What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?
The main focus of a real estate agent is to represent clients in the buying and selling of real estate. This can include both residential and commercial properties as well as land. Real estate agents work on a commission basis and only get paid when the transaction closes.
In the case of representing sellers, real estate agents are responsible for listing the property and providing any marketing that may be necessary. A real estate agent also hosts open houses and shows the property to potential buyers. When representing a buyer, a real estate agent is responsible for finding suitable properties and showing the properties to the client.
Once a client has decided on a property, it is then the responsibility of the real estate agent to submit an offer and negotiate on behalf of the client to secure the best deal. This is true regardless of whether the agent is representing a buyer or a seller. In the case of representing a buyer, a real estate agent attempts to negotiate the price down from the listing price. An agent representing a seller tries to negotiate the offer up to an amount closer to the listing price. Real estate agents may also represent their clients at closing.
