How a Real Estate Agent Works

A real estate agent serves a vital role in helping people buy and sell property. They

help buyers find homes they can afford and guide sellers through a sale that is

legally and financially sound. Many agents work as independent contractors,

meaning they set their own hours and balance their time between administrative

tasks and income-producing activities.

A typical day for a real estate agent starts with networking and meeting potential

clients. This means attending real estate events, giving out business cards and

following up with contacts via email, phone or regular mail. Many agents also pursue

professional certifications and designations to improve their skills and marketability.

Once an agent has a client, they typically spend the rest of the day working on their

behalf. This may include researching properties, touring homes and negotiating on

behalf of the buyer or seller. If they’re representing a buyer, an agent may also help

them navigate the financing process or make arrangements for home inspections

and appraisals.

Depending on their specialty, an agent may also spend the day scouting out new

listings. They may use apps to help them find properties, or they might check out

the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to get information that’s not available to the

public. When they’re presenting an offer to a seller, their job is to find out as much

about the seller and the property as possible so they can create the best bid that will

give them the highest chance of success.

If the transaction is going smoothly, an agent will help their client prepare for closing

and answer any questions that might arise. If the closing date changes, an agent will

let their client know and adjust other schedules accordingly. During the closing, an

agent will help their client review and sign papers, as well as make sure they

understand and agree with everything they’re signing.

Real estate is a commission-based industry, so an agent’s income can vary

significantly depending on their performance. Some agents choose to limit their

efforts and stay in a niche, while others are all-in and grind hard every day to bring

A good real estate agent will also keep up to date on local trends, such as average

home prices and sales figures, and they should be knowledgeable about the schools,

crime rates and amenities in their area. They’ll also be able to provide their clients

with helpful resources, such as mortgage calculators and budgeting tools. Finally,

they’ll be a source of support for their clients, whether they need a pep talk or a

shoulder to cry on. This is especially important during a stressful time, like when a

home seller or buyer is dealing with a difficult situation. Ultimately, an agent’s job is

to help their clients find the right property at the right price and close on it without

any issues. They do that by staying on top of their clients’ needs, listening to their

concerns and guiding them through the process.