What Is A Sellers Agent?

A Trusted Guide Who’ll Help You Sell Your Home

 

Ready to list and sell your home? There are many complexities that you may not think about, which is why you really want a trusted guide to help you. A seller's agent, also known as a listing agent, is a real estate professional who represents the property owner in a real estate transaction. Their primary responsibilities include marketing the property, attracting potential buyers, negotiating offers, and guiding the seller through the entire sales process to achieve the best possible outcome. They act in the seller's best interests and help ensure a smooth and successful sale.

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Benefits of using a sellers agents

A sellers agent will guide you through the home-selling transaction and be at your disposal for any questions or concerns. Here are some of the things a sellers agent will do:

Expert Pricing Strategy. A seller's agent uses market analysis and expertise to set a competitive and accurate listing price, maximizing your property's value and attracting serious buyers.

Professional Marketing. They handle marketing efforts, including high-quality photos, listing on multiple platforms, staging advice, and hosting open houses, to showcase your home to the right audience.

Access To A Network of Buyers. Seller's agents often have access to an extensive network of potential buyers and other agents, increasing the chances of a quick and competitive sale.

Negotiation Expertise. With their experience in negotiations, they can secure the best possible price and terms for your property while navigating offers, counteroffers, and contingencies.

Knowledge Of The Legal Process. They guide you through the paperwork, contracts, and legal requirements, ensuring compliance with local laws and avoiding costly mistakes.

Time-Saving and Stress Reduction. A seller’s agent manages showings, schedules, and inquiries, saving you time and reducing the stress of selling your home.​​

Market Insight. Their understanding of market trends helps you make informed decisions about timing and pricing strategies to achieve the best results.

Support During Closing. They coordinate with appraisers, inspectors, and title companies to ensure a smooth and successful closing process.​

 

Buyer’s vs. listing agent: What’s the difference?

Buyer’s agents are legally bound to help buyers, whereas listing agents—the agent representing the home listing—have a fiduciary duty to the home seller. “That’s why it’s in your best interest as a buyer to get an agent who is there to represent you,” explains Alex Cortez, a Realtor with Wailea Village Properties LLC in Kihei, HI. “Think about it this way: If you were getting sued, would you hire the same attorney as the person suing you? Of course not. You need someone who will diligently fight for your interests and rights.”

 

Let’s say, for instance, you walked up to the listing agent at an open house and gushed about how you love the home and want to buy it, but you will need to move soon because you’re expecting your second child and need to decorate the nursery pronto, or the lease on your rental is up in a couple of months. A seller’s agent could then use this information against you by informing the seller that your clock is ticking, so they shouldn’t budge too much on their asking price—or at all.

 

Yet make this same confession to the buyer’s agent you’re working with, and it’s all fine—this professional would know to keep this info private from sellers (and their agents) so it can’t be used against you.

 

How to find a buyer’s agent

A good buyer’s agent can ease your way to homeownership—and a bad one can result in a bumpy ride. As such, don’t just take the first buyer’s agent you meet (which is what two-thirds of home buyers do), or blindly accept the recommendation from a friend (over half do this). Instead, it’s best to interview at least three agents and ask them a few questions, including the following:

• What neighborhoods do you specialize in? Real estate requires local expertise, so you should find an agent who’s extremely familiar with the areas you’re interested in.

• What’s your schedule and availability? Part-time agents who are committed can do a fine job, but if the house of your dreams pops up or you encounter last-minute closing snafus, you want an agent who will be readily reachable.

• How long have you been a real estate agent? You ideally want someone with a couple of years of experience, and a proven track record of selling homes.

 

The agent/seller contract

Once you agree to work with an agent, you will have to sign a contract called an "Exclusive Right to Sell" Agency Agreement outlining the agent’s services and compensation (more on that next). This contract also means that this agent will be your sole representative and that you won’t work with other seller's agents.

 

How much do seller's agents cost?

Compensation for both the agent representing the seller and the agent representing the buyer are negotiable. That means it will always be a discussion and a question you should ask. Typically (but not always) the seller pays for the compensation for the buyers agent in addition to their own agent. Buyer and seller agents will work for different amounts depending on the quality of service, marketing, expertise, and other factors.