even when they are not closing a sale, showing homes or listing houses.

“You may be opening the property for an inspector, making sure the loan transaction is going smoothly, making sure paperwork is turned in…. Plans change, you may have a cancellation with a client,” says Hays. “The point is to keep socially busy and meet new people [and] get involved with organizations and events.”

DeFries stresses the importance of professional dress. “[No] matter where you are, you just shouldn’t run into the office with blue jeans on because that’s the very day someone will walk [in] and want to look at homes. You always have to be prepared.”

Average Salary: $62,300
Education: High School Diploma and Real Estate Course
Growth Rate: 9 to 17 percent more jobs by 2014
Source: US Dept. of Labor; National Association of Realtors