If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, chances are you will work with a real estate agent. These professionals help clients navigate the buying or selling process, including finding property values, negotiating prices and helping buyers find mortgage lenders. They also have deep knowledge of their area and can offer information on schools, neighborhoods and more.

If a buyer or seller hires an agent to represent them, the agent enters into an agency relationship with the client and must disclose that to the parties. An agent may be a licensed salesperson or broker, and the terms of the agency are set out in state law. Typically, a licensee is required to complete a minimum number of classes and pass a exam before being allowed to work as an agent.

For sellers, an agent can assist with listing a property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), preparing the house for viewings and showings and promoting the property to prospective buyers. They can also help a seller decide on an asking price and negotiate the sale.

Agents can help a buyer or seller choose a lender for their transaction, and they also assist with the negotiation process, making sure contract terms are fair to both parties. They also double-check paperwork and communicate with other agents, lawyers and title or escrow agents to make sure all parties are on the same page. Click here https://www.creatingrealestatesolutions.com/we-buy-houses-punta-gorda-fl/

After closing, an agent can follow up with buyers or sellers to ensure that they have settled in their new homes and to answer any questions. They can also provide resources for home services like utility companies, contractors and landscapers.

In a flat-fee transaction, an agent will charge a seller a flat fee, such as $500, in lieu of a percentage of the sale price. This arrangement allows a seller to bypass the buyer’s agent and negotiate directly with a buyer.

A broker is a licensed professional who runs a real estate brokerage, which employs salespeople who work under their supervision. Brokers oversee all aspects of a brokerage’s business, from marketing and client relations to backend technical details. They can also choose to work as a transaction broker, which means they don’t enter into an agency relationship with the client but instead act as a neutral party between the buyer and seller.

Brokerage firms can also have dual agents, who are agents that have entered into a dual agency agreement with a buyer and seller. This arrangement is frowned upon because it creates a conflict of interest, and in some states, it’s illegal.

Real estate agents spend most of their time at the office, where they meet with colleagues and discuss new listings. They also use real estate databases, such as the MLS, to research properties and gather information on comparable sales in their market. When they’re working with a buyer, an agent can help them narrow down the search by identifying what features are most important to that particular customer, such as a good school district or access to public transportation.