What Do Real Estate Agents Really Do?
Real Estate Agents wear a LOT of hats!
A real estate agent or REALTOR® is a licensed professional who assists clients in buying, selling, or renting properties.
Our primary role is to act as facilitators between buyers and sellers, helping navigate the complex process of real estate transactions.
Today we are here to unpack the big question:
WHAT DO REAL ESTATE AGENTS ACTUALLY DO?
A lot.
Our job is dynamic and we wear many hats. Real estate is a people business and just as no two people are alike, the same goes for real estate deals - no two are ever the same.
Here are 7 things you might have known we do, and 7 other things that might surprise you.
Marketing and Advertising: Our #1 most obvious job: sell homes. We use various marketing strategies to promote properties and attract potential buyers. Most marketing is digital, and good photos, video and descriptions are key to marketing homes. Most people shopping for homes are looking online first, THEN they go to see them in person. So, REALTORS® use websites, social media, print media, open houses, and networking to advertise.
Property Valuation: Real estate agents evaluate properties to determine their market value based on location, condition, comparable sales, current market trends, AND seller’s motivation. This helps our clients set a competitive and realistic price when selling or making offers to purchase.
Buyer/Seller Representation: Agents assist buyers and sellers #1 by getting to know them, understanding their needs and preferences. For buyers, we present properties that fit their needs, arrange property viewings, provide information, negotiate offers, and facilitate the closing process. For sellers, we handle buyer inquiries, coordinate property showings, negotiate offers, and provide guidance throughout the selling process.
Negotiation: Good agents are skilled negotiators, always advocating for our clients' interests. This skill comes from experience in our market, communication style, and our professional relationships with other parties involved. The goal of negotiation is to secure the best possible outcomes for clients.
Documentation and Contracts: Paperwork and compliance, including purchase agreements, lease contracts, disclosure forms, and other legal documents are a BIG part of an agent’s job. We assist clients in understanding and completing these documents accurately and in compliance with relevant regulations.
Market Knowledge and Guidance: Real estate agents stay up to date on local market conditions, trends, and regulations. We get involved and educated so we can provide clients with insights, advice, and recommendations based on our expertise.
Problem Solving: We are creative thinkers and there is always a solution. Challenges are common during a transaction and real estate agents identify potential solutions, work with other professionals (such as lenders, inspectors, appraisers, attorneys, and contractors), and guide our clients toward win-win solutions.
In addition to these more obvious aspects of a real estate agent’s job, there are several behind-the-scenes tasks that some of the best real estate agents do:
Property Preparation and Staging: When working with sellers, real estate agents may provide advice on preparing a property for sale. This can involve suggesting repairs, updates, or staging to enhance appeal to potential buyers. Some agents like us even do the work and get dirty helping their clients prepare their homes for sale.
Networking and Referrals: Successful real estate agents build extensive networks of industry professionals, including mortgage brokers, home inspectors, appraisers, contractors, and other agents. We leverage these connections to provide clients with trusted referrals and a well-oiled team.
Market Education + Guidance: We are educators and hand-holders. Real estate agents often teach clients about the buying or selling process and we also help clients during stressful times. Real estate agents provide support and guidance, clarifying expectations, resolving conflicts, and maintaining a level-head during negotiations. We explain terms, regulations, and contractual obligations so clients know their rights and responsibilities.
Privacy and Confidentiality: Real estate agents handle sensitive personal and financial information during transactions. Have you ever heard the saying, “your real estate agent should be someone you know, like, and TRUST”? That trust part is huge. Talking about money and finances is taboo for most people and sometimes takes people a while to share this. However, this part is imperative. As agents we adhere to strict ethics and maintain client confidentiality.
Time and Availability: As entrepreneurs and business owners, we real estate agents tend to work irregular hours and often make ourselves available outside standard office hours. We accommodate client schedules for property showings, meetings, and negotiations - even on weekends, holidays and evenings.
Continued Education + Professional Development: Real estate agents invest time and resources keeping up with industry changes, regulations, and best practices. We attend seminars, workshops, and training programs to enhance our skills and knowledge.
Post-Transaction Support: Even after a sale or lease is completed, the best real estate agents continue to stay in touch with our clients and provide support. This can include recommendations for local services, contractors, or maintaining contact to address any post-transaction concerns that may arise.
Overall, real estate agents undertake a multitude of tasks to ensure a smooth and successful real estate transaction for our clients.
Our expertise goes beyond the visible aspects of property listings and negotiations, as we work diligently to provide valuable advice, guidance, and support throughout the entire process.
Do you want a realtor who does all this for you and more?
Contact us and we’ll make your home buying or selling process smooth and successful!