The Role and Job Description of a Real Estate Agent

The real estate sector, having recently seen a major slump in business, is slowly inching towards recovery. As a direct consequence of the economic meltdown, the people working in this sector did not escape the instability it brought.

However, all of that seems to be changing for better, and there appears to be a revival of sorts in the property market. Being a real estate agent now may not be as profitable as it was in the initial years of the previous decade, but it isn't an improbability either. Read further to understand the nature of this job in order to make an informed choice.

A master's degree in real estate management or financial management can help you in becoming a real estate agent. Besides, it would also help if you have prior experience in the real estate field as a sales manager or a site superintendent.

If you want to become a realtor in the United States, you need to have the required license for acting as an agent. In fact, similar registration rules exist in several countries around the globe.

► Building contacts is the only way you can expand your business. It is important to understand the needs of your clients and present them with appropriate options.

► You need to have complete knowledge about the legalities associated with paperwork related to buying/selling. Real estate agents advise their clients about the legal aspects involved in the selling process and explain procedures regarding completion certificates, stamp duty, and other related issues by consulting legal experts.

► An agent needs to be able to accurately evaluate properties. To do this, you must be in the know regarding the market conditions and be able to come up with precise estimates, keeping in mind the size, location and the amenities of the property. This helps you in providing your client with the best possible options, regards to buying or selling.

► Showcasing the property is an inevitable part of the job, and a good agent must be able to deliver a good sales pitch. He/she must be earnest enough to convince a skeptical buyer, without being annoyingly pushy.

► An agent needs to be sure of the property before it is presented to the client. More specifically, a good agent never makes false claims or hoodwinks the client to make profits. It can only damage your reputation in the long run. Therefore, you need to inspect the property thoroughly and make an appropriate evaluation.

► You need to be adept at negotiations, as you will be the mediator between the buyer and the seller.

► Once the deal is struck, you need to initiate the procedure regarding the paperwork.

► As you gain experience, you must be able to instinctively know what the client wants, even if he does not spell it out. Meeting your client's expectations is basic, but a good agent manages to surpass them.

Many real estate agents have their own firms or companies, while many others work as employees in an agent's firm. Becoming a successful real estate agent needs patience and lot of hard work.

One should be prepared to face the bad times and downfall in business, as this business is prone to ups and downs. Hard work is inevitable in any profession, but it is highly emphasized for someone working as a realtor.

Real estate agents earn their money from the commissions coming from the deals their clients make. It may not be financially comfortable to begin with, especially if you start off on your own. Few of you may choose to begin part-time, besides keeping another full-time job as well.

Working as a realtor is taxing as the working hours never really end. However, if you are interested in it, the real estate business can fetch you satisfaction and returns.