What’s the Role of a Real Estate Agent?
Having a real estate agent or broker can help you navigate the complex and daunting process of selling your home. But what is the role of a real estate agent? Understanding real estate agent responsibilities will help you to make the decision about whether or not to use an agent for the sale of your home.
The National Association of Realtors 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers tells us that almost 9 out of 10 buyers choose to buy their homes through licensed real estate agents. That’s up from 7 out of 10 at the turn of the millennium. The real estate market downturn has been a driving force in buyers turning to real estate agents for reliable and easy sales.
There’s more to real estate agent responsibilities than just putting their name on a sign. They can offer a lot of traction online with listing sites, real estate agents know a lot more about the marketplace and can get your home listing in front of buyers who you would otherwise be unable to reach.
Real Estate Agent Responsibilities
- Guide you through the process
- Educate you about your options
- Network with other service providers (inspectors, contractors, lenders, etc.)
- Advocate for your interests
- Negotiate favorable terms
- Manage the details
- Warn you about potential problems before they happen
The Cost of Using an Agent
It is important to remember that all this help comes at a cost, typically 5-7% of the total cost of the house – this can amount to thousands of dollars. It also requires sellers to have their home ‘show’ ready at a moments notice and possibly invest more money in the home for maintenance and repairs. Putting your home on the market also takes time. Hero Brother Homes can pay cash for your house with no realtor fees, no showings, on your timeline – closing in as little as 14 days and no repairs!
Which Agent Matters
Unfortunately, not all agents are created equal. New agents may not be able to provide all the services described above. Some more experienced agents haven’t kept up with the times and struggle with new technology and/or social media. As with most services using referrals and conducting appropriate due diligence will give you the best odds of having a good experience. If you think using an agent is right for you, give us a call and we’ll point you in the right direction.