If you’re looking for a new home or you want to sell your current one, you may ask, “What does a real estate agent do?” You probably know that they help consumers buy and sell properties, but they also do much more.
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?
If you followed a real estate agent for a few days, you might be surprised at the variety of tasks they routinely carry out. Some of the duties performed when helping clients buy or sell houses will vary, but several tasks are crucial regardless, including:
- Staying up-to-date on upcoming and current multiple listing service properties for sale
- Staying in touch with current and potential clients
- Generating and finding leads for both properties and clients
- Showing homes to buyers
- Developing a network of mortgage lenders, escrow and title companies, attorneys, contractors, appraisers, and home inspectors
- Marketing themselves and the properties that they represent
- Generating and processing various documents
- Speaking to agents, lenders, and other professionals on behalf of the homeowner
Do You Want To Sell Your House?
Although some people attempt to sell their homes themselves, most turn to experienced real estate agents for assistance. These agents are familiar with the multiple factors involved in pricing, marketing, showing, and closing home sales. They also have access to client databases that show what types of houses active buyers are interested in.
Real estate agents put in a lot of time and effort before selling your home, but they don’t get paid until the sale closes. That gives them an incentive to work hard and sell your house quickly. When it comes to selling a home, you’re probably wondering what does a real estate agent do?
List Your Home
Agents take many steps before they make a formal listing of your home. They will:
- Inspect your home. This can lead to suggestions about things you should do to make it more appealing to buyers; agents can help facilitate any work that needs to be done.
- Take photos and make videos showing every aspect of the property.
- Assist you in setting an asking price based on their knowledge of the overall housing market, the location and condition of your home, how quickly you want to finalize the sale, and other factors.
- Present you with a contract that lists them as your representative.
They will post your home for sale on one or multiple real-estate sites when everything is ready.
Post and Advertise Your Listing
Once agents list your property for sale, they begin to market it aggressively. They might do this by scheduling an open house, sharing the listing on social media, contacting other real estate agents, and calling potential buyers.
Show Your House to Potential Buyers
Before an open house or other showings, real estate agents can help you stage your home to enhance its features. Buyer’s agents often bring their clients for a private showing without your agent, but your agent is responsible for scheduling these showings.
Having an open house is a great way to show your home to several buyers at once in a more informal manner. Your agent will plan and oversee the open house and be available to answer questions from any potential buyers.
Help You Get a Good Price
Real estate agents want you to be happy with the amount of money you get from your home’s sale; many people choose their agents based on word-of-mouth recommendations.
In addition, agent pay comes from a commission given to the brokerage they work for; the brokerage retains some of this money, with your agent receiving the rest. The more money they can get for your home, the more their commission will be.
Your agent will also assist you in receiving, evaluating, and negotiating offers made on your home.
Are You Looking for a New Home?
When it comes to finding you a home, what does a real estate agent do? Real estate agents make things much easier for buyers looking for a new home. They will meet with you to discuss:
- The characteristics of your desired house, including the style, acreage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, basement, and garage
- The neighborhoods you’re considering
- Your finances, including your budget and whether you need recommendations for mortgage lenders
- When you’d like to move into your new house
- Amenities or schools you’d prefer to be close to
Once they know what you’re looking for, they’ll consult databases, other agents, and their own listings to find suitable properties that meet at least most of your wishes. Agents will then schedule showings and take you through the properties. If you’re an out-of-town buyer, they can give you a tour of the area if you’d like.
When you choose a property, they will help you make an offer and negotiate a fair price. If your lender requires a home inspection, an appraisal, or repairs, they can connect you with reputable local providers.
What Qualifications Should My Agent Have?
If you asked the question, “What does a real estate agent do?”, you probably want to ensure that the agent you choose has the necessary qualifications for the job. You should know that each state in the U.S. has its own licensing requirements. Generally speaking, candidates need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. resident
- Take real estate classes from an accredited school
- Pass a state-administered exam
Newly licensed agents must work for a brokerage initially; they aren’t legally qualified to work on their own unless a broker sponsors them.
Have We Answered Your Question, “What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?”
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, we hope you’ve learned the answer to, “What does a real estate agent do?” To find the best person to help you with your home buying or selling journey, you’ll want to find top real estate agents in your area.
FastExpert has reviews for more than 50,000 real estate agents to help you find a competent agent. They feature an easy-to-use search function and are happy to answer any questions you have. Browse the real estate agent directory of agents in your area and find an agent today.