Listing Agent vs. Selling Agent: What’s the Difference?

Whether selling a home or looking to buy, you’ll need a real estate agent to guide you through the process. However, not every agent serves the same purpose. For sellers, a listing agent is what you need to find success. Meanwhile, buyers should look for a selling agent.  

Prospective home buyers and sellers must recruit the right agent for their needs. At Mark Spain Real Estate, you’ll find a varied selection of seasoned selling and listing agents to help you navigate your real estate journey. Whether you’re selling a home or buying one, our team will help you find success. Read below to learn more about the difference between selling and listing agents. 

Listing Agent vs. Selling Agent: What’s the Difference?  

What is a Listing Agent? 

A listing agent, also known as a seller’s agent, helps a homeowner put their property on the market. Their job is to manage every step of the selling process, from setting a competitive listing price to overseeing the real estate closing. Ultimately, your listing agent’s primary goal is maximizing profit and selling your home quickly. 

A listing agent’s services will depend on their client’s specific needs. However, the scope of listing agents’ work generally includes the following responsibilities:

• Collect data on real estate comparables to price a home accurately
• List a house on a Multiple Listing Service
• Arrange professional home staging 
• Optimize a home’s online listing with keyword research and professional photography
• Oversee all marketing efforts for the listing
• Network with potential buyers
• Coordinate and host open houses and home showings
• Negotiate with prospective buyers on prices, contract contingencies, and conditions
• Assist with the closing process

What is a Selling Agent?

A selling agent, also called a buyer’s agent, helps a buyer purchase a home. Generally, selling agents are strictly referred to as buyers’ agents until they are officially under contract with a client. Like listing agents, selling agents guide their clients through every step of their real estate journey. Their ultimate goal is to make a buyer’s house hunt as easy as possible and help them find a home that checks all of their boxes. 

While a selling agent’s offerings vary based on their client’s specific goals, most agents take on the following responsibilities:

• Narrow down a buyer’s selection of potential properties based on their preferences, including location, home size, and budget
• Help arrange mortgage preapproval for a buyer
• Help buyers create a concrete budget and explore financing options
• Schedule home showings and attend them with the buyers
• Extend an offer on a buyer’s behalf 
• Guide offer negotiations
• Coordinate home appraisals and inspections
• Assist with the closing process

Can an Agent Do Both Roles? 

Sometimes, an agent represents both the seller and buyer in a real estate transaction. Referred to as dual agents, these professionals work on both sides of the sale and earn double commission. For example, say you’re in the market for a home, so you attend a local open house. At this point, you don’t have a buyer’s agent. While at the open house, you connect with the agent hosting it, who also is the seller’s agent. If you asked the agent to work with you to submit an offer on that property, they would act as a dual agent as they would represent both the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction. 

Hire an Agent with Mark Spain Real Estate

Do you need a selling or listing agent to sell or buy a home? Look no further than Mark Spain Real Estate! With years of valuable industry experience, our real estate professionals will help you meet your real estate goals! Check out our Guaranteed Offer Program for the potential to receive a competitive cash offer on your home in only 21 days. Contact our agents today!

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