A real estate salesperson is more than just a “salesperson”. They act on your behalf as your agent, providing advice and guidance and doing a job – helping you buy or sell a home. While it is true that they are paid for what they do, so are other professions that provide advice, guidance and have a service to sell – such as Certified Public Accountants and Lawyers.
The Internet has opened up a world of information that was previously unavailable to buyers and sellers. Data on available-for-sale listings is almost current – but not quite. There are times when you need the most current information about what has been sold or is for sale, and the only way to get it is with an agent.
If you are selling a home, you gain access to the largest number of buyers by being listed on the Multiple Listing Service. Only a licensed real estate agent who is a member of your local MLS can get you listed there – which automatically gets you listed on some of the top real estate websites. If you are buying or selling a home, the MLS is your agent’s best tool.
However, the role of an agent has changed in the last couple of years. In the past, agents were the only way for home buyers and sellers to access information. Now agents are evolving. As today’s home buyers and sellers are much better informed than in the past, experience and skill are becoming more important.
The real estate agent is becoming more of a “guide” than a “seller” – your personal representative in the purchase or sale of a home.
