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Listing Agent vs. Selling Agent: Understanding the Differences
Buying or selling a home can be a very complex and stressful experience for clients. That’s where a real estate agent’s education, experience, and specialties in the real estate field come into play. According to the National Association of Realtors, 89% of home buyers use a real estate agent to help navigate the buying process. But when it comes down to what type of Agent they should use, a common question among clients is the Difference between a listing agent and a selling Agent and the benefits each offers.Definitions of a Listing and Selling Agent
A listing agent helps clients to market and sell their homes, navigate the paperwork, and negotiate offers. A selling agent is a real estate professional who helps clients find and buy a new home. Listing agents help clients market and sell their homes while selling agents help them find and buy a new one. While their titles might sound similar, their transaction roles differ. Both listing agents and selling agents often work together to close the deal.Responsibilities of a Listing Agent
In short, the responsibilities of a listing agent can include the following:- Marketing the property
- Negotiating the listing agreement
- Pricing the property
- Handling showings and open houses
- Advising the Seller on necessary repairs or improvements
The Role of a Listing Agent in Real Estate
A listing agent’s job is to help clients sell their homes. They help the Seller create an accurate asking price for their home, stage their home for pictures and tours, and market their home on platforms like MLS and Zillow. A listing agent is also responsible for bringing buyers directly to the client and negotiating any offers made on the property. Finally, they help navigate complicated paperwork and the steps needed to close the sale.Responsibilities of a Selling Agent
The responsibilities of a selling agent revolve around helping home buyers find their dream property, including:- Showing the property
- Negotiating the purchase agreement
- Communicating with the listing agent and the Seller
- Coordinating inspections and appraisals
- Advising the Buyer on the offer and negotiation process
The Role of a Selling Agent in Real Estate
A selling agent is an industry professional who assists clients in finding a new home or property. A selling agent can be a realtor, a real estate agent, or a real estate broker.Critical Differences Between Listing Agents and Selling Agents
Those looking only to sell their homework with a listing agent to help price their home, find the right Buyer, and close the sale. But sellers looking to sell their home and simultaneously buy a new one will enlist a selling agent’s help to find homes that match their needs, perform home tours, confirm fair prices, and assist throughout the closing process. Working with a selling agent does cost more money as the Seller is responsible for commission fees. But agents do a lot of the heavy lifting when selling a home, so – between finding buyers and managing all the paperwork – the costs can be well worth it. The listing agent and selling Agent generally share the commission the property seller agreed to. For example, if the commission on a home is 8%, each Agent would get 4%. If the listing agent finds a buyer for the house on their own, they generally get to keep the entire commission. No matter how the home sells, the seller pays the same amount.So How Do Clients Choose the Right Real Estate Agent?
Many factors influence how clients pick the right real estate agent, including communication style, job specialties, Technology, referrals, licensing, education, and experience. Let’s explore a few of these below.-
Communication Style
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Technology
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Referrals from Friends & Family
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Education
