>>>Something that has always puzzled me:
>>>
>>>When I was a kid I was taught to clean my teeth last thing before going to school. That way my breakfast wouldn't be rotting my teeth all day (esp. as cereals etc have sugar content). And this is the way I've raised my kids.
>>>
>>>But according to just about every US film, TV show, etc all US kids rush their breakfast, their parents never having got them started on it in time, and have to abandon it half-eaten and rush out immediately to catch the school bus, or get in the car with whichever parent is leaving for work (having just snatched a mouthful of coffee).
>>>
>>>Furthermore, there are only 5 jobs they do: lawyer, copper, high-flying engineer, owner of a construction company (with financial problems), or a realtor.
>>
>>You forgot the shrinks.
>
>Sort of. All the above have to go to see their shrinks at some stage in the story.
>
>>
>>>The last one puzzles me in that it is viewed as an honourable profession. In the UK estate agents, as they are called here, are among the most hated profession, second only to traffic wardens.
>>
>>It's not a profession. Estate agents are. Realtors are a tautology club - those estate agents who are members of the realtors' club are realtors, and those who aren't, aren't.
>
>Whatever. Usually the woman of the house is "studying for her real estate exams". In GB the only qualification needed is to be p***k! They're still hated here.

I can't speak for all 50 states, but here in Pennsylvania, you're not allowed to sell real estate (other than your own) without a license. To get that license, you have to take a certified course and pass an exam. Real estate agents have required continuing education, as well. (My husband is, among other things, a licensed real estate broker, in both PA and NJ.)

Tamar