A real estate agents guide can make buying or selling a home far less stressful. Whether someone is a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, working with the right agent changes everything. Agents handle negotiations, paperwork, and market research so their clients don’t have to. This guide covers what real estate agents do, how to pick the right one, what they cost, and how to build a productive working relationship.
Key Takeaways
- A real estate agents guide helps buyers and sellers navigate negotiations, paperwork, and market research with professional support.
- Choose an agent with at least three years of local experience and check reviews on Google, Zillow, and Realtor.com for consistent feedback.
- Interview at least three agents before hiring and ask about their transaction history, communication style, and marketing strategies.
- Real estate agent commissions typically range from 5% to 6%, but fees are negotiable—especially in competitive markets.
- Communicate your priorities clearly and respond promptly, as delays can cost you the right property in a fast-moving market.
- A skilled agent who negotiates effectively can save you far more money than you’d save by choosing cheaper representation.
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?
Real estate agents act as middlemen between buyers and sellers. They guide clients through the entire transaction process, from the first showing to the final signature.
For buyers, agents search listings, schedule property tours, and submit offers. They also negotiate prices, request repairs, and coordinate inspections. A buyer’s agent knows the local market and can spot overpriced homes or red flags a first-timer might miss.
For sellers, agents handle pricing strategy, marketing, and open houses. They photograph the property, write listing descriptions, and post on MLS databases. A good listing agent attracts qualified buyers and filters out time-wasters.
Real estate agents also manage paperwork. Purchase agreements, disclosure forms, and contingency clauses all require attention. Mistakes here can delay closings or create legal problems. Agents keep documents organized and ensure deadlines are met.
Beyond logistics, agents provide emotional support. Buying or selling a home is personal. A skilled agent keeps clients calm during bidding wars, inspection surprises, and last-minute hiccups. They’ve seen it all before, so they know what’s normal and what isn’t.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
Choosing a real estate agent matters more than most people realize. The wrong fit can cost time, money, and peace of mind.
Start by checking credentials. Licensed agents must pass state exams, but experience levels vary widely. Look for agents with at least three years of local experience. They’ll know neighborhood trends, school districts, and which streets flood after heavy rain.
Reviews help too. Check Google, Zillow, and Realtor.com for client feedback. Look for patterns, agents who communicate well get praised repeatedly. Those who ghost clients get called out.
Ask for referrals from friends or family who’ve recently bought or sold. Personal recommendations often outperform online searches. Someone you trust can describe what working with that agent actually felt like.
Consider specialization. Some agents focus on luxury homes, while others work primarily with first-time buyers. Investment properties require different skills than residential sales. Match the agent’s expertise to the transaction type.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agent
Before signing anything, interview at least three real estate agents. Here are questions that reveal whether someone is the right fit:
- How many transactions did you close last year? Active agents stay sharp. Part-timers may lack current market knowledge.
- What’s your communication style? Some agents prefer phone calls: others text constantly. Make sure preferences align.
- Can you provide references? Solid agents happily share contact info for past clients.
- What’s your marketing plan for my property? For sellers, this question exposes whether an agent will actually hustle.
- How do you handle multiple offers? Experienced agents have strategies for competitive situations.
Pay attention to how agents answer. Vague responses or defensiveness signal potential problems. The best real estate agents explain their process clearly and ask thoughtful questions in return.
Understanding Real Estate Agent Fees and Commissions
Real estate agents typically earn commissions based on the sale price. This fee usually ranges from 5% to 6% of the total transaction. But, recent legal changes have shifted how commissions work.
Traditionally, sellers paid the full commission, which was split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. After the 2024 NAR settlement, buyers may now negotiate and pay their agent directly. This change affects how real estate agents structure deals.
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical costs:
| Sale Price | 5% Commission | 6% Commission |
|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $15,000 | $18,000 |
| $500,000 | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| $750,000 | $37,500 | $45,000 |
Commissions are negotiable. Many sellers successfully reduce fees by 0.5% to 1%, especially in hot markets where homes sell quickly. Some discount brokerages offer flat-fee arrangements, though service levels vary.
Buyers should now discuss compensation upfront. Some real estate agents require signed buyer agreements before showing homes. Others remain flexible. Understanding these terms prevents surprises at closing.
Don’t let commission size alone drive the decision. A skilled agent who negotiates $20,000 off the purchase price earns their fee many times over. Cheap representation that costs a buyer $50,000 in overpayment is no bargain.
Tips for Working Effectively With Your Agent
A good relationship with a real estate agent requires effort from both sides. Clear communication makes transactions smoother.
Be honest about priorities. Tell the agent what matters most, price, location, timeline, or features. Mixed signals lead to wasted showings and frustration.
Respond promptly. Real estate moves fast. A delayed text can mean losing a property to another buyer. Keep the phone nearby during active searches.
Trust their expertise, but stay informed. Real estate agents know the market, but clients should research too. Understanding comparable sales helps everyone make better decisions.
Set expectations early. Discuss how often updates should happen and through which channels. Weekly check-ins work for some: daily texts suit others.
Provide feedback after showings. Don’t just say a house was “fine.” Explain what worked and what didn’t. This helps the agent refine future selections.
Respect boundaries. Agents work with multiple clients and have personal lives. Late-night calls about minor questions can damage the relationship.
When problems arise, and they will, address them directly. If an agent isn’t meeting expectations, say so. A professional will adjust. If not, it may be time to find someone else.
