Find the Right Agent, Close the Best Deal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step #1: Use Agent Finder to match with top investor-friendly<\/strong><\/em> real estate agents to help you find, analyze, and close your next deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re ready to buy properties to add to your investment portfolio, you might wonder, \u201cWhat is a real estate agent, and do I need one?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working with a real estate agent has many benefits, whether you buy or sell properties. Here’s everything you must know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A real estate agent is a licensed professional who can facilitate the real estate transaction process. Most agents work on commission and can represent buyers or sellers; however, some work as dual agents, representing both parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A real estate agent represents the chosen party in the legal negotiations and ensures all necessary pieces work together to complete the process. Real estate agents typically have to share their commissions with the brokerage they work under.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A real estate agent does a lot for buyers and sellers, including the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For buyers, real estate agents help them understand the area, school district ratings, local amenities, and details about specific neighborhoods. They are the eyes and ears of the area and provide their expertise to buyers to help them choose the right property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Real estate agents schedule showings for buyers and sellers. This takes the burden off either party, making phone calls and coordinating schedules. The real estate agent works around the buyer’s or seller’s schedule and informs both parties of the scheduled showing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Negotiation is the hard part of the process, and fortunately, the real estate agent acts as the buffer between buyers and sellers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on whom the agent is working for, the agent tries to get the best deal (either the lowest price for buyers or the highest for sellers). The real estate agent also facilitates other negotiations, such as repairs or credits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Real estate agents often work closely with other real estate professionals and can help you get the services you need. They may work with mortgage professionals, title companies, appraisers, or insurance agents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Real estate agents also assist buyers and sellers in sifting through the piles of required paperwork. While some documents require the attention of the buyer or seller, the real estate agent helps makes it as stress-free as possible and ensures all deadlines are met to avoid any delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Real estate agents can work for one side of the real estate transaction or both if they wish. Here\u2019s how it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A buyer’s agent strictly represents buyers. The agent searches the MLS listings and keeps their eyes and ears open for new homes going on the market. They set up appointments for buyers to view the properties if they like what the agent shows them and handles the negotiations for the buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The buyer\u2019s agent accompanies the buyers to the properties and helps them determine if it\u2019s a good fit based on what they want and can afford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A real estate agent can help buyers locate mortgage financing, determine the right offer, and complete all the necessary paperwork to purchase the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A seller\u2019s agent or listing agent represents the sellers. The agent helps the sellers stage the house, recommending any necessary repairs or changes to make the home the most attractive for the area\u2019s typical buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A seller\u2019s agent also provides sellers with a comparative analysis<\/a> so they can determine the right asking price based on recent sales in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seller’s agents coordinate with buyer’s agents for potential buyers to view the home, but typically aren’t present during the showing, as that’s the buyer’s agent’s job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A dual agent represents buyers and sellers in the same transaction. This isn\u2019t legal in all states. Currently, it is illegal in the following eight states<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes it’s beneficial to work with a dual agent, especially if it’s your agent who listed a property you’re interested in purchasing. As long as you don’t feel the conflict of interest is too great and both parties receive ample representation, it can make the process go quicker, with more seamless communication between parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people assume they can work without a real estate agent<\/a>. While it\u2019s possible, there are many benefits to doing so, no matter what type of real estate transaction you\u2019re conducting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buyers don\u2019t pay real estate agent commissions, which is the largest benefit for them. You get to use the services and not pay anything. The seller is responsible for the commission. While the fee is likely wrapped into the home\u2019s sales price, you aren\u2019t paying yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other benefits you may realize as a buyer include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sellers pay the real estate agent’s commission but get many benefits from paying this commission. The listing agent shares commissions with the buyer’s agent, which is why the buyer doesn’t pay anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefits of sellers using a real estate agent include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Investors also benefit from using a real estate agent. Even though you aren’t buying a home to live in yourself, there are benefits you enjoy, including: A real estate agent is a single person who can represent buyers or sellers. They have a real estate license and can facilitate the process. A real estate broker<\/a> also has a real estate license, but they also have a broker license, which requires an additional exam.\u00a0 Brokers can hire agents to work under them, handle escrow money transfers, and deal with legal disputes. Real estate agents share commissions with their brokers.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Real estate agents and Realtors\u00ae are both licensed in real estate.\u00a0The difference is that Realtors joined the National Association of Realtors\u00ae<\/a>, a trade association that represents Realtors across the country. All Realtors pledge to follow a strict code of ethics, and they get special perks to help boost their careers.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDual agent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nBenefits of Working With a Real Estate Agent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Buyer\u2019s benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Seller\u2019s benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Investor\u2019s benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Real Estate Agent FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n\n\nWhat is the difference between a real estate agent and a broker?<\/h3>\n
\n\n\nWhat is the difference between a real estate agent and Realtor\u00ae?<\/h3>\n
\n\n\nHow do real estate agents get paid?<\/h3>\n
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