A real estate agent helps buyers and sellers navigate the process of buying and selling homes. These professionals have extensive knowledge of local property values, schools and neighborhoods. They can help you find the best home for your budget and make sure you’re ready to submit an offer when you find a home that suits you.

They’re also great at helping you get preapproved for a mortgage, so you can shop for homes with ease and know exactly what you can afford to spend on your new home. They’ll also help set up your appraisal and inspections, and they often have a network of reputable people who do these types of services on their behalf.

How They Make Money

Real estate agents and brokers are typically paid a commission by their clients, which is a percentage of the total amount of money exchanged during a transaction. This is different from other professional services, like attorneys or accountants, who earn by the hour. Click here https://www.windycitysolutions.com/sell-my-aurora-house-fast/

 

Depending on your circumstances, your real estate agent may work for a larger brokerage or be an independent contractor. Regardless, it’s important to negotiate the terms of their compensation before you begin working with them.

How a Realtor Represents You

As an agent, you’ll need to work closely with a listing broker if you’re selling your home. This person will negotiate with buyers, present a range of offers and help you negotiate the final sale price for your home.

A good listing agent will also be able to recommend other real estate professionals that can assist with the home buying process, such as a mortgage broker and a real estate attorney. They can also help you with the home inspection and closing procedures, which are critical to a smooth transaction.

How They Support You

The buying and selling of a home is stressful, and your agent should be there for you at every step of the way. They should provide advice, encouragement and a shoulder to cry on when things go wrong.

They should also help you understand the entire process, including what documents you need to sign and what questions to ask during the appraisal or inspection. If you’re a first-time buyer, you may need extra guidance and explanations about the home buying process.

 

How They Communicate With You

A real estate agent will communicate with you about upcoming showings and open houses, as well as about potential sales or new listings. You’ll want to choose an agent who can easily reach you, whether you prefer to receive updates by text message or by phone.

You’ll want to also be clear about how you want your communication to work, so you can ensure your needs are met. Some people prefer a lot of hands-on communication, while others don’t care about having their agent contact them every time a new property hits the market.

Choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when selling or buying your home. If you do your research and pick a professional who is reputable, knowledgeable and has a proven track record, you’ll be sure to get the best deal possible.