Navigating the Real Estate Maze: What Realtors Do & What to Ask Them

When you are buying or selling a home, it is easy to assume a REALTOR just unlocks doors or posts photos online. But behind the scenes, a great real estate agent acts as a project manager, a legal buffer,and a master negotiator.

In Washington State there are 3 types of agents

Seller’s Agent (Listing Agent) (Who they represent: The seller exclusively.)
What they do: Their legal duty is to protect and promote the seller’s best financial interests. They focus on getting the highest possible price and the best contract terms for the home. They handle the marketing, advise the seller on how to prepare the home for sale, and must keep the seller’s bottom-line price and motivations strictly confidential from potential buyers.

Buyer’s Agent (Who they represent: The buyer exclusively.)
What they do: Their legal duty is to protect the buyer’s interests and money. They help the buyer find properties, analyze market data to ensure a home isn’t overpriced, and write up competitive offers. Their job is to negotiate the lowest possible price and secure favorable terms, such as making sure the seller pays for necessary repairs found during a home inspection.

Limited Dual Agent (Who they represent: Both the buyer and the seller in the exact same transaction. ) Be ware, this not the best approach when buying a home.
What they do: This happens when a buyer wants to purchase a home from an agent who already represents the seller. Because they are in the middle, they cannot legally advocate or negotiate for either side. Instead, they transition into an impartial facilitator.

Part 1: What Are the True Duties of a Realtor?

For sellers we look at recent sales of similar homes nearby, ensuring you don’t price your home so high that it sits on the market , or so low that you leave money on the table.

 

For buyers we evaluate the asking price of a home you love to make sure it is actually worth tahe amount before you make an offer.

 

Marketing and Transaction Logistics

We manage the legal paperwork, disclosures,and strict deadlines requiered by state law. Missing a deadline can cause a contract to collapse or cost you your earnest money.

 

For sellers we coordinate professional photography, house cleaners, open houses, digital and print marketing capmpaigns to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible.

 

For buyers we closely work with your lender, escrow, home inspectors and appraisers to make sure all deadlines are met and that documents are delivered on timust coomunicate nme.

 

Whether you are a buyer or seller communication is key. Realtors must communicate with each other in order for all parties to have a smooth transaction.