What Does A Realtor Do? Common Questions About Real Estate Answered

For a lot of people, the real estate business and all its many players is a bit of a mystery. Before I became a Realtor myself, I also wondered what the exact role real estate agents played in the process of buying or selling a home.

Part of that mystery, I believe, comes from how vast and varied the real estate business is. Your home buying or selling experience may be entirely different depending on the person you entrust with such a momentous task. I’ve had many of my clients express how surprised they were at how involved I am in the process and just how much work I do to help them into their perfect homes, because their past real estate agents were little more than ghosts who spoke to them once and then showed up at the closing to collect their commission.

So, maybe it’s not easy to explain what all Realtors do…but I can tell you what a GOOD real estate agent will do, and the extra bonuses my clients get from working with me. Furthermore, depending on whether you are trying to buy a new home or sell your current one (or both!), a buyer agent or seller agent will have different yet equally essential tasks to help you through those processes.

What Does A Real Estate Agent Do For Buyers?

My area of expertise in Horizon West, Florida has been a buyer’s market for years. We have so many beautiful communities always in development, and so many families from all over the world eager to make Central Florida their home. As such, I’ve seen just about everything when it comes to buyers, and I’ve helped my clients find their perfect homes by:

• Providing clients with resources for preapproval

• Accompanying clients to showings, inspections, walkthroughs, and closings

• Writing and submitting offers

• Handling communication and paperwork with other parties

• Advocating for clients to get them the best possible deal

Even if you aren’t one of my clients, you can benefit from my video tours and Sunday Drives around the community on my YouTube channel. However, as a client of mine, I’ll also keep you updated on your exact home through photo and video updates. That is not something most buyer agents will do…but I think it’s important for my clients to experience those exciting milestones, especially for those clients moving to Florida from out of state..

What Does A Real Estate Agent Do For Sellers?

In our area, we’ve started to see a lot more potential sellers looking to sell their home. The process of selling a home is very different from buying one, as you’re essentially sitting on the opposite side of the negotiation table.

As exciting as it is to move to a new home, I know from experience how difficult and stressful it can be at the same time, especially on the selling end. There are so many things to consider, and often you’re just trying to get the house clean, get your things packed, and get the paperwork over with so you can enjoy your new home stress-free. This is where real estate agents come in.

The primary responsibilities of a seller agent is to:

• Help you price your home correctly

• Market your home

• Facilitate showings

• Promote your home to other agents via the MLS

• Take in, negotiate, and manage offers and other paperwork

• Communicate with potential buyers, their agents, appraisers, etc.

• Simply make your life easier by taking the burden of the business off your shoulders

As your seller agent, my goal is two-fold. I work hard to make selling your home stress-free and easy while using my contacts, expertise, and experience to get you the best possible deal. Ultimately, this means that working with a seller’s agent saves you time and stress…while also likely getting you a better offer on your home than you would have gotten otherwise. Talk about a win-win!

For more information about selling your home and some of the biggest seller mistakes I see well-meaning folks (and inexperienced real estate agents) making, check out this video I made with my husband Eric about just that very topic and how to avoid making the same mistakes (hint: working with a stellar seller agent is the best way!)

How Much Does A Real Estate Agent Cost?

Just like the responsibilities of an agent differ depending on whether you are buying or selling your home, the way we Realtors earn our commission is also reliant on what side of the table you are on.

If you are buying a home, great news–I will never charge you to use me as your buyer agent. I receive my commission from the seller or builder, not from my clients. This means that I do not charge a single penny for all of those things mentioned above!

If you are selling your home, your agent will receive a commission from the sale. However, when you have a good agent on your side, they more than earn that percentage from all the time, stress, and money they save you. Not only will they handle a good deal of the nitty-gritty details for you, but they will also give you access to their professional resources that simply are not available when you sell your home without a representative.

Ultimately, when you work with me as your seller’s agent, you will get more than my commission in value. I bring with me years of experience and professional connections that will help me to get your home sold, both of which often give me and my clients first notice on upcoming opportunities and potential buyers.

How Can We Work Together?

I hope this little peek behind the curtain has helped demystify the role we Realtors play in the process of buying or selling your home. If you have more questions about how I can help you start the adventure for yourself, shoot me a text to my cell at 407-848-8042, get a free calculation of your home’s value through a Heart and Home Orlando HOMEPulse, or fill out a wish list right here on my website.