It is easy to make generalizations about the work of real estate agents. Open houses, putting up signs in front yards and earning sales commissions, they also mail mini calendars and other trinkets.

A property agent is a true multi-tasker. They work for the buyer or seller, market their real estate business, develop marketing strategies for clients and complete administrative work.

Start with Knowledge

A course in real estate education is the first step to a successful career as an agent. Agents who succeed are lifelong learners of the real estate industry. Agents take courses and seminars to keep up with legislative changes and changing business practices. Agents are also involved in organizations that have an influence on real estate-related policies.

Marketing Masters

Estate agents have a responsibility to sell their clients' properties. An in-depth understanding of the local market is key to a successful marketing campaign. Agents are constantly analyzing the multiple listing sites (MLSs), in order to determine which properties are available for sale, and what the current selling and listing prices are.

Agents are responsible for listing properties of clients with the relevant listing services, taking digital photographs of properties for advertising collateral, staging properties to maximize their sale appeal, and holding open house for potential buyers and realtors to view the property.

Estate agents are often therapists or educators, and help clients navigate the home-selling process. They also counsel and comfort them through often difficult stages.

Agent for the Buyer

Buyers looking to buy a home can also be represented by property agents. The buyer's responsibilities include researching properties that meet their needs and interests, setting up property showings and scheduling appointments to view homes.

After clients have chosen their dream home, the realty agent is the main negotiator during the entire buying process top Charlottesville realtors.

Administrative Duties

Paperwork is essential in the real-estate business. Many documents, agreements, records, and other real estate information must be filed with the various state and financial agencies. Agents often serve as their own admin and make appointments. They also create marketing collateral and newsletters and respond to emails and phone calls.

Agents must verify lot size and dimensions of each client, as well as verify legal description, land-use coding, deed restriction, legal owner names, and current title information.

Above and Beyond

Modern real estate agents need to be able to use technology effectively beyond their responsibilities. The Internet and social media have revolutionized the way people look for homes and agents market their properties. They also changed the way they market their own businesses. Agents must know how to effectively use current communication and marketing tools in order to succeed in real estate.