Legal Definitions - Real estate agent

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps people buy, sell, or rent properties such as houses, buildings, and offices. They can represent either the buyer, the seller, or both parties in a real estate transaction.

To become a real estate agent, a person must complete a set number of pre-licensing training hours and pass a written exam covering federal and state laws related to real estate. They must also affiliate with a real estate broker. Real estate agents are paid through commissions based on the sale, purchase, or rental of a property.

Real estate agents can perform various tasks depending on whether they represent the buyer or the seller. For example, they can advise clients on listing or bidding prices, prepare properties for listing, research the market, search for available properties, coordinate open houses, and complete the necessary paperwork to close a transaction.

• When John decided to sell his house, he hired a real estate agent to help him list the property and find potential buyers.
• When Sarah wanted to buy a new apartment, she contacted a real estate agent who helped her search for available properties and negotiate the price with the seller.
• When Tom and Mary decided to rent their commercial space, they hired a real estate agent to advertise the property and find potential tenants.

These examples illustrate how a real estate agent can assist clients in different types of real estate transactions, whether it's selling, buying, or renting a property.