Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents

Real estate brokers and sales agents often work evenings and weekends and usually are on call to suit the needs of clients. Real estate brokers and sales agents have a thorough knowledge of the real estate market in their communities. They know which neighborhoods will best fit client needs and budgets. They are familiar with local zoning and tax laws and know where to obtain financing. Agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in price negotiations between buyers and sellers. When selling property, brokers and agents arrange for title searches to verify ownership and for meetings between buyers and sellers during which they agree to the details of the transactions and in a final meeting, the new owners take possession of the property. They also may help to arrange favorable financing from a lender for the prospective buyer, often this makes the difference between success and failure in closing a sale

Before showing residential properties to potential buyers, agents meet with them to get an idea of the type of home the buyers would like. Once the buyer and seller have signed a contract, the real estate broker or agent must make sure that all special terms of the contract are met before the closing date. The agent must make sure that any legally mantted or agreed-upon inspections, such as terminte and radon inspections, take place