Real estate agents and brokers are a necessary resource when buying or selling a home. Whether you want to buy or sell a house, condo, townhouse, or land, a real estate agent can help.
Real estate agents show properties to potential buyers. They also handle the paperwork involved in the purchase, prepare agreements, and help consumers secure mortgage loans. When selling a house, a real estate agent helps the seller get the best price based on the current market.
Real estate agents are not perfect. But they have many advantages. They can help you find and purchase properties, and they act as your advocate during the purchase or sale. They will give you advice on pricing and other matters related to the sale. They will also handle the paperwork involved, including contracts and title searches.
Real estate agents often list properties on websites, such as Realtor.com and Zillow. If you need help buying or selling a property, consider working with a real estate agent.
Other real estate roles include appraisers, real estate brokers, property managers, housing counselors, and warranty administrators.
Real estate agents can also earn money through commissions, referral fees, and bonuses. Real estate agents must work under a real estate broker or salesperson license.
Some states require real estate agents to pass an exam. Most states also require real estate agents to take continuing education classes.
Some real estate agents also work as real estate brokers, which means they handle the sale and purchase of real estate.
Real estate brokers usually need to pay a fee in order to list a property with a real estate agent. Real estate brokers sometimes work for real estate agencies or as independents.
Real estate brokers generally charge a commission on properties they list. The commission can range from 3 to 6 percent of the sales price. Some real estate brokers earn commission through referrals.