What is a real estate agent?

One of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples’
lives is the purchase or sale of real estate, be it a house, condo, townhouse or some other investment property. Because of this complexity and significance, people typically seek the help of real estate brokers and sales agents when buying or selling real estate.

Condo Alexandria brokers and sales agents have a thorough knowledge of
the real estate market in Northern Virginia communities. Our brokers and agents know which neighborhoods will best fit our clients’ needs and budgets. Condo Alexandria real estate agents are familiar with local zoning and tax laws and know where to obtain financing. Agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in price negotiations between buyers and sellers.

According to the Burea of Labor Statistics:

• Real estate brokers and sales agents often work evenings and weekends and usually are on call to suit the needs of clients.
• A license to practice real estate is required in every State and the District of Columbia.
• Although gaining a job may be relatively easy, beginning workers
  face competition from well-established, more experienced agents and
  brokers.
• Employment is sensitive to swings in the economy, especially
  interest rates; during periods of declining economic activity and
  rising interest rates, the volume of sales and the resulting demand for
  sales workers fall.

You don’t need to know everything about buying and selling real estate
if you hire a real estate professional who understand real estate. Paraphrasing Henry Ford, when you hire people who are smarter than you are, it proves you
are smarter than they are. A real estate broker or agent acts as an intermediary between sellers and buyers of real estate (or real property as it is known elsewhere) and attempts to find sellers who wish to sell and buyers who wish to buy real estate.

When buying real estate, you may have several choices as to how you want a real estate firm and its agents to work with you. For example, you may want them to represent only you (as a buyer’s agent). You may be willing for them to represent both you and the seller at the same time (as a dual agent). Or you may agree to let them represent only the seller (seller’s agent or subagent). Some agents will offer you a choice of these services. Others may not.

If you are selling real estate, you may want to “list” your property for sale
with a real estate firm. If so, you will sign a “listing agreement” authorizing
the firm and its agents to represent you in your dealings with buyers as your
seller’s agent. You may also be asked to allow agents from other firms to help
find a buyer for your property.