The world of real estate can be challenging and a bit confusing at times. Hiring a real estate agent is a great way
to navigate the real estate market in your area.
Before hiring an agent, you need to assess your needs. First answer, do you need to acquire a selling or listing
agent? What will the commission fees be? What kind of personality and experience do you need to make the process as
coherent as possible?
Listing agent vs selling agent
If you want to sell your home, consider hiring a listing agent. Listing agents represent the party selling a
property. They will promote your home and find the right ways to make your property more competitive within your
target market.
A selling agent, also known as the buyer’s agent – which may sound counterintuitive, acts on behalf of the potential
buyer to buy a property. A seller’s agent will do research on local properties that best suit the buyer’s budget and
search criteria.
Until the contract is signed, this agent is referred to as a buyer’s agent and post-contract signing, they are
referred to as the selling agent.
Commission fees
The selling agent commission price may seem daunting. However, paying this fee ensures you have a proficient real
estate professional on your side to help navigate the legality of real estate transactions.
Once a property is sold, the home seller pays the brokerage of the listing agent. The brokerage will then give the
listing agent a portion of the commission fee. The national standard commission rate hovers around 6% total for
buyer and seller agents.
Finding your perfect real estate agent
Whether you are searching for a listing or seller agent, it is important to assess their credentials and make sure
their expertise fits your criteria. Do they understand your local market? Are they a good negotiator? Can they
market your home for the best price to get it sold quickly, so you can continue with your journey?
Overall, the cost of hiring a listing or seller’s agent is worth the expense. Both of these real estate agents will
mediate between the buyer and seller and keep the situation calm when emotions run high.