What are the responsibilities of a real estate agent?

Selling, buying or renting properties on a client’s behalf: were you thinking that the responsibilities of a real estate agent ended there? In addition to meeting with sellers and buyers, what exactly does a real estate agent do? The responsibilities are numerous, and every task has a potential effect on the outcome of a transaction.

One of the main responsibilities of real estate agents is to truly know the markets in which they operate. Agents have to constantly analyze all the real estate activities that concern their sector. They keep tabs on properties that come up for sale and study their specifications, location and asking price.

No clients means no money. To earn a living, real estate agents need to find clients; they shake hands, give out business cards, make phone calls, ring doorbells and send e-mails. Does that sound easy? Although most buyers and sellers use real estate agents for the sale or purchase of a property, competition is fierce. Real estate agents work hard to carve out a choice position for themselves.

Real estate agents have to spend a lot of time performing administrative tasks. They fill out brokerage documents, prepare descriptive sheets for their listings, take photos of their listed properties, do comparative research, coordinate appointments, conduct visits, write classified ads, advertise the properties and do data entry. Because of the huge workload, it isn’t unusual for the administrative responsibilities of a real estate agent to be delegated to an assistant.

When you hire a real estate agent to help you sell a property, the agent represents you during visits from prospective buyers. He or she will also negotiate with buyers according to your instructions. If you want to buy a house, the agent will begin by doing some research and suggesting properties that match your criteria. The agent will arrange visits and act as negotiator, should you decide to make an offer. Whether you’re a seller or a buyer, the real estate agent is present throughout the entire process, up until the final signature at the notary’s or lawyer’s office.

Lastly, good real estate agents make it their duty to continue their education and skills-building on an ongoing basis. It may not be one of the daily responsibilities of a real estate agent, but keeping current with the profession guarantees all the knowledge, skills and talent that you can rely on.