Real Estate Agent Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities

If you are applying for a real estate agent job, read this job description guide to see the duties and responsibilities you should expect.

The job of a real estate agent involves assisting clients in buying, selling, or renting a property.

They perform duties such as identifying and generating leads and advising clients of the perfect price to sell, rent or buy property.

An ideal individual for this job should possess good communication and interpersonal skills.

You should also be organized and can troubleshoot.

Here is my guess, since you are reading this article on the job description of a real estate agent, you are aspiring to start a career in that path.

On that note, I think it is right to say, ‘you are on the right path.’

Because knowing and understanding your job description is a good step toward becoming good at what you do.

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What does a Real Estate Agent do?

Real estate agents help clients sell, rent or buy properties.

Real estate agents and real estate brokers actually perform similar functions.

Unlike real estate brokers, real estate agents are not licensed to manage their own real estate business.

Therefore, they always have to work under real estate brokers.

Buying or selling a property can be difficult sometimes. Therefore, individuals always require the services of a real estate agent or broker.

Real estate agents often sell properties used as homes, but some sell properties used for business, agriculture, and industry.

Whether the client is a buyer or a seller, real estate agents meet with them. To discuss their interest and budget and how much they intend to sell respectively.

Also, they must be current with the latest government policies, programs, and housing laws.

They must also be familiar with the environment to quickly discern whether or not a property matches a client’s needs.

Real estate agents also advise seller clients on preparing and advertising the property for a successful and expedited sale.

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What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Real Estate Agent?

A good realtor should be able to work fairly with both parties while protecting the interest of all parties.

The following are some of the duties and responsibilities of a realtor commonly included in a real estate agent job description:

1. Persuade Potential Buyers to buy or Rent a Property  

Real estate agents identify potential buyers or sellers of properties.

Then, they try to convince them to buy or sell the property.

2. They meet with Clients

Before any transaction begins,  real estate agents must meet with the clients first.

They meet with buyer clients to discuss their preferences and how much they are willing to spend on a property.

When they meet with seller clients, they discuss and agree on an ideal property price.

3. Provide Advice to Clients on Prices

A real estate agent also must advise clients on a marketable price.

The price must be fair to all parties, and affordable effort must be made to sell the property faster.

4. Create a list of Properties for Sale

Real estate agents create a list of properties for sale.

The list usually includes property features such as location and closeness to the school.

They also familiarise themselves with the areas of all properties.

5. Mediate between Buyers and Seller

These individuals liaise between buyers and sellers 

They mediate during negotiations of prices between buyers and Sellers.

Other duties and responsibilities of a real estate agent usually featured in their job description include:

• Visit properties with potential buyers or renters.
• Assess properties to determine a competitive market price.
• Advertise properties.
• Ensure that all transaction contracts are met.
• Prepare all necessary documents to complete and close a deal.
• Maintain an up-to-date list of available properties for sale.

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What Qualifications do I need to become a Real Estate Agent?

Before becoming a real estate agent, you must complete some real estate courses.

In some states or countries, a real estate agent must take a pre-licensing course accredited by the state.

As a result of an increase in competition in the real estate market, most employers prefer employing those with a college degree in real estate.

Universities and colleges often offer courses in real estate.

Some offer associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in real estate, while others offer certificate programs.

A real estate broker intending to start a business should also take some courses.

Aside from running pre-licensing courses, some real estate associations offer professional programs for novice and experienced realtors.

In the course of such professional courses, students learn the following:

• Real estate laws
• Real estate fundamentals
• Mortgaging financing

Licensing, Certification, and Registrations for Real Estate Agents

Before practicing as a real estate agent or broker, you must be licensed to practice in that particular state or country.

Here are the basic requirements for obtaining a real estate license:

• A realtor must be more than 18 years old.
• Successfully completed courses in real estate.
• Be present in the licensing exams and also pass.

The requirements may vary depending on the state and country’s real estate laws.

License from one state cannot be used in another state to practice.

But, in some states, some real estate courses carried out in another state can also be used as a requirement to get licensed.

Typically, a license is renewed every 2-4 years.

In some states, renewal of a license requires more training and courses.

Before a realtor can become licensed to state a real estate business, he or she must have had up to 3 years of experience as a licensed real estate agent.

And must also take more training courses or obtain a bachelor’s degree.

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What Skills does a Real Estate Agent need?

Realtors are expected to possess certain attributes which help them perform their duties better.

These skills and interests are also featured in the job description of a real estate agent.

Some of them include the following:

1. Communication Skills

A good realtor should be capable of communicating effectively in writing and verbally as well.

Communication for a real estate agent should transcend beyond speaking to listening.

Because he or she will have to listen to the preference or needs of clients before taking action.

2. Business Acumen

This skill is more important to real estate brokers than to agents.

But, agents also have to be business inclined.

They should be able to negotiate a good deal that will benefit buyers, sellers, the real estate agency they work for, and themselves.

3. Interpersonal Skills

Good interpersonal skills are essential for real estate agents.

As one, you should be able to develop a good relationship with your clients.

That way, you can gain their trust and keep them forever.

4. Organisational Skills

A good realtor must be organized.

You must be able to plan and manage activities and time.

Also, being able to multitask and prioritize your activities is very relevant.

5. Problem-Solving Skills

Real estate agents and brokers must be able to identify and rectify problems before they get out of hand.

Good problem-solving skills greatly depend on the realtor’s ability to think critically.

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How much do Realtors make?

Indeed, realtors in the United States make an average of  $78,577 annually.

Their salary ranges from $23,600 to $178,720 per year.

These figures may differ depending on your geographical location.

Your experience and qualification may also determine your pay.

More experienced and qualified realtors are usually paid better than their less experience and/or qualified colleagues.

Where do Real Estate Agents work?

Real estate agents typically work in real estate and rental agencies.

After some years of experience and obtaining a license, real estate agents can become brokers and start their businesses.

Vacancies for real estate agents are placed online by recruitment agencies in local newspapers and radio stations.

Real Estate Agent work Environment and Schedule

Real estate agents work in an office environment, but they spend much of their working hours meeting with clients and visiting properties.

Sometimes they may even have to travel to see available properties and prospective clients.

A real estate agent works for up to 40 hours a week; they even work during weekends and evenings to accommodate a client’s schedule.

Real Estate Agent Job Outlook

Employment opportunities for real estate agents are estimated to grow 7% from 2018 through 2028.

As people seek better apartments and relocate, there will be an increase in the demand for the services of real estate agents and brokers.

In locations where the economy grows and flourishes, there will be growth in employment opportunities for realtors.

Because the state of the economy usually has a great effect on real estate businesses.

Conclusion: Real Estate Agent Job Description Guide

As the economy blooms, people will certainly move to better accommodations, as realtors will be in demand.

But new individuals in this career will face strong competition from more experienced agents and brokers.

Therefore, now is a better time to enter this occupation.

As such, I will advise you to take everything written in this free guide on the job description of a real estate agent.

Prospective real estate agents should also feel free to use this guide on the real estate job description to create a professional resume.

Also, organizations should feel free to use this article to create a real estate agent job description template.

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