What Is a Real Estate Agent? What Do They Do?

A real estate agent (property agent) is an “intermediary” who connects property owners/sellers/landlords with buyers/tenants. Their main role is to make buying, selling, and renting property faster, safer, and smoother, while reducing mistakes related to pricing, documentation, and negotiation.

A good agent doesn’t just “post a listing.” They support the entire process—from pricing strategy, marketing, and lead screening to property viewings, negotiation, checking property readiness, coordinating financing, preparing documents, and attending the transfer/closing until the deal is completed.

What Are a Real Estate Agent’s Responsibilities?

1) Pricing Evaluation & Sales/Rental Strategy

• Analyze market price based on location, property condition, strengths/weaknesses, and nearby competing listings

• Recommend a realistic listing price and a likely closing price

• Plan the best approach: renovate before selling, sell as-is, target investors, etc.

Result: More accurate pricing, fewer days on market, and less unnecessary heavy bargaining.

2) Preparing the Property to Sell Faster (Property Preparation)

• Suggest home staging for a better presentation within a controlled budget

• Check risk points: missing documents, liens/encumbrances, unpaid common fees, etc.

• Recommend the best photo angles and selling points that match the target audience

3) Marketing & Lead Generation

• Take photos/videos and create complete, trustworthy property details

• Promote across multiple channels: websites, pages, groups, listing platforms, paid ads (depending on the team/package)

• Write persuasive listing copy tailored to the buyer type (live-in buyers vs. investors)

4) Screening Leads & Arranging Viewings

• Filter for “serious” prospects to avoid wasted showings

• Schedule and host viewings, explain location, facilities, and project conditions

• Collect feedback to adjust pricing or presentation strategy

5) Negotiation & Closing the Deal

• Act as a neutral middle person to reduce emotions and conflict

• Negotiate price and terms: furniture, transfer date, deposit, etc.

• Summarize agreements in writing to prevent misunderstandings

6) Document Check & Coordination on Transfer/Closing Day

• Recommend key documents (e.g., title deed, sale agreement, clearance letters—depending on the case)

• Coordinate among buyer, seller, bank, juristic person/management office, and land office

• Help review the checklist of transfer-day costs (based on the agreed terms)

Note: A typical agent is not a lawyer, but a good agent helps screen risks and may recommend consulting specialists for complex cases.

Who Does a Real Estate Agent Help?

If you’re a property owner/seller

• Sell faster by accessing the agent’s buyer network + structured marketing

• Reduce the burden of replying, scheduling viewings, and dealing with aggressive negotiation without data

• Complete the deal with proper documentation and fewer delays before transfer

If you’re a buyer

• Get options that match your budget and location (without searching everything yourself)

• Have someone coordinate, negotiate, and schedule viewings with the owner

• Reduce risks from incomplete information or poor communication

How Are Agent Fees Calculated?

Agent fees depend on the agreement and the type of transaction, for example:

• Selling a house/condo/land: often a percentage of the sale price (common but not fixed)

• Rentals: often based on a number of months of rent (depends on the deal)

Tip: Clarify upfront: who pays the fee, the rate, when it’s paid, and what services are included.

Types of Agent Arrangements: Which One Fits You?

• Exclusive Agreement: one team has the right to sell for a defined period; best if you want serious marketing and clear accountability

• Open Listing (multiple agents): wider exposure, but marketing depth can vary (depends on each agent/team)

How to Choose a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent (Quick Checklist)

• Proven track record in the same or nearby area (ask for real cases)

• Gives price and strategy advice based on logic—not unrealistic promises

• Clear communication: marketing plan, reporting frequency, screening process

• Transparent documents and terms, written agreement included

• Doesn’t pressure unusual payments or rushed transfers, and is open to verification

Summary

A real estate agent is a professional helper who makes buying/selling/renting more systematic—from pricing, marketing, viewings, negotiation, documentation, and coordination on transfer day. If you want to save time, reduce risk, and increase your chance of closing at a fair price, a good agent is often worth it.

FAQ

Q: Do I really need a real estate agent?
A: Not always, but it’s very helpful if you lack time, aren’t confident in marketing, or want support with negotiation and paperwork.

Q: Can an owner sell by themselves?
A: Yes, but you must handle everything—photos/content, messages, viewings, negotiation, document checks, and transfer coordination.

Q: Should I sign an agent agreement?
A: Recommended. It clarifies scope, timeline, fees, and key terms—reducing issues later.