A realtor is a licensed real estate professional who represents buyers or sellers through the property transaction process. For sellers, a realtor typically evaluates market conditions, recommends listing prices, coordinates marketing and photography, handles showings, negotiates offers, and guides the seller through inspections, disclosures, and closing. For buyers, a realtor helps identify suitable properties, arranges viewings, researches neighborhood and market data, advises on fair offers, negotiates terms, coordinates inspections and financing contingencies, and assists through closing. Beyond transactions, realtors stay current on laws and contract language, help manage timelines, and act as a single point of contact to reduce stress and avoid costly errors during the buying or selling process.

Selecting the right realtor involves a mix of experience, communication style, and local market knowledge. Start by checking credentials and licensing, then ask for references or recent transaction examples that are similar to your situation (price range, property type, or buyer vs seller representation). Evaluate responsiveness — good agents return calls and explain processes clearly. Discuss strategy: pricing and marketing for sellers, search criteria and offer approach for buyers. Ask about fees, how they handle negotiations, and whether they have a support team. Finally, trust your instincts: choose someone who listens, answers questions plainly, and whose approach aligns with your timeline and goals.

Commission typically compensates the brokerage and the agent(s) for marketing, networking, negotiation, transaction management, and professional expertise. On a seller side, the listed commission often covers listing agent services, marketing (photos, MLS listing, advertising), coordinating showings, and negotiating buyer offers; a portion is commonly shared with the buyer’s agent. For buyers, the agent’s compensation is usually paid from the seller’s proceeds but represents the buyer’s representative services—searching, arranging tours, advising on offers, and shepherding the closing process. Commissions are negotiable and vary by market; they do not usually include third-party costs such as title, escrow, inspections, repairs, or lender fees.

A skilled realtor helps buyers craft offers that balance competitiveness with protection. They analyze comparable sales, current market activity, and days-on-market data to recommend a price range and terms that attract sellers. Beyond price, a realtor advises on contingencies (financing, inspections, appraisal), earnest money, closing timelines, and any seller concessions that could make an offer stand out. They also prepare clean, properly executed paperwork and communicate persuasively with the listing agent. In hot markets, realtors may suggest escalation clauses, pre-approval proof, or flexible closing dates. Their negotiation experience aims to secure favorable terms while preserving contingencies that protect the buyer.

Realtors help sellers maximize sale price through market analysis, pricing strategy, and targeted marketing. They perform a comparative market analysis to set a realistic listing price, advise on cost-effective improvements or staging to boost appeal, and arrange professional photography and MLS exposure. Realtors also manage open houses and private showings, screen prospective buyers, negotiate offers, and recommend inspection or repair strategies to avoid surprises during escrow. Timing and presentation are key: a well-priced, well-marketed listing that reaches motivated buyers often yields quicker sales and better net proceeds. Throughout the process, the realtor coordinates paperwork, timelines, and closing logistics for a smoother transaction.

Real estate transactions require standardized documents and disclosures to protect both parties and meet legal obligations. Common paperwork includes the purchase agreement (offer), property disclosures detailing known defects and material facts, lead-based paint disclosures (for older homes where applicable), inspection reports, appraisal orders, title and escrow instructions, and closing statements. Sellers may need to provide permits, HOA documents, and utility history. Buyers will submit loan documents, proof of funds, and contingency removal notices. Realtors help assemble, review, and submit these documents accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with local laws and reducing the risk of delays or legal complications at closing.

Timelines vary widely depending on market conditions, property type, financing choices, and contingencies. For sellers, time on market can range from days in a hot market to months in a slower one; once an acceptable offer is accepted, the typical escrow period in many markets is 30–45 days to allow for inspections, appraisal, loan processing, and closing. Buyer timelines depend on mortgage approval speed—cash deals can close faster—plus the time needed to find properties, negotiate terms, and resolve contingencies. Realtors provide realistic timelines upfront and work to coordinate inspectors, lenders, and title companies to meet agreed closing dates.