Rumors are circling that jobs in the real estate market aren’t stable, but the opposite is actually true. Real estate appraisers and assessors will always be needed, because their place in the real estate market makes them irreplaceable. Appraisers estimate the value of property for a variety of purposes: to assess property tax, to confirm adequate collateral for mortgages, to confirm or help set a good sales price, to settle an estate, or to aid in a divorce settlement. This is something even the weakest real estate market cannot do without.
Not only is the employment of appraisers secure, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for appraisers and assessors of real estate is expected to grow at an electric rate. Job opportunities will be more than favorable for appraisers who meet licensing qualifications and have the right experience.
Employment of appraisers and assessors of real estate is expected to grow by 17 percent over the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all other occupations. More appraisers will be hired to help with litigation claims, probate cases, foreclosures, business valuations, and divorce settlements. With this additional growth in real estate activity, the employment of appraisers will steadily grow. Employment of assessors will also increase with the amounts of real property to be assessed in coming years. Independent fee appraisers will see the strongest growth because banks and other financial institutions are increasingly contracting work out to make loan appraisals on a case-by-case basis.
In contrast to the rest of the country, housing markets in Texas are still holding their own. If you have been thinking about obtaining your Texas real estate license, now is as good of time as any. You may think there are obstacles in the way of your education, but you must think outside the box. With alternative education options now readily available, it’s easy to take the necessary courses and get in the real estate game.
According to S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index, over the twelve months prior to November 2008, home prices fell 14% nationwide, but some of Texas’ major markets saw a rise during that same period. While this nationwide decline continued through the fourth quarter (a record 18%), North Texas home values only fell 4.3%. The demand for housing in Texas continues to be strongaE”the Lone Star State is an ideal place for the real estate agents and brokers to establish a profitable business. More business opportunities are cropping up with a need for qualified brokers and agents. With a small investment of time and money, one can easily get a Texas real estate license and take advantage of these opportunities.
As housing prices continue to fall, the number of real estate investors is on the rise. If you don’t have the resources yourself to invest, obtaining your Texas Real Estate License may be an ideal way to get in the game and supplement your income. You may be surprised to find out how fast and convenient it can be to become a licensed Texas Real Estate Agent.
1. Successfully Complete the Education Requirements. The Texas Real Estate Commission requires you to have the equivalent of 210 classroom hours (seven 30-hour classes) before you are able to apply for a Texas Real Estate License. You will need to complete 60 hours of Principles of Real Estate courses, 30 hours of Law of Contracts, 30 hours of Law of Agency, and 30 hours of an additional core real estate courses. You must also complete another four semesters (60 classroom hours) in core courses or acceptable related courses. The Commission’s website has a full listing of these courses.