What Does a Real Estate Agent Do? A Guide for Buyers and Sellers

If you’re planning on buying or selling your home this year, then chances are you’re considering working with a real estate agent. A great real estate agent can help make the homebuying or selling process easier, less stressful, and help you get the right deal. But, what exactly does a real estate agent do?

In this Redfin article, we’ll outline what a real estate agent does and their responsibilities. Whether you’re selling a house in Baltimore, MD, or buying a home in Charlotte, NC, here’s what you can expect from your real estate agent throughout the process. 

What is a real estate agent?

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who assists clients in buying, selling, or renting properties. To become a real estate agent, individuals must complete state-required coursework and pass a licensing exam. Once licensed, agents typically work under a brokerage. There are three common types of real estate agents:

• Buyer’s agents: Buyer’s agents represent potential homebuyers. They show properties, answer questions along the way, and help make an offer on a home.
• Seller’s agents: Sometimes called listing agents, a seller’s agent represents homeowners looking to sell. They market the property, attract buyers, and negotiate offers. 
• Dual agents: Represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction, though this practice is restricted in some states due to potential conflicts of interest.

Real estate agent vs Realtor® 

Your real estate agent may also be a Realtor®. A Realtor® is an agent or broker who belongs to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Realtors® must adhere to NAR’s Code of Ethics, which outlines professional standards for working with clients and other real estate professionals. All Realtors® are real estate agents or brokers. However, not all real estate agents and brokers are Realtors®.

Real estate agent vs broker

You may have also heard the term real estate broker and wonder how that’s different from a real estate agent. A broker is a licensed agent who has earned additional certifications that allow them to manage a team of agents and open a brokerage company.

What do all real estate agents do?

A professional real estate agent is your personal advocate. They should be able to give you the insight and support you need to make informed decisions, from the time you start house-hunting until you get your keys. All real estate agents should be able to provide the following services. 

Local market expertise

A good real estate agent can provide knowledge about neighborhoods, home prices, and the local housing market. They should understand the area’s property values, amenities, and what homes are available. If you’re selling, your agent should know if now is a good time to sell, what other homes have recently sold for, and what buyers are looking for. If you’re buying, your agent should know about the area’s inventory, find you homes that match your criteria, and help you find homes in your budget. 

Schedule showings and open houses

Real estate agents can help you find the right time to tour a home or set up open houses for buyers to take a look. If you’re buying, your agent can send you houses to look at that meet your criteria and help you find a time to check out a property. Agents can also guide you through a home tour, point out unique features, and give you information about the house.

Guidance on the mortgage process

While real estate agents don’t provide loans, they often work closely with mortgage lenders and can help buyers:

• Understand pre-approval requirements.
• Navigate financing options.
• Find lenders who match their needs.

Handle negotiations

Real estate agents are qualified to negotiate for their client’s best interest. Therefore, a good agent should know what negotiations to make, concessions, and other compromises. For example, if a home appraisal is too low or an inspection reveals issues, a good real estate agent can help negotiate repairs or a lower price before the sale is finalized. 

Manage necessary paperwork

You can expect a lot of paperwork whether you’re buying or selling, but your real estate agent can help you along the way. They’ll draft important documents like offer letters and purchase and sale agreements. A good real estate agent will help you navigate additional paperwork like closing documents and more, especially if you’re a first-time buyer or seller. 

Oversee the closing process

The closing process can be a complicated process for both buyers and sellers, so your real estate agent should update you on the transaction. Your agent can recommend inspectors or other services like maintenance or cleaners. They can also answer any questions you have about the process and should actively check in with you.

What do buyer’s agents do?

• Find homes to tour: Your agent should help you find homes that meet your requirements and budget. They can send you homes that you may like, listen to your wants, and suggest neighborhoods that meet your criteria and budget. 
• Give advice about a home: Real estate agents have experience touring and examining homes, so they can give you trusted advice about a home. For example, they may see red flags you may not initially see. They may also have insight into why the home is on the market, if the sellers are in a hurry to sell, or if the home had recent renovations. 
• Recommend lenders and more: Agents have worked with numerous lenders in the area. They can likely give you recommendations for lenders that meet your needs. Buyer’s agents should also know about homebuyer assistance programs you may qualify for. If you need a specialized home inspection, like sewer or termite, your agent likely has information. 
• Write an offer and submit it: Your agent can guide you through the process of making an offer and negotiating the best deal. They’ll know what contingencies to include, what closing date to request, and more. 

What do listing agents do?

• Help price your home: Your agent will help you determine the right price to list your home. They’ll use comparable properties, which are recently sold homes in the area similar to yours, to help determine your home’s value. Your agent will ask you questions about your home’s features to ensure they’re pricing your house competitively.
• Suggest minor updates and staging: Your agent knows what will help your home stand out. For example, they may suggest quick upgrades like a fresh coat of paint, replacing lightbulbs, and removing personal belongings from the home. If you have worn furnishings, they may recommend using a professional stager to make your home look up-to-date. 
• Market your home: Real estate agents are experts at marketing properties so they can help you sell your place. From coordinating listing photos and staging your home to marketing your home online and during home tours, your agent will highlight your home’s best features. They can also use their network to attract potential buyers. 
• Analyze offers: The highest offer isn’t always the best offer. If you have multiple offers on your home, your agent can help you choose the right offer for your needs. They can also help negotiate the best deal for your needs. 

FAQs about real estate agents

How do I find a real estate agent?

There are plenty of ways to find a trusted real estate agent. For example, you can look online at real estate agents in your area, speak to family and friends, or ask your lender. 

Who pays the real estate agent fees?

Buyers and sellers negotiate who pays the real estate agent fees. Prior to the NAR settlement in 2024, sellers typically paid both buyer’s and seller’s agents. Redfin expects that sellers will continue to cover the buyer’s agent commission fee in many transactions, but increasingly, these fees will be negotiated as part of the offer.

When am I obligated to work with a real estate agent?

Buyers and sellers typically sign agreements before moving forward with an agent.

• Buyers may be asked to sign a buyer’s agency agreement before touring homes, outlining the agent’s responsibilities and commission.
• Sellers sign a listing agreement before putting a home on the market, detailing the agent’s role and fees.

At Redfin, buyer agreements are flexible. Before the first tour, clients sign a simple fee agreement online, which doesn’t require exclusive representation. A buyer’s agency agreement is only needed when submitting an offer (unless required earlier by local law) and can be canceled if the offer isn’t accepted.

Other brokerages may have stricter terms, sometimes requiring buyers to pay for services even if they don’t purchase a home. If an agent isn’t meeting expectations, review the agreement’s cancellation terms.

Do I need a real estate agent?

It’s possible to buy or sell a home without a real estate agent. Your agent can offer you invaluable insight about the local housing market, advise you along the way, and make the process less stressful. 

What is a closing agent?

A closing agent is a real estate professional who manages the final steps of a real estate transaction. They ensure that all documents are properly executed and funds are distributed correctly. They coordinate between buyers, sellers, and lenders to verify that all legal and contractual obligations have been met before the property officially changes ownership.

What does a commercial real estate agent do?

A commercial real estate agent specializes in selling commercial real estate – like office buildings and shopping centers. They typically have the same responsibilities as a residential real estate agent. Commercial real estate agents may also have experience leasing commercial properties.

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