When buying or selling a house, most individuals enlist the services of a professional real estate agent. These experienced real estate agents have in-depth familiarity with local markets, strong bargaining abilities, and the ability to streamline the transaction. Commissions compensate real estate agents for their services.
Here we will examine who pays real estate commissions and how this system works.
How Do Real Estate Commissions Work?
Agents and brokers in the real estate industry seldom bill their clients hourly. Instead of charging a flat fee, they take a percentage of the final transaction as their commission.
Agent commissions are negotiated as part of the purchase and sale agreements between buyers and sellers. The real estate commission is often divided 50/50 between buyer and seller agents. However, the parties may agree to a different split in the contract.
Real estate brokers, agents, and realtors are commonly used interchangeably, although important distinctions exist among them. Real estate agents and brokers operate under different regulatory frameworks but may join the National Assembly of Realtors or become “realtors.”
The commission does not go directly to the real estate agents. It is first sent to the selling and listing brokers. Real estate agents must be employed and operate under a broker’s supervision. Brokers want their agents to pay overhead expenses like marketing and leasing.
After that, the broker and the agent divide the money as they see fit, which is often 50/50, but whatever the two parties agree upon. If the 5% commission were distributed evenly amongst all parties involved, it would look like this:
- Selling broker: 1.25%
- Listing broker: 1.25%
- Buyer’s agent: 1.25%
- Seller’s agent: 1.25%
Each agent and broker would get $2,500 on a $200,000 transaction.
How Much Is a Real Estate Commission?
Commissions in the real estate industry are negotiable at all times; if not, agents could find themselves violating federal and state antitrust laws. Although 6% has historically been considered the norm, fees are more often in the 4-5% range presently. In 2022, the median real estate commission was 5.46 per cent, according to Effective Agents, a market research firm.
Remember that the proportion of the selling price that constitutes the commission remains unknown once a proposal is agreed upon and the property is sold.
Who Pays the Real Estate Commission?
Determining who is responsible for a real estate agent’s commission might take time. The seller often pays the charge. However, they usually roll this into the asking price. Therefore, the buyer is responsible for the cost.
For the sake of argument, assume that the buyers and the sellers (represented by separate real estate agents) reach a $200,000 agreement on purchasing a house. If the commission rate for real estate is 5%, then the fee would amount to $10,000 ($200,000 times 0.05).
Instead of being rolled into the final sales price, the charge is deducted. Therefore, while the buyer pays $200,000, the seller only makes $190,000. (This is a simplification since there would be other expenses, such as a closing cost.)
Are Real Estate Commissions Worth It?
Many people feel that real estate commissions are excessively costly and that the value they get needs to be commensurate with what they pay.
The seller’s agent stands to gain a nice amount for making a minimal effort (photographing the property, determining the asking price, and placing the house on the market) if the property sells on the first day it is listed. On the other hand, selling a property might take a long time—weeks, months, or even years if the residence is unique or costly.
Marketing the property, hosting open houses, fielding phone inquiries, and keeping up with comparable listings and transactions in the area may take a significant amount of time for the seller’s agent.
The agency will also bear long-term marketing expenses, such as those for signs and ads. Considering this light, it’s easy to see why so few vendors would be willing to pay a real estate agent an hourly rate.
It’s the same for purchasers. Some people may locate a home immediately, whereas others will research dozens of properties over weeks or months before deciding. Buyers may feel pressured to make a quick choice if they have to pay their agent by the hour.
10 Benefits of Using a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Home
You may need to decide whether or not to work with a real estate agent as you prepare to purchase or sell a home. Many refuse to use real estate professionals because they believe the commission they get is too high.
Others will only employ one if they’ve had negative prior encounters.
But this only highlights how crucial having a reliable agent is. Furthermore, if you’re refusing to work with an agent to avoid paying commissions and fees, you’re missing out on the key advantages of doing so.
How can working with a real estate agent benefit you, and what exactly do they do? If you’re selling, buying, or investing in real estate, consider these top ten reasons to hire a real estate agent.
1. Agents Know What to Look For
Those looking to purchase either a primary residence or an investment property often have specific requirements, such as the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, the presence of a swimming pool, and so on.
You’ll likely feel more at ease by keeping that list in your mind while you peruse real estate listings. But there are always homes available in the location you like. The issue then becomes, which of these houses best fits your family’s requirements and budget?
With a real estate agent’s help, looking at all the houses on the market might be manageable. It’s easy to guess how much effort this would take. However, if you work with a seasoned real estate agent, they will help you narrow down your search by creating a wish list of desirable homes.
Real estate agents have extensive knowledge of the housing market and can help you choose the home that best suits your requirements and budget. The agent will also act as a guide to provide a stress-free and easy purchase procedure.
2 Agents Have Extensive Market Knowledge
Real estate agents have unparalleled knowledge of the situation of the market. This is one of the primary advantages of working with a real estate agent if you are a landlord or landlord hopeful.
The best real estate agents understand the property market completely, including the impact of external variables like mortgage rates and the job market.
They are well-versed in the buyer’s and seller’s markets and know the area down to the street level. As a result, they have extensive knowledge of the market and are privy to information about available houses that are not included in the MLS.
They provide information such as median and average sales prices, list-to-sold price ratios, and the mean cost per square foot for homes like yours. They can also find similar properties and provide details with which you can make a fast, educated choice.
A local real estate agent will also know which areas are close to excellent schools, which areas have seen the most significant appreciation in value, and which developments have the most potential. Real estate agents may use this information to advise you on whether or not a particular area is suitable for financial investment.
3 Agents Have Professional Networks
People who work in real estate are experts at networking with others. They are familiar with almost everyone who plays a role in the home-buying and selling processes. Many people will have a short list of trusted service providers with whom they have previously done business.
The sellers and the buyers will appreciate this advantage of working with a real estate professional. When selling a property, a real estate agent will provide a list of service providers, such as landscapers, plumbers, painters, title firms, and more.
In addition, purchasers should consult with experts, including property appraisers, inspectors, real estate attorneys, and mortgage brokers. You may use your buyer’s agent’s connections to save time and effort otherwise spent on finding and contacting these individuals.
Suppose you’re just starting as a real estate investor. In that case, this will be particularly helpful since it will allow you to establish your network of specialists on whom you can depend for future real estate investment opportunities.
4. Agents Spot Potential Problems
Using a real estate agent is also advantageous for those on either side of a property transaction. Owners should ensure their homes are pristine before putting them up for sale.
That increases the property’s marketability, increasing the likelihood of a quick sale at a reasonable price. Of course, buyers are also on the lookout for well-maintained properties since this will save them both time and money in the long run.
But there are issues you could overlook or hidden in plain sight, which are dangerous.
You should hire a real estate agent for this very reason. Professional real estate agents can see concerns like broken furnaces, leaking roofs, and infestations of pests like mildew and insects that the untrained eye could miss.
A realtor will also commission a comprehensive report detailing any issues with the property from a licensed inspector. The buyer’s agent should know what kinds of repairs are fair to ask for.
Your real estate agent may advise you on the best way to address these concerns if you are a seller. Knowing this can help you save thousands of dollars in the future since it is part of your real estate agent’s job to look out for your best interests.
5 Agents Provide Valuable Price Guidance
You, the homeowner, may believe you have a good grasp of your home’s fair market value. But is the sum you’ve come up with reasonable? You’re likely to overestimate your home’s worth if you let your emotions get in the way.
Others may make the opposite mistake, grossly underestimating the worth of their property. Only by finding comparable sales in the area will you be able to be sure that you are pricing your home appropriately.
This will assist you in buying fairly and selling at the best price. However, hiring real estate agents is the more straightforward option.
The minute real estate agents step inside a house, they usually have a good idea of how much it’s worth. While it’s true that anybody with an internet connection may access data on recent property sales, only a seasoned real estate agent will be able to determine whether or not a particular home is priced reasonably.
They will also conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to weigh all property price factors. Therefore, they aid sellers in establishing an appropriate asking price that would entice potential purchasers. In contrast, the assistance of a buyer’s agent will be invaluable when deciding how much to bid on a home.
6 Agents Have Superior Negotiating Skills
Everyone involved in a real estate transaction wants to make or save as much money as possible. You will need to use your deft negotiating talents to do this. It is tough to negotiate directly with a seller or a buyer, which is yet another reason to utilise a real estate agent.
Real estate professionals have years of expertise in negotiating, making them adept bargainers. They are aware of the norms and the exceptions to those norms. Additionally, whether you’re selling or purchasing an investment property, your agent’s objective is to negotiate the best possible price for you.
They’ll utilise data from similar homes in the neighbourhood to make an argument for the asking price. They have nothing to gain or lose emotionally from the result, which allows them to think clearly and objectively.
7 Agents Provide Home Staging Advice
Are you concerned that the aesthetic value of your property may be too low to attract buyers? That’s something your agent can take care of for you. Home staging is done so potential buyers may more easily picture themselves living in the property. Because of this, you’ll be able to reduce the time your home spends on the market.
Real estate agents are trained professionals who know how to make a house more appealing to potential buyers. An excellent real estate agent can target potential purchasers for your home by tailoring its presentation to their needs.
They know how to make your house appear ready to be shown to potential buyers, whether rearranging the furniture or bringing in their staging materials.
8 Agents Have Access to Off-Market Listings
As an investor, you may be contemplating whether you need the help of a real estate agent. Now you know why you should hire a real estate agent: they have access to properties before they ever hit the market! Multiple listing service (MLS) listings and property search websites may provide a wide selection of homes on the market.
However, there are situations in which sellers choose to be discreet about their impending sale. Therefore, they don’t advertise their properties by putting up a “For Sale” sign. Only real estate agents will know about the sellers’ intentions to sell and actively seek out potential purchasers in such situations.
Therefore, dealing with real estate agents is an excellent strategy for discovering off-market houses. These inexpensive real estate transactions provide a significant return on investment, making them attractive to savvy investors.
Your agents can provide you with more options for investment homes since they can access properties both on and off the market. As a real estate investor, the more choices you have, the more likely you are to locate the ideal investment property that meets your needs.
Also, the Mashvisor Property Marketplace is an excellent area for investors to locate properties that have yet to hit the market. Buyers may find off-market listings, including property foreclosures, tenant-occupied rentals, short sales, and more in plenty.
9 Agents Know the Best Marketing Techniques
Sellers should note this advantage of working with a real estate professional. Homeowners who try to sell without a realtor have a far lower chance of success and often sell for a lower price than they hoped.
These “for sale by owner” transactions often fail to attract purchasers due to poor advertising. However, realtors and property agents have spent years honing their knowledge of the most effective ways to advertise a home to attract buyers to an open house.
They may already have a contact in their social circle looking for a house like yours. They may also use the MLS systems available to them. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is only available to licensed real estate professionals. Therefore, you will need the assistance of a real estate professional to get your house included in such listings.
The number of people who see your home will grow dramatically. And agents are well-versed in the particulars of property promotion. They are experts in targeting a niche market’s needs and appealing to the masses.
10 Agents Save Time and Energy
Completing a real estate sale or purchase might take significant time. However, real estate agents may simplify the procedure for you. The agent will manage showings and open houses if you’re trying to sell your home, saving you the trouble of scheduling them yourself.
In addition to helping you find serious buyers, the sellers’ agent can weed out the tiresome, fruitless inquiries. A buyer’s agent serves the same function, shielding you from sellers’ relentless sales pitches and phone calls.
Furthermore, real estate transactions need extensive documentation to be finalised. This can include complex contract language, requests, offers, counteroffers, federal and state disclosure requirements, settlement statements, and other papers.
The sheer volume of documentation in concluding a real estate sale sometimes surprises both the buyer and seller. By employing a real estate agent, you can simplify things for yourself since they know how to manage everything, make the process easier, and ensure nothing is missed.
Flat-Fee Real Estate
There are, of course, listing agents who will work for a fixed charge (say, $100 or $500) rather than a commission. Sellers (and, by extension, purchasers) may save money by working with these agents, but they may only be able to represent their interests to a limited extent.
A conventional real estate agent will work with you from start to finish, whether purchasing or selling a house. A seller’s agent will assist you in preparing your property for sale, obtaining professional photographs of it, listing it with a multiple listing service, advertising it, holding open houses, and negotiating the sale of your home.
Similarly, a buyer’s agent will aid you in figuring out what you need in a house, finding the perfect place, going on tours, making bids, and recommending additional service providers (like a home inspector).
Choose a discount or flat-rate broker if you’re looking for a bargain. However, some full-service agents charge a lesser percentage or flat rate for their services. If you take this approach, you need to know what services the agent provides so that what you receive is what you expect.
Different Types of Real Estate Agents and Their Specializations
It’s essential to work with a professional real estate agent familiar with the local property market, whether you are selling a condo in a retirement village, a single-family residence in the suburbs, or a loft in a downtown district.
However, there are occasions when sellers must go the extra mile and find real estate agents with specialised knowledge in areas such as the luxury market, local housing regulations, or a particular kind of home.
We consulted an industry expert and combed through the literature to identify 13 varieties of real estate brokers.
What is a real estate agent?
Real estate agents are trained professionals who liaise between buyers and sellers in a property transaction. Agents are crucial to real estate transactions because they collect market data, handle legal paperwork, and negotiate and arrange sales.
Agents in the real estate industry are paid a commission based on the final transaction price. The agents’ efforts may significantly increase the value of a house sale. The typical price of a property sold with an agent in 2021 was $318,000, while the median price of a home sold FSBO was $260,000, according to statistics from the National Association of Realtors®.
What is a Realtor®?
Many people mistakenly believe that a Realtor® is similar to a real estate agent because of the similarity between the roles. Realtors are real estate agents who are a part of the National Association of Realtors® and who abide by the organisation’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which is intended to guarantee that members work in their customers’ best interests.
Top real estate agent Miranda Biedenharn, who handles 76 per cent more single-family residences than the average agent in Dayton, Ohio, explains that as a Realtor®, she adheres to the NAR’s code of ethics and holds herself accountable to guidelines and higher fiduciary duties to her client.
Only around 15% of the estimated 3 million agents in the United States are Realtors®, according to the National Association of Realtors®. The number of licensed Realtors® is highest in Florida (213,759), followed by California (205,248).
What is a real estate broker?
If a licensed real estate agent is ready to further their career, they can apply for a broker’s license, which requires them to complete extra coursework and pass a test. Biedenharn explains that real estate brokers may work for existing brokerages as management or strike out independently.
Brokers are viewed to a superior standard in terms of their expertise and what can be required of them in certain circumstances, according to Biedenharn. Agents often rely upon brokers when they need guidance on law and business matters.
The commission paid to real estate agents includes a portion that goes to the managing broker. Listing agents, also known as seller’s agents, generally get a commission from the house seller equal to around 6% of the transaction price. That is usually divided in half between the listing and buying agents. After the listing agent has paid the buyer’s agent, they will give the broker a portion of the remaining commission.
Types of real estate agents
Many new real estate agents start as generalists before specialising in a particular business area. Agents may specialise in various fields by taking courses leading to the following NAR designations & certifications.
1. Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
Those who earn the SRS credential get the education, practice, and support they need to advocate for sellers in the marketplace effectively. Real estate professionals may benefit from the distinction by
- Improving sales results and expanding inventory
- Integrating the Standards and Code of Ethics into Their Operations
- Acquiring sales-supporting knowledge and skills
2. Accredited Buyer’s Representative / ABR®
By earning an ABR® accreditation, real estate agents demonstrate their mastery of skills essential to the smooth closing of real estate transactions and the satisfaction of their clients. Agents that get the certification have access to specialised knowledge, training, and other valuable tools that help them:
- Sell their worth to potential customers.
- Help buyers negotiate better deals.
- Facilitate the conclusion of business deals
3. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
The National Association of Realtors® claims that agents who acquire the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) title see increases in gross sales, income, and transactions three times as high as those of non-designated Realtors®.
4. NAR’s Green Designation
This certification instructs real estate professionals in the art of promoting eco-friendly dwellings. Green residences are promoted differently than conventional homes and real estate brokers need to be aware of this. The effects of eco-friendly and sustainable home design elements and related green concerns, research, and resources are discussed.
5. Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
Real estate professionals who want to specialise in working with clients in age-restricted communities may earn the SRES® credential. Real estate experts learn about the ins and outs of purchasing, selling, relocating, and refinancing homes and investment properties.
Prospective Senior Real Estate Specialists gain knowledge in retirement, pensions, and loan fraud to better assist seniors with these crucial choices and challenges.
NAR real estate certifications
Certifications are also available through the NAR. When comparing certificates and designations, it’s important to note that certifications demand yearly dues and application costs, whereas designations often don’t.
- At Home With Diversity® (AHWD): There is a rising multicultural real estate market, and the At Home With Diversity® (AHWD) certification focuses on topics relating to multicultural populations, such as diversity awareness, U.S. fair housing regulations, and the creation of professional standards.
- Luxury Homes Certification (LHC): is designed to help real estate professionals improve their abilities and adapt to the dynamic nature of the luxury housing industry. Certification topics include the luxury market, pricing principles, negotiating techniques, and methods for setting oneself apart.
- Military Relocation Professional (MRP): Agents that have earned the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation have shown their readiness to deal with military personnel. This course emphasises financial aid, regulations, and decision-making processes concerning military housing possibilities.
- Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS): The Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) designation is for real estate professionals working with customers interested in buying or selling vacation homes. Clientele might range from those in retirement to tourists to business executives to investors.
Important Real Estate Subtypes to Know
Every property transaction involves the interests of the seller and the purchaser. You can find the following categories of agents and agencies within those two groups.
1. Listing agents/seller’s agents
Listing agents, often known as seller’s agents, work for those looking to sell their houses. Their only goal is to look out for their customer’s best interests and get their client’s highest possible selling price as quickly as possible.
What a professional listing agent can do for home sellers:
- Calculate prices by looking at what other houses in the neighbourhood with comparable characteristics have sold for.
- Use the MLS and other real estate advertising channels to spread the word about your property.
- Construct viable advertising strategies.
- Offer advice on house staging to attract buyers and suggest improvements to boost the property’s value.
- Set up open houses and showings.
- Introduce sellers to reliable contractors and experts in their field.
- Protect the seller’s interests by negotiating with the buyer’s agent and suggesting safeguards like appraisal guarantees and escalation clauses.
- Provide workable answers when issues occur
2. Buyer’s agent
Conversely, buyer’s agents work to safeguard their client’s best interests by assisting them in discovering properties that meet all of their criteria and expertly negotiating bids to outbid other purchasers in a seller’s market.
According to Biedenharn, “A buyer’s agent’s job is to work with listing agents to identify a suitable property for their client, either on or off the market, and to assist them in negotiating the most favourable purchase price, terms, and conditions possible.” “[Buyer’s agents] aid their clients in securing the property and negotiating the sale in today’s heated real estate market,”
The National Association of Realtors® offers an Accredited Buyers’ Representative Designation, which many buyer’s agents hold.
3. Designated agent
When one real estate broker or agent promotes the interests of the seller and another broker or agent advocates for the interests of the buyer, they are said to be “designated agents” or “designated agencies.”
One agent works for the seller while the other for the buyer, as Biedenharn explains. Biedenharn, however, notes that there may be exceptional cases.
While uncommon, Biedenharn says it’s possible to find yourself in a “dual agency scenario” when you mediate between a seller and a buyer client after an unrepresented buyer visits an open house or responds to a sign.
4. Dual agent
A dual agency exists in real estate when one agency or agent represents the seller and the buyer. A broker acting in a transaction may represent both parties, but they are not acting as fiduciaries. Because of the potential conflict of interest, eight states have made acting as a dual agent unlawful. However, even these jurisdictions sometimes permit doubling up.
The majority of agents in my region operate on both sides unless they are part of a team structure where it is not permitted, according to Biedenharn.
Otherwise, Biedenharn believes it is beneficial to work with someone who has previous experience working both on the sales and buy sides because they can cross that bridge, understand what a seller is seeking, are aware of what buyers are looking for, and can assist clients in understanding what the opposite side is going through. It’s a win-win situation since both parties receive what they want (purchasing or selling the house), and nobody loses money.
Possible additional advantages of using a dual agent or agency include the following:
- One point of contact between the customer and the supplier facilitates better communication.
- An agent who represents both the buyer and the seller has additional information at their disposal.
- Sellers might save money by working with a dual agent willing to take a lower commission.
9 Best Tips On How To Choose A Real Estate Agent
Choosing a real estate agent in Australia used to be next to impossible due to the absence of independent, open, and easily accessible data on agent performance. This problem is exacerbated by the wide variation in competence among Australia’s real estate agents.
The same holds for real estate agencies. Franchise firms spend millions to make you think that every Ray White, LJ Hooker, and McGrath agent is the same, yet this is not the case.
Whether you earn a profit or lose thousands of dollars depends entirely on the particular real estate agent, including their competence, motivation, abilities, experience, and support staff.
If you’re looking for a real estate agent, choose someone with unique abilities and expertise. Here are eight top suggestions for identifying and selecting an excellent broker.
1. Get A Local Area Expert
If you want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, you should work with a real estate agent who knows the region well and has an extensive database of qualified buyers.
The best real estate agents network with prospective purchasers, keeping in contact and alerting their clientele whenever a property matching their criteria comes onto the market.
Buyers like these are usually serious about making a purchase and are willing to spend the full asking price since they have been searching for a home for some time and may have lost out on a similar one.
Only use an agent to sell your home if they can demonstrate a history of closing deals in the immediate vicinity, preferably on the same street.
2. Choose A Specialist For Your Type Of Property
The procedure of selling a studio apartment is quite different from that of selling a three-story heritage-listed terrace.
You need an agent with expertise selling properties like yours since so many variables are at play, from heritage and strata difficulties to the demographics of the possible purchasers.
If you choose an unqualified realtor, they may need help finding potential purchasers for your home, providing you with an accurate valuation, and suggesting costly improvements that don’t increase the property’s worth. This might lead to over-capitalization.
3. Ask About Marketing Knowledge
It’s essential to pay attention to the value of a person’s ability to present the property in the best light.
An excellent real estate agent will know when and where to take pictures, how long to leave the house available for viewings, whether open house furnishings are necessary, whether to seek vacant possession, etc.
According to a study by LJ Hooker, property style adds anywhere from 7.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent to the ultimate sales price of a home. If done correctly, the appreciation might be enough to pay your agent’s fee and some.
4. See Their Advertising Plans
This goes beyond posting ads on real estate websites and handing out fliers. An excellent real estate agent will research the typical homebuyer in the area, then tailor their advertising and sales strategy to appeal to that group specifically.
To attract the right buyers, a high-end property can benefit from selective advertising in business publications and private showings at convenient times for potential purchasers, such as after work.
Agents’ use of marketing and advertising tools also improves daily because of technological advancements. A savvy real estate agent may be ahead of the curve when it comes to using cutting-edge methods of marketing real estates, such as Facebook and Instagram advertisements, drone photography, and emailing lists.
5. Pick The Right Property Sale Method
It is entirely up to you to decide how to sell your house, but an excellent real estate agent will explain the pros and cons of each option and help you make an informed decision.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using each of the three main types of sales processes (tender/expression of interest, private treaty, and auction). Some are better suited to generic, low-end assets with a noticeable market worth, while others might be used for rare, high-end properties that defy straightforward valuation.
If a realtor can’t provide a strategy for selling your home and give you a thorough explanation of their reasoning, you should go elsewhere.
6. Qualified Buyer Identification & Database
One of the essential skills, if not the most important, of a competent real estate agent is the ability to quickly and professionally determine who is interested and in a position to purchase and then merge them to create a profitable, time-restricted bidding atmosphere.
This goes beyond the simple act of collecting contact information at the front desk.
Foreseeing future sales requires agents to establish relationships inside their communities. They need information on who is in the market to purchase or sell and what kind of homes they are considering.
Inexperienced agents sometimes need to realise the value of knowing which potential buyers to approach, which reflects in the final selling price.
7. Comparative Market Analysis
It is essential, especially during negotiations, to be aware of other comparable properties in the marketplace (your competition) and to grasp your property’s relative strengths and limitations.
Real estate agents must pay attention to the major and minor details of your home and comparable homes in the region. Then, they have to make estimates of property values, often with little data to back them up.
Only a knowledgeable agent with prior success in the market can assess the value of a client’s situation and determine the optimal course of action.
8. Explore Their Negotiation Skills
The real estate agent’s confidence in your property’s worth and position in the marketplace depends on their extensive familiarity with the local market and similar properties.
Your house will sell for the highest possible price if you work with a seasoned realtor who is comfortable discussing the asking price, properly qualifying buyers, and speaking authoritatively on recent comparable transactions.
One of the most valuable qualities in a business partner is someone who understands when to fold and why. Good real estate brokers understand the dynamics between home sellers and purchasers, and they have the experience and tools necessary to manage their clients’ expectations about price and timeline properly.
9. Meet Their Quality Support Staff
Since top agents may have up to fifteen active listings at once, they often employ one, two, or even three assistant staff to help them out. When choosing an agent, it’s essential to consider their level of expertise and the time frame and scope of their involvement.
Having an assistant or other supporting real estate agent helps the leading agent focus on what they do best: negotiating the most excellent price for your home.
The Bottom Line
Real estate agents help the vast majority of homebuyers and sellers. They are paid a commission for their efforts, often a tiny fraction of the total selling price.
Although the seller is typically responsible for the fee, it is often reflected in the asking price. Therefore, any real estate costs are passed on to the buyer.
Remember that commission rates are always up for discussion. You may avoid paying high commission costs by selling your home or working with a flat fee or bargain broker.
On the other hand, homebuyers can search the top real estate websites for available properties without ever interacting with a real estate agent.