How to hire a real estate agent
A real estate agent represents a buyer or seller in a property transaction — where the questions that matter are who they represent, how they are paid, and what the agreement commits you to.
What the job usually involves
- Listing and marketing a property for sale.
- Representing a buyer in search, offers and negotiation.
- Pricing analysis and comparable sales.
- Coordinating inspections, appraisal and closing.
- Rental listings and tenant placement.
What to ask before you agree to anything
- Do you represent me exclusively, or could you also represent the other side?
- How are you paid, by whom, and is it negotiable?
- What does the agreement commit me to, and for how long — how do I end it?
- How many transactions have you closed in this specific area in the last year?
- What is your pricing analysis based on — which comparable sales?
- Who covers my transaction when you are away?
Warning signs
- Pressure to sign a long exclusive agreement at a first meeting.
- A listing price well above the comparable sales, with no explanation.
- Dual agency entered into without a clear explanation of what you give up.
- Recommendations of inspectors, lenders and contractors with undisclosed relationships.
Common questions
Who pays the real estate agent?
Commission arrangements and who pays which side have changed in recent years and vary by market and agreement. Ask directly: who pays your agent, how much, and is it negotiable — and get the answer in the written agreement rather than relying on what is customary.
What is dual agency?
When one agent or brokerage represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction. It is permitted in some states and not others, and it necessarily limits the advocacy either side receives. If it is proposed, ask exactly what representation you are giving up.
How do I get out of a listing agreement?
It depends entirely on what you signed — term length, cancellation terms and any protection period after expiry. Read those clauses before signing, because they are far easier to negotiate then than later.
How does Region Beacon work for real estate agents?
You describe the job once. The first nearby business that takes it gets your details and contacts you; nobody else does. You deal with whoever you pick directly, and you pay them directly — Region Beacon never handles the money and takes no commission, so nothing is added to your price for using it.
How do I know if a real estate agent's quote is fair?
Get more than one. A single quote tells you what one business charges; three tell you what the job is worth where you live. Ask each for the same scope in writing, and treat a quote far below the others as probably missing something rather than a bargain.
Get quotes from real estate agents near you
Describe the job once and the first nearby business to take it contacts you. Only that one gets your details, no commission is added, and your details are not sold on to anyone.