07/29/2024
Finding the best real estate agent near you is the first step on your real estate journey. But what are your real estate agent's responsibilities once you've selected them? If you've already compared multiple agents, then you know a top local real estate agent will fill multiple roles for you, and, most importantly, build a relationship so they become a trusted resource for you. We've assembled this short guide to review what a real estate agent does and help you feel confident your real estate agent is properly working for you, with four buckets of activities from an agent: Process Engagement, Listing Management, Handling Offers, and the Closing Process.
A few ways a Real Estate Agent Works for You:
Process Engagement
Whether you're a first time home buyer or veteran home seller, there are many steps to the home buying and selling process, and it's your agent's job to ensure you understand the real estate process. From the start your agent should be engaged with you and explaining the major steps for holding a successful real estate transaction. A top real estate agent breaks down the complex nature of a real estate transaction and makes the many intricacies understandable for the average person. Some specific complexities an agent should explore with you include:
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Reviewing the Steps
Although every transaction, client, and situation is unique, most transactions have core steps that are present regardless of the specifics. These include submitting/reviewing offers, negotiating with the other party, entering escrow, and the closing process. Some good questions to ask your agent could be: How long does this step take? What are my responsibilities and what should the other parties involved be doing? Are there any barriers I could resolve to ensure we have a smooth closing? And more!
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Milestones
Your agent should work with you to create milestones for your transaction, which can act as both goals and indicators for taking other proactive steps to move your transaction forward. Some major milestones your agent should make clear include finding a property you like, having an offer accepted, and successfully securing hour home financing.
Listing Management
Listings (or homes for sale) are ultimately at the root of every real estate transaction. Your agent will play a major role in the management of listings whether you're a buyer or seller, and the way they approach this element can make or break your deal.
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Sellers
As a home seller, your real estate agent's core responsibility is to manage your listing. They should create and guide the steps before your home goes on the market (such as suggesting repairs, cleaning, and staging) and most importantly help you set the appropriate price for your home. Finally, your agent should market the listing extensively to attract buyers and their agents to the property.
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Buyers
A top agent will support home buyers by helping to narrow their priorities and identify available homes for sale in their local market. This includes working within your price range and identified geographic area, as well as coordinating all necessary scheduling for tours and walkthroughs.