![\"Buyer](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/amazingproperty.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Buyer-and-seller-agent.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Sometimes we don\u2019t focus on distinguishing between a buyer and seller agent<\/strong>, but understanding the differences is important when you\u2019re choosing someone to work with. The terminology can also get a bit confusing.<\/p>\n A buyer\u2019s agent is also called a selling agent because they help buyers find properties. A seller\u2019s agent is referred to a listing<\/a> agent.<\/p>\n For purposes of comparing the two, we\u2019ll call them a buyer and seller\u2019s agent, because this references who they work for. A buyer\u2019s agent represents buyers, and a seller\u2019s agent represents sellers.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re weighing whether or not you need an agent, when it comes to selling a home you can do it as an owner, but unless you\u2019re a great marketer and negotiator, you might not do as well as you could with a seller\u2019s agent. As a buyer, it can be even more important to have an agent representing you. Some seller\u2019s agents won\u2019t accept offers from buyers directly.<\/p>\n Beyond working out the terminology, the following are some differences between the two.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re selling a home and you hire an agent, you usually have an exclusive representation listing. That\u2019s an agreement between your agent and you as the seller. Then, once you sign this agreement, only the listing agent is entitled to receive a commission when your home sells. More specifically, the brokerage the seller\u2019s agent works for receives a commission and of that, the agent gets a percentage.<\/p>\n A buyer\u2019s agent is compensated when they work with the seller\u2019s brokerage and there\u2019s a deal for their clients to buy a home.<\/p>\n The primary difference between a buyer and a seller\u2019s agent is that they\u2019re representing different interests. The buyer\u2019s agent wants to make sure their client is getting the lowest possible price and most favorable deal when they decide to purchase a home. The seller\u2019s agent wants to make sure their client gets the most money for their home.<\/p>\n In some cases, the seller\u2019s agent can also represent the buyer, but this is illegal in some states.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no reason an agent can\u2019t sometimes work for sellers and others for buyers. In fact, many agents do this. On the other hand, some agents find they just like dealing with one side of the transaction better, so they may specialize.<\/p>\n A seller\u2019s agent\u2019s responsibilities can include:<\/p>\n \u2022 A seller\u2019s agent will see a property and do an initial walkthrough. During this time they might provide tips on how the seller can make the home more appealing to potential buyers. A buyer\u2019s agent\u2019s responsibilities include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Helping buyers with the preapproval<\/a> process if they\u2019re getting a mortgage loan<\/a>. Overall, while their roles are different, a buyer and a seller\u2019s agent have the same overall objectives. They want to represent their clients to the best of their ability and negotiate successful deals to closing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Compensation<\/h2>\n
Representing Different Interests<\/h2>\n
Can An Agent Be Both?<\/h2>\n
Responsibilities<\/h2>\n
\n\u2022 The seller\u2019s agent might provide referrals for professionals who can make needed updates to a home, and they can help a seller stage the property.
\n\u2022 Seller\u2019s agents work on marketing, which can include having professional photos taken.
\n\u2022 Seller\u2019s agents work with the homeowner to price their home accordingly. There has to be a balance between getting the highest possible price and selling the property in a reasonable amount of time.
\n\u2022 Other things seller\u2019s agents do include hosting tours and open houses<\/a>, negotiating issues including inspection issues with the buyer\u2019s agent, and helping with the closing process.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Finding properties they think will meet the criteria of their clients.
\n\u2022 Taking buyers on appointments to view potential properties.
\n\u2022 Helping buyers understand the value of a home as they work toward making an offer<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Coordination of communication between the mortgage lender, seller, buyer, and title officer.
\n\u2022 Helping with the closing process.<\/p>\n