Job Description for a Realtor
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Are you looking for a job description for a Realtor? Real estate agents perform a variety of duties, each of which is part of the process of buying and selling property.
Job Description for a Realtor Overview
Duties of a Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents work with clients who are interested in buying and/or selling residential or commercial property. The job description for a Realtor will vary based on the type of work the individual performs. Some Realtors specialize in either listing or selling, while others choose to represent both property buyers and sellers. Typically, real estate professionals focus their efforts on either the commercial or residential market, but some choose to handle both types of property.
Real Estate Agent Duties Related to Selling Real Property
Duties related to selling real estate agents are likely to perform include:
- Helping clients determine the value of property they want to sell
- Preparing market analysis statistics
- Providing tips to help sellers stage property so that it will appeal to buyers
- Advertising listed property to other Realtors and potential buyers
- Hosting "caravans" during which other real estate agents tour the property
- Hosting open house events
- Negotiating contracts with buyers and/or agents acting on their behalf
- Educating sellers about disclosure requirements
- Facilitating the closing process on behalf of clients
Realtor Tasks Related to Purchasing Real Estate
- Providing prospective clients with information that can help them identify areas to look for property
- Researching listings of property for sale
- Helping buyers identify properties that meet their needs
- Showing homes to clients
- Negotiating purchase agreements with sellers and/or their agents
- Verifying that appropriate facts about the property are disclosed to clients
- Coordinating various aspects of the closing process on behalf of clients
Credentials
A college degree is not necessary to work in this profession. However, there are very specific requirements that people who want to work as Realtors must meet. In order to work as a real estate agent, it is necessary to become licensed in the state where you wish to work. Regulations vary somewhat from state to state.
Typically, it's necessarily for individuals who want to work as Realtors to complete a real estate specific training program and to pass a state licensure examination. Realtors are also required to meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to keep their licenses. Contact your state's Real Estate Commission to find out the specific requirements that apply in the area where you live.
Compensation
Realtors work as self employed independent contractors and are compensated solely on a commission basis. They are responsible for building their own clientele, so they spend a significant amount of time marketing their services in addition to dealing with real estate transactions. They function as self employed business owners and are responsible for all expenses related to building and running their businesses.
Providing exceptional customer service is an essential part of the job description of a Realtor. Because of the nature of the business, successful real estate agents' long-term success is often closely tied to referral business and repeat customers. Successful Realtors understand the independent nature of the line of work they have chosen and dedicate significant time, energy, and effort to building a successful business for themselves.
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Realtor Work Arrangements
Each agent must be aligned with a real estate professional who is licensed as a broker. Real Estate agents who work with a particular real estate brokerage office have to meet certain financial obligations in order to do so. Typically, brokerage offices charge "desk fees" and a percentage of commission earned. In exchange, the Realtors are able to use the company's name in marketing materials and participate in lead sharing arrangements with other agents who work with the office.
Realtors can choose to function in a truly independent manner, seeking the additional credentialing that allows them to become licensed as brokers. They are then able to function without aligning with a specific broker and can even choose to build their own teams of real estate agents.
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This page has been accessed 1,907 times. This page was last modified 21:40, 8 April 2009.
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