An agent is an individual who is authorized and consents to represent the interests of another person. As an agent, you act to assist people with the process of buying, selling, and renting land, homes, and other properties.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Real estate agents help people buy, sell and rent land and properties.

• Real estate agents spend time on active, income-producing work and extensive administrative paperwork.

• Successful real estate agents must win new clients by being personable, professional, and knowledgeable communicators.

• Successful agents use technology platforms to expand their marketing reach and knowledge base and gather relevant data.

What Real Estate Agents Do

In addition to meeting licensing requirements and having a comprehensive understanding of pertinent real estate laws, real estate agents have a long list of responsibilities. These agents typically do the following:

• Advise clients on mortgages, market conditions, and pricing

• Advise sellers on how they can make their homes more attractive to buyers

• Compare properties to determine fair and competitive market prices

• Generate lists of appropriate properties for buyers based on their price range and needs

• Guide buyers and sellers through the transaction

• Manage lists of contacts

• Mediate negotiations between buyers and sellers

• Prepare and submit all required paperwork, including various contracts

• Present all purchase offers to sellers for consideration

• Promote properties through advertising, listing services (such as MLS), and open houses

• Show properties to prospective buyers

• Solicit potential clients to buy, sell, and rent properties

• Stay current with real estate laws and trends

• Work nights and weekends to accommodate clients' needs