What Do Real Estate Agents Do?

If you're a real estate agent, chances are that you have probably had to defend your commission once or twice.

Maybe you've had a client who thinks "you just put a sign in the ground and collect the money." Or that all you do is drive people around in your car.

We know that you do a heck of a whole lot more than that! In an effort to dispel any real estate myths that agents don't have to work hard to earn a living, we've put together a list of some of the many tasks agents perform for every transaction. Talk about being multi-talented.

Next time a buyer or seller wants to know more about what you do all day, just show them this list!

What Real Estate Agents Do

When you're selling a house...

• Coordinate listing presentation
• Research comparable properties
• Offer pricing strategy assistance
• Review closing costs
• Verify property details: lot size, utilities etc...
• Verify current loan information
• Complete seller's disclosure form
• Enter the listing into the MLS
• Add property to brokerage/agent website
• Create single property website
• Install yard sign and lockbox
• Communicate with HOA manager (as applicable)
• Help stage for showing and photos
• Suggest curb appeal enhancements
• Hire and coordinate with a photographer
• Orchestrate online and print marketing
• Schedule open houses
• Request feedback from buyer's agents
• Coordinate price changes
• Receive and deliver offers
• Evaluate offers with sellers
• Confirm buyer's pre-approval
• Negotiate counteroffers
• Communicate with buyer's agent/broker
• Change listing status to pending
• Obtain copies of repair bills as needed
• Arrange appraisal

When you're buying a house...

• Coordinate buyer interviews
• Recommend mortgage specialists
• Confirm pre-approval
• Schedule home tours
• Draft and submit offers
• Deliver earnest money to escrow account
• Get and explain disclosures
• Meet with the home inspector
• Order septic and mold inspections as needed
• Review inspection results with buyers
• Negotiate repairs
• Negotiate contract terms
• Negotiate counteroffers
• Track the loan process
• Relay approval to seller's agent
• Schedule appraisal

When you're closing a sale...

• Schedule and attend the final walkthrough
• Compile and review closing documents
• Verify title insurance
• Verify home warranty
• Move earnest money from escrow account to closing agent
• Verify transfer of keys
• Close out the listing on the MLS
• Take listing off broker/agent website

In general...

• Keep up with changing laws
• Meet continued education requirements
• Maintain your website
• Answer online inquiries
• Engage on social media
• Return missed phone calls
• Prospect for new clients
• Write blog posts

Here's a great infographic by REALTOR® Andrew Fortune that really shows the variety of tasks agents manage every day:

We're sure there are plenty of other real estate agent tasks we haven't thought of. What's one thing you do all the time that didn't make this list?

To view the original article, visit the Point2Agent blog.