Real Estate Agent
A licensed professional who helps clients buy, sell, or rent residential real estate.
Real estate agents are licensed at the state level and typically work under the supervision of a managing broker. They represent either buyers (buyer's agents) or sellers (listing agents, also called seller's agents), though dual agency is permitted in some states with full disclosure.
Agents earn commission on closed transactions, traditionally a percentage of the sale price split between buyer's side and listing side. Industry settlement changes in 2024 have moved more commission negotiation onto explicit written agreements between buyers and their agents.
Good agents bring market knowledge, negotiation experience, and a vetted network of inspectors, lenders, and attorneys. Ask for references, check recent transaction volume in your specific neighborhood, and interview at least two or three before committing to representation.
Related terms
Other terms you'll see alongside Real Estate Agent
A licensed real estate agent who represents the buyer's interests in a home purchase transaction.
A licensed real estate agent who represents the homeowner selling a property, also called a listing agent.
The signed contract between buyer and seller that defines the terms of a real estate sale.
Recent sales of similar nearby properties, used to support an appraiser's opinion of value.
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