Most homebuyers enlist the services of a real estate agent or broker to help them with this complex transaction. A real estate agent is a person licensed by the state to handle real estate sales. A broker, also licensed by the state, is the person who may own a real estate company or has overall responsibility for the agent’s actions.
The buyer’s agent is generally paid a commission or percentage of the sale by the seller. This person can research homes in your price range and with your specific needs in mind. Agents can preview the homes for you, narrowing the list for you to see. They will assist you in negotiations when you are ready to make an offer on a house. The agent will write up a contract that presents your offer and any conditions you require. The agent presents the offer to the seller or their agent and negotiates any counter offers between you and the seller.
As with homebuyers, most home-sellers enlist the services of a real estate agent for a number of reasons: