Okay, let’s tackle this. So Russ has 16 years of experience in sales and real estate, which is a decent amount of time to build expertise. His skills in marketing, customer service, and negotiation are also valuable. Location is Lake Ozark, Missouri, which is a smaller market. According to national averages, real estate agents in smaller markets can charge lower rates than those in larger cities. Let’s check some benchmarks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for real estate agents in the Midwest region (which includes Missouri) is around $40,000. However, this figure doesn’t include non-wage benefits, commissions, or bonuses. Experienced agents like Russ can earn significantly more, but the rate will still be lower than in larger cities. Considering his skills, experience, and location, I’d estimate Russ could charge around $75 per hour, which is a reasonable rate for a real estate professional in a smaller market.