Whether you’re considering selling your home or want to buy a new one, you’ll want an agent representing you. An agent will provide you with the expertise you need and be able to dedicate time to accomplishing your goal. However, you may be wondering how to choose a real estate agent, especially when terms like listing agent, buying agent, selling agent, and real estate agent are thrown around. Keep reading for a crash course on what these terms mean and the type of agent you need for your real estate transaction.
Matching the Title to the Job Performed
One thing you should know is that the lines between these roles can blur. “Real estate agent” is a more general term that can refer to someone who is also a listing agent under certain conditions. For example, when you retain a real estate agent to help you sell your home, that agent will likely act as a listing agent and a seller’s agent.
The easiest way to understand these terms is to think about the service the agent is performing. A listing agent lists your house for sale and ensures that the listing appears on the MLS (multiple listing service) so buyer’s agents will see your home. The listing agent will also likely ensure your house listing is posted on the company website and other house-for-sale sites like Zillow and Redfin.
The listing agent is also often a seller’s agent. A seller’s agent represents you in negotiations with prospective buyers, holds open houses when appropriate, helps with staging, and markets the home in suitable media outlets (home-sale magazines, mail flyers, brokerage websites, and so on). At the time of sale, the seller’s agent is responsible for preparing the necessary documentation and scheduling the signing, ensuring the transaction goes smoothly.
Sometimes, you might use both a seller’s agent and a listing agent. It is common for agents with different strengths and talents in a real estate brokerage office to specialize. If you contract with a seller’s agent who is good at negotiating and networking, that agent may work with someone in the same office who specializes in listing tasks. These tasks can include getting professional photos and other media, putting together property descriptions, identifying the right marketing outlets, and so on. These colleagues work together to sell your home quickly and at an optimal price.
Alternatively, when a real estate agent is helping you look for a home or property to purchase, they are working as a buyer’s agent. Confusion sets in, however, when this person is also sometimes referred to as a “selling agent” – not to be confused with a “seller’s agent.” But regardless of the title, a buyer’s agent’s job is to help you look for the home you want and show you homes on the market when you want a physical showing. A buyer’s agent sits across the table from a listing/seller’s agent in a house sale negotiation.
Many real estate agents specialize in one area. Still, many real estate agents will happily represent either buyers or sellers who contract with them.
How to Choose a Real Estate Agent When Selling a Home
When selling your home, you’ll want to look for a real estate agent who is a listing agent, seller’s agent, or both. This agent will be responsible for pricing your home, advertising the property, making sure it is listed on the MLS, and handling showings and open houses. You’ll want to work with an agent with experience and a proven track record. It is also helpful if the agent you hire is used to working with houses in your price range. For example, if you are selling a high-end home, you want an agent familiar with that market.
A good agent will use different strategies and marketing for the home you are buying. Don’t be shy about asking for references and digging down to find out how your prospective agent would market your home.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Washington, Idaho, or Montana
The Pacific Northwest can be a highly competitive marketplace for buying and selling homes. Obtaining top dollar or finding your dream home are goals that are too important to leave to chance.
Working with a skilled real estate agent, regardless of whether they are acting as a listing agent or a buyer’s agent, is essential if you want your real estate transaction to go smoothly. Choose to work with agents who go the extra mile and pride themselves on providing their clients with an exceptional experience. Reach out to Legacy Group Real Estate today and discover why over 4,000 families have trusted our team members with their real estate needs.