and target their searches. While it does occasionally happen, most people will not buy a home on the strength of an internet listing alone, no matter how attractive the content. Eventually the buyer will move from the couch to the car to look at houses. It is at this point that most buyers will turn to traditional methods of buying a home, including enlisting the services of a professional buyer’s agent. Real Estate Agents: These professional Realtors® have completed a required pre-licensing education and have passed a state real estate license examination. They are an invaluable part of the process of searching for, selling, or buying a home. They provide a number of advantages for both buyers and sellers. Buyers: A local agent will be familiar with the area of interest, including pricing trends, desirability of neighborhoods, local laws (such as property tax), reputable loan officers, and a host of other things that buyers would have to spend extended amounts of time learning. Sellers: Real Estate Agents help sellers in many ways. An agent’s knowledge of the area is helpful in pricing the home appropriately by comparing it with similar homes in the area. An agent will guide the individual seller in the home preparation phase, determine areas for improvement or repair, and how to best appeal to the demographics most likely to desire your home. He or she will handle the details of listing your home online on the major listing sites in your region and focus on marketing through their social media accounts and networks. Dual Real Estate Agents: When a real estate agent represents both the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction, the agent is considered a dual agent. Since the broker is representing both sides, the broker is unable to keep up with all his duties to both 5
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