Centre Realty Group
Tracy Johnson, Centre Realty GroupPhone: (617) 595-2600
Email: [email protected]

What are the differences between a listing agent and a selling agent?

by Tracy Johnson 08/29/2022

couple speaking with realtor

The world of real estate can be challenging and a bit confusing at times. Hiring a real estate agent is a great way to navigate the real estate market in your area. 

Before hiring an agent, you need to assess your needs. First answer, do you need to acquire a selling or listing agent? What will the commission fees be? What kind of personality and experience do you need to make the process as coherent as possible?


Listing agent vs selling agent 

If you want to sell your home, consider hiring a listing agent. Listing agents represent the party selling a property. They will promote your home and find the right ways to make your property more competitive within your target market. 

A selling agent, also known as the buyer’s agent - which may sound counterintuitive, acts on behalf of the potential buyer to buy a property. A seller’s agent will do research on local properties that best suit the buyer’s budget and search criteria. 

Until the contract is signed, this agent is referred to as a buyer’s agent and post-contract signing, they are referred to as the selling agent. 


Commission fees

The selling agent commission price may seem daunting. However, paying this fee ensures you have a proficient real estate professional on your side to help navigate the legality of real estate transactions. 

Once a property is sold, the home seller pays the brokerage of the listing agent. The brokerage will then give the listing agent a portion of the commission fee. The national standard commission rate hovers around 6% total for buyer and seller agents. 


Finding your perfect real estate agent

Whether you are searching for a listing or seller agent, it is important to assess their credentials and make sure their expertise fits your criteria. Do they understand your local market? Are they a good negotiator? Can they market your home for the best price to get it sold quickly, so you can continue with your journey? 

Overall, the cost of hiring a listing or seller's agent is worth the expense. Both of these real estate agents will mediate between the buyer and seller and keep the situation calm when emotions run high. 

About the Author
Author

Tracy Johnson

With over 25 years of extensive real estate experience throughout the Boston and Metro West areas. Combine this with my ability to work smart and to not stop working until your needs are met and you get a broker that will help you make the right decisions when it comes to buying or selling your home.

Let my success work for you. I have been trusted to represent developers, builders, attorneys, financial planners, and many other professionals, selling condominiums, townhomes, new construction, investment, commercial properties, and of course single-family homes. I know your neighborhood.

I’m a problem solver and an excellent negotiator. Problems often arise that can stop a sale. I’ve solved many problems over the years and when I don’t have the answer I find an expert who does.
I offer first-class marketing I guarantee will work for you. I can tell you what you need to do to get your home sold quickly and for the best possible price.

If you are looking for a professional you can trust to help find your dream home or sell your current home, contact me today. If you are not completely satisfied with my service you can cancel any time. I am always available by phone or email, so please reach out to me anytime!
I am committed to getting you, the results you deserve.