Read It In A Snap.

If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, you may already be looking for a good real estate agent to help you achieve your goal. Regardless of which end of the real estate transaction you’re on, a trusted real estate agent is a crucial part of the process. Yet you may be confused about the type of agent you need. The roles of a listing agent and selling agent are very different, yet they are both necessary. Whether you’re thinking of selling your home or you’re a buyer looking for your dream property, understanding these two roles is key to navigating the process with confidence.

Here’s what you need to understand before you start any real estate transaction, and what a JAG agent says you should look for before you hire someone.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’ll want to find a listing agent right away. This agent represents the seller in a transaction. And this agent will list your home properly on the market.

One of the most important things a listing agent does is set the price for your home. Because of their expertise and knowledge of the local housing market, these agents can determine that price based on a combination of information. That typically includes insights into the current real estate market conditions, including what supply and demand looks like, interest rates, and more. In addition, they have access to the data that allows them to research similar properties, known as comps, which can help them evaluate pricing.

A good listing agent will also help a seller prepare the house to ensure it is marketable and will sell quickly. They will make recommendations that will make your house look its best. They’ll also work with their marketing team to take high-quality photos for the listing. Once the listing is live, they will show the home and host open houses. When an offer is made, they will work with the seller to tackle negotiations and paperwork, helping you through the process until closing.

In the Triangle area, the listing agent’s pay is typically around 3 percent of your home’s selling price. As a seller, the pay comes out once you’ve sold the home and the transaction is finalized.

If you’re considering buying, a selling agent is the person you want to talk to. The selling agent represents the buyer in a real estate transaction. And while the term “selling agent” might seem confusing, there’s an easy way to help keep it clear. Upon finalization of the contract and purchase, the selling agent found the buyer who ultimately purchased the home and ensured the transaction happened. Hence the name.

A selling agent’s top goal is to help a potential buyer find the right home for their needs. Based upon a buyer’s wish list, an agent identifies the homes they believe will suit the client’s needs. The agent will set up showings and take buyers through the homes to tour them. They will also present sellers with clients’ offers, then help their clients close on the home.

Having a good agent as a buyer can be crucial in a competitive market like that of the greater Raleigh Durham area. You need someone who knows the market well and who can help you negotiate easily. You’ll want to ensure you find a great agent who has your best interest in mind. You’ll also need to sign a Buyer Agency Agreement with your agent before you begin touring homes.

Like the listing agent, the selling agent typically receives a commission between 2 and 3 percent. Because of new rule changes agreed to by the National Association of REALTORS®, the buyer may pay that commission. However, buyers can negotiate for the seller to pay, which is then formalized in the Buyer Agency Agreement.