Buying and selling real estate can be overwhelming processes. Words like escrow, appraisal, due diligence, and other terms seem complicated, especially if it’s your first time to buy or sell a home. Fortunately, a real estate agent can help you get a handle on everything by guiding you through the entire process. But before that, you need to know what kind of agent you need: a buyer’s agent or a listing agent?
Buyers agents and listing agents have different roles. Learn more about each type of agent below to help you decide which one to hire.
The difference between a buyer’s agent and a listing agent
The biggest difference between the buyer’s agent and the listing agent is the clients they serve.
A buyer’s agent (also known as a selling agent) caters to aspiring homeowners looking to buy properties in the areas they serve. A listing agent (also called a seller’s agent), on the other hand, specializes in helping homeowners sell their properties.
When a person puts their house up for sale, the listing agent takes over to oversee the entire home selling process. They will list the home, take inquiries, market the property, tour prospective buyers, and more. They also get in touch with buyer’s agents in hopes of striking the best possible deals.
To sum it up, a buyer’s agent is what you need if you are buying a home. If you are selling your property, you go to a listing or seller’s agent.
How to find a good buyer’s agent
A buyer’s agent does more than find a house for you. They will help you prepare for your home purchase and narrow down your options. They are also in charge of scheduling showings and asking the tough questions for you. They will try to negotiate the best deals and will in the process scrutinize every part of the home sale to make sure you’ll get exactly what you’ll pay for.
If you’re looking for a buyer’s agent, it’s important to find someone who specializes in the property you’re looking for. Always check a buyer’s agent’s sales history, whether through their own portfolio or by checking their references and reviews.
Your buyer’s agent should also have expert-level knowledge of the area you want to live in. This includes knowing each neighborhood within that market like the back of their hand. For example, a buyer’s agent who claims to specialize in West Palm Beach real estate for sale should know the types of homes in the area, the local real estate market conditions, amenities and facilities located nearby, and the average home price in West Palm Beach, among other things.
Click here to learn more about choosing the right luxury real estate agent.
How to find a good listing agent
A listing agent doesn’t just list your house on a real estate website and then call it a day. They need to actively market your house, suggest renovations to make your house more sellable, and help you stage your home for prospective buyers.
When looking for a listing agent, it’s important to find an agent with the dedication, the experience, and the time to properly market and sell your home. As it takes a lot of work to sell a home, you need a listing agent with the right bandwidth to do everything, from entertaining questions and scheduling showings to finding the right contractors when necessary. On top of it all, they should be able to communicate with you consistently and in the style or method you prefer.
When you first contact a prospective listing agent for a consultation, they should be able to respond with a detailed comparable market analysis (CMA) for your home. Inquire about their past sales experience, including the most recent properties they sold.
A listing agent should also know what home buyers want. This enables them to give you recommendations on how to improve your home’s value, whether it’s something as easy as changing the window curtains or as complex as a complete kitchen remodel.
Are you about to interview prospective listing agents? Here are several questions you need to ask your candidates. If you are still planning to sell your home, click here to learn more about the best home selling practices during a pandemic.
The right people for the job
For years, The Telchin Group has successfully helped many home buyers and sellers as a buyer’s agent and a listing agent. Let Eric Telchin and the rest of his team help you as your realtor in Ibis and West Palm Beach.
Call 561.301.0249 or email eric(at)thetelchingroup(dotted)com.