If you’re planning on buying or selling a home this year, you may be considering working with a real estate agent. A good real estate agent can make the process of buying or selling a home easier, less stressful, and help you get the right deal. But what exactly does a real estate agent do?
This Redfin article outlines the job of a real estate agent and their responsibilities. Whether you’re selling a home in Baltimore, Maryland, or buying a home in Charlotte, North Carolina, here’s what you can expect from your real estate agent throughout the process.
Important points
A real estate agent is a professional qualified to represent buyers or sellers in the purchase or sale of a home. A good real estate agent will understand the local housing market, guide you through the buying or selling process, and advocate for your goals. They typically take a commission of a percentage of the home’s final sale price, but this amount is negotiable.
What does a real estate agent do?
A real estate agent is a qualified professional who helps clients buy, sell, and rent real estate. To become a real estate agent, you must complete state-required courses and pass a licensing exam. Once licensed, agents typically work for a broker.
There are generally three types of real estate agents:
Buyer’s Agent: A buyer’s agent is a representative of a potential home buyer. They can show you properties, answer questions along the way, and help you make an offer on a home. Seller’s Agent: Also known as a listing agent, a seller’s agent represents homeowners who are looking to sell. They market properties, attract buyers, and negotiate with potential buyers. Dual Agent: Represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction. This practice is restricted or prohibited in some states due to the potential for conflicts of interest, so please check your local laws.
What services does a real estate agent provide?
A professional real estate agent is your personal advocate. They should be able to provide you with the insight and support you need to make informed decisions, whether you’re selling or buying. Every real estate agent should be able to provide the following services:
Local Market Expertise We provide knowledge of neighborhoods, home prices, and the local housing market. If you’re selling, your agent will need to know whether now is a good time to sell, how much other homes have sold for recently, and what buyers are looking for. When you buy, your agent needs to know the inventory in the area and find homes that meet your criteria and fit your budget. Schedule viewings and open houses Guide home tours, point out features, and provide additional information about the property Set up open houses for buyers to view Guidance on the mortgage process Help understand pre-approval requirements Navigate financing options Find a lender that fits your needs Deal with negotiations Help identify negotiation opportunities, concessions, and other compromises Negotiate repairs or price reductions before the sale closes Manage the necessary documents Draft key documents such as offers Assist with the preparation of additional documents such as letters, sales agreements, and closing documents Supervise the closing process Provide updates on the transaction, answer questions, and proactively check in Recommend inspectors and other services such as maintenance specialists and cleaning companies
What does a buyer’s agent do?
Find a home to tour: Your agent can help you find a home that fits your requirements and budget. They will send you potential homes, listen to your wishes, and suggest neighborhoods that meet your criteria and budget. Providing housing advice: Real estate agents have experience viewing and inspecting homes, so they can provide reliable advice about properties. For example, they may see red flags in your home that you don’t notice. They could likely have insight into why the home is on the market, whether the seller is in a hurry to sell, or whether the home has been recently renovated. Lender Recommendations: Our agents work with many lenders in the area and can recommend one that fits your needs. Your purchasing agent should also know about any homebuyer assistance programs you may be eligible for. If you need a professional home inspection, such as for sewer or termites, your agent will refer you to the appropriate specialist. Create and submit an offer: Your agent will guide you through the process of creating an offer and negotiating the best deal. They will know what emergencies to include, what deadlines to request, and more.
What does a listing agent do?
Helping you price your home: Your agent can help you determine the right price to list your home. They use comparable properties, which are recently sold homes in the same area as yours, to determine the value of your home. Your agent will ask questions about the home’s features in order to set a competitive price. Suggest minor updates and staging: Your agent will know what will help your home stand out. For example, they may suggest simple upgrades like a fresh coat of paint, changing a light bulb, or removing personal items from your home. If your furniture is worn out, we may recommend using a professional stager to help make your home look updated. Marketing your home: Real estate agents are experts in marketing real estate, so they can help you sell your home. From coordinating and staging listing photos to marketing your home online and during home tours, your agent will highlight your home’s best features. You can also use your network to attract potential buyers. Analyze offers: The best offer isn’t always the best offer. If you have multiple offers on your home, your agent can help you choose the right offer and negotiate the deal that best fits your needs.
Real estate agent vs Realtor®
Your real estate agent may also be a Realtor®. A Realtor® is an agent or broker affiliated with the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). As of May 2025, the number of Realtors® is approximately 1.45 million. 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 heard of the term real estate agent, but you may be wondering how this differs from a real estate agent. A broker is a licensed agent with additional certifications who can manage a team of agents and form a brokerage firm. Real estate agents must work under an intermediary. States such as Colorado and New Mexico require all agents to have an associate broker license.
Frequently asked questions about real estate agents
How can I find a real estate agent?
There are many ways to find a reliable real estate agent. For example, you can look up real estate agents in your area online, talk to family and friends, or contact a lender.
Who pays real estate brokerage fees?
The buyer and seller negotiate who will pay the real estate agent’s commission. Prior to the 2024 NAR settlement, sellers typically paid both the buyer’s and seller’s agents. Redfin expects sellers to continue to pay buyer agent fees in many transactions, but these fees are increasingly being negotiated as part of the offer.
When should I work with a real estate agent?
Generally, you are not required by law to work with an agent to buy or sell a home. If you choose to work with an agent, you may be required to sign a contract that outlines your services and compensation. Buyers may be asked to sign a buyer agency agreement, while sellers must sign a listing agreement before putting their home on the market.
At Redfin, our buyer agreements are flexible. Before the first tour, clients sign a simple fee agreement online without the need for exclusive representation. A buyer’s agency agreement is only required when submitting an offer (unless required in advance by local law) and can be canceled if the offer is not accepted.
Other agents may have more stringent terms and conditions and may charge buyers a fee even if they don’t buy the home. Please be sure to review the cancellation terms before signing.
Do I need a real estate agent?
It is possible to buy and sell a house without going through a real estate agent. Remember, a good agent can provide valuable insight into the local housing market, offer advice along the way, and make the process less stressful.
What is a closing agent?
Closing agents are real estate professionals who manage the final stages of real estate transactions. We will ensure that all documentation is properly completed and funds are distributed correctly. We coordinate between buyers, sellers, and lenders to ensure that all legal and contractual obligations are met before the ownership of a property is officially changed.
What does a commercial real estate agent do?
Commercial real estate agents specialize in selling commercial real estate such as office buildings and shopping centers. They typically have the same responsibilities as residential real estate agents, but have additional experience when it comes to renting commercial properties.
