Working As A Real Estate Agent
Real estate salespeople, and other licensees who are required to work for and under the umbrella of a designated broker, are often referred to as real estate agents. In legal language, the term “agent” refers to the strictly defined relationship between a real estate salesperson and the buyers and sellers with whom he or she conducts business. An agent is an individual who is authorized and consents to represent the interests of another person. As an agent, you act to assist people through the process of buying, selling and renting land, homes and other properties.
In addition to meeting licensing requirements and having a comprehensive understanding of pertinent real estate laws, real estate agents have a long list of responsibilities. Real estate agents typically do the following:
- Advise clients on mortgages, market conditions and pricing
- Advise sellers on how they can make their homes more attractive to buyers
- Compare properties to determine fair and competitive market prices
- Generate lists of appropriate properties for buyers based on their price range and needs
- Guide buyers and sellers through the transaction process
- Manage lists of contacts
- Mediate negotiations between buyers and sellers
- Prepare and submit all required paperwork, including various contracts
- Present all purchase offers to sellers for consideration
- Promote properties through advertising, listing services (such as MLS) and open houses
- Show properties to prospective buyers
- Solicit potential clients to buy, sell and rent properties
- Stay current with real estate laws and trends
- Work nights and/or weekends to accommodate clients’ needs
