Real estate agents buy and sell property on behalf of their clientele. Real estate agents, also known as realtors, are licensed professionals who typically possess either a degree in real estate or years of formal job training. After passing an examination to verify his or her proficiency in the field, a real estate agent may take a position with an agency, or start his or her own private business. Due to the complicated laws governing real estate transactions, individuals looking to purchase or sell property often find that hiring a qualified realtor can make the process much easier.

Many real estate agents develop contacts in other areas of the industry, maintaining relationships with home assessors, bank managers, lenders, and mortgage brokers. A real estate agent may have their clients meet with one of these individuals to discuss his or her financial assets and to confirm what the client can reasonably afford. Most realtors are paid through commission, and specialists can be found for each type of property.

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Joshua Duerk has served as Chief Executive Officer of Duerk & Associates, LLC, since 2005. Located in Columbia, Maryland, Duerk oversees all aspects of the company’s operation and works with commercial real estate owners.