Real estate agent: what to know
What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.
What real estate agent is
An agent represents a seller or buyer in a property transaction, handling listing or search, pricing guidance, showings, offers, negotiation and the paperwork through closing. People hire one when buying or selling a home or land. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice, and no sale price or timing is promised.
Signs you need it
- You plan to sell your home and want help with pricing and marketing
- You are ready to buy and want help searching and making offers
- You are relocating and need someone who knows the area
- You received an offer and are unsure how to respond
- Your listing has not drawn interest
- You are buying or selling a property you have not handled before, such as land
What the pro does
- Meet to learn your goals, timeline and needs
- Explain the process from listing or search through closing
- For sellers, provide a market analysis, advise on preparing the home and market the listing
- For buyers, set up searches, arrange showings and help compare homes
- Help write, present and negotiate offers and counteroffers
- Coordinate with the inspector, lender, title company and others through closing
What changes the price
Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.
- The price of the home and local market conditions
- How the agent is paid and who pays, which is set out in a written agreement
- Whether you are buying, selling or both
- The type of property, such as a home, land or a multi unit
- The marketing and services included
- The length of the agreement
- Whether the agent works alone or on a team
What a written quote should spell out
- The agent's compensation and who pays it, in writing
- Length of the agreement and how to end it
- Marketing and services the agent will provide
- Whether the agent represents only you or may represent both sides
- Costs you may owe separately, such as inspections and appraisals
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed in this state, and what is your license number?
- Do you work with buyers, sellers or both, and how many homes do you handle at a time?
- How do you set a listing price or evaluate an offer?
- How are you paid, and what does the agreement say about ending it?
- Will you represent only me in the transaction?
- Who will I work with day to day?
- How do you communicate and how often?
Red flags
- An agent who promises a particular sale price or time to sell
- Pressure to sign a long agreement without explanation
- An agent who will not explain how they are paid
- An agent who suggests skipping an inspection
- An agent who cannot show a license when asked
What you can do yourself
You can prepare by looking at recent sales near you, visiting open houses, and getting a mortgage pre approval if you are buying. Sellers can declutter, clean and gather records of repairs. Agents help with pricing, negotiation and paperwork. Legal questions belong with a real estate attorney and tax questions with a CPA.
Licenses and permits
Real estate agents are licensed by the state. Ask for the license number and check it with the state real estate licensing agency.
Real estate agent questions
Can an agent guarantee a sale price?
No. The market and buyers decide.
Can an agent represent both sides?
Rules vary by state and require disclosure. Ask the agent.
Do I have to sign an agreement?
Many agents use written agreements. Read the terms and ask about ending them.
How does an agent get paid?
Compensation arrangements vary. Ask for them in writing before signing.
About this guide
This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
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