Agents discouraged by the prospect of living on cheese sandwiches for six months while they launch a real estate career are getting wired and getting hired. Online brokerages offer agents the dependability of a salary, and often stock options. They also provide a workplace that values efficiency, technology and teamwork.

"The whole concept just drew me," says eRealty.com agent Laura Locastro, who expects to close $1 million this month. "We do everything a traditional Realtor does: We take our clients through all steps of a purchase." What clinched her deal was the fact that clients are doing research on their own and know what they want when their email arrives at her inbox. She sat on a real estate license for nine years because she "didn't like the concept of finding a house for someone I didn't know. I'd rather someone tell me what they want."

Ms. Locastro was a property manager before aligning herself with eRealty.com in Houston about three months ago. She learned on the go and by working closely with more experienced agents. She currently has eight houses in title. Her reward: On top of a salary, eRealty.com gives bonuses for closings, full benefits, paid mileage and stock options. They also handed her a cell phone and a laptop.

At zipRealty.com, a new VW Beetle may sweeten the deal. Field service agents stay wired from the hip company car with their PalmPilots, cell phones and pagers. Service agents at zipRealty typically have one to five years of experience, a strong local market knowledge and a "dynamic personality," says marketing manager Anastasia Garrison. The company has a higher tier of agents to assist customers online. These agents have at least seven to 10 years of experience. Online Agents are recruited based in experience, deep local area knowledge, professionalism, dynamic personality, dedication, proven track record/ability to close deals and contacts in their local areas.

"We are growing daily. Since we launched our Web site in August 1999, we have doubled our staff about every three months," Ms. Garrison says. "Today, we have more than 30 agents. We staff each metro based on the need for service. Typically, there are two to six agents serving each metro."

zipRealty.com offers formalized training, including general orientation, a one-week "boot camp," on-the-job training/shadowing and a mentor program.

"zipRealty.com also has an evaluation and development system in place to ensure professional growth for all of our employees," Ms. Garrison says. eHome.com employs a similar team-oriented module. Real estate agents and field agents are expected to have at least two years of experience in the real estate industry, know their markets and be proficient with a computer. eHome's Web site says they are looking for self-starters and strategic thinkers: "The work is hard. But the rewards make it all worthwhile." Throughout the online brokerage industry, knowledge of technology and customer service skills both are stressed heavily in the pitch for employees.

Yes, they are wired, but online agents and field agents recognize the importance of a smooth real estate transaction. No online brokerage can exist on technology alone. It is the balance of technology and customer service that will turn Laura Locastro's eRealty.com stock options to gold.

Published: May 12, 2000

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