Selling Agent | Denver Metro Agents

Picking the Type of Real Estate Agent that is Right for You

December 24, 2011 By Brian Kinkade

Whether selling or buying a home, hiring a real estate agent is an important step in the process. Whether looking for Nashville real estate agents or those in Denver, however, it is important to first familiarize yourself with the various real estate agent titles and what these specialists can provide for you.

Real Estate Broker

Real estate brokers typically have more education and training than real estate agents. Furthermore, brokers must pass an exam that is longer and more difficult than the one required of agents. Due to their extra training and knowledge, brokers can work independently and can hire real estate agents to work for them.

Broker Associate

A broker associate is someone who has completed the schooling and tests necessary to become a broker, but who has chosen work for another real estate broker within a larger real estate network.

REALTOR®

Real estate brokers and real estate agents may choose to become a REALTOR®. While the term is often used interchangeably by laymen, a REALTOR® is actually someone who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Therefore, a broker or agent cannot use this title unless he or she has agreed to the NAR’s extensive Code of Ethics and has paid the annual dues. If a customer has a problem with a REALTOR®, he or she may file a complaint with the local board.

Listing Agent

Also referred to as a seller’s agent, the listing agent represents the interests of the seller. Therefore, when it comes to negotiating a deal, the listing agent will work to obtain the best deal possible for the person who is selling the property.

Selling Agent

Also referred to as the buyer’s agent or the buying agent, the selling agent represents the interests of the buyer. Some agents work exclusively on the behalf of the buyer, while others work with both buyers and sellers. Typically, these agents do not work with both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction.

Dual Agent

In some cases, an agent will represent both the buyer and the seller. A dual agency may also occur if two separate agents represent the buyer and seller, but both agents work for the same broker. This type of setup is uncommon, however, and is not legal in all 50 states.

Transaction Agent

Rather than representing either the buyer or the seller, the transaction agent does not represent either party. Instead, the transaction agent simply helps to facilitate the transaction.

About The Author – Josh Anderson specializes in Brentwood TN homes for sale as a Realtor with Keller Williams in Nasvhille, TN.

Buying Agent Versus Selling Agent

If you are interested in purchasing or selling a home, it is important to understand the differences between the various types of real estate agents that are available for hire. By having a greater understanding of the different types of agents and the roles that they play in the transaction process, you will increase the likelihood of enjoying a positive experience when purchasing a home.

Selling Agent

One type of real estate agent is the selling agent. As the title implies, a selling agent specializes in selling homes. Therefore, if you are planning to sell a home, you will want to hire a selling agent to represent you throughout the process. Not only will the selling agent have the knowledge and expertise that is necessary to get your home sold as quickly as possible, but he or she will also be responsible for representing you throughout the entire negotiation and transaction process.
Although the selling agent must still abide by all of the real estate laws that have been set forth in your state and locality, having someone who specifically represents you throughout the process can be highly beneficial. This is because the selling agent is required to negotiate deals on your behalf, which means he or she cannot share information with the buyer unless it is required by law. Namely, if you are willing to accept a lower price, the selling agent cannot share this information with the buyer because it could potentially result in a much lower selling price than what you could have received.

Buying Agent

Just as the selling agent is responsible for representing the seller, the buying agent represents the person who is buying the home. When you hire a buying agent, he or she is being hired to show homes to you that may or may not be getting sold through the brokerage for which he or she works. In addition, when it comes to negotiations, the buying agent represents you exclusively through the process. Just as with the selling agent, the buying agent cannot share certain information with the seller unless required by law. Therefore, with a buying agent by your side, you are more likely to find the home you are looking for more quickly while also negotiating the lowest price possible.
When contacting a real estate agent to help with buying or selling your home, you should be certain to find out if that agent is representing you or the other party. In this way, you can be certain you are clear on where you stand and you will have the opportunity to hire someone to represent you if necessary.

About the Author: Brian Kinkade is a broker and team lead with Brokers Guild – Cherry Creek Ltd, one of Denver’s fastest growing full service Denver real estate firms. Brian’s team of Internet savvy agents specialize in Denver luxury homes, International property sales, and Denver luxury short sales. Visit their advanced real estate website today to search for homes, gather local information, and learn about Denver neighborhoods. Brian and his team are ready to assist with your home purchase, property sale or Colorado relocation needs.