Selling Agent vs. Listing Agent

When buying real estate, there are two main parties involved; a buyer and a seller.  The buyer employs a selling agent to represent their best interest in purchasing a home.  On the other end of the spectrum, 95% of the time a seller is represented by their contracted listing agent to assist them in the sale of their home.  The other 5% normally decide to sell the property on their own. 

Selling Agent Represents the Buyer

People often question why they need to use a selling agent when they want to buy a new home.  A selling agent’s title is derived from the fact that they are actually “selling” the home to the purchaser.  Because of the confusion it can create, people commonly call a selling agent a buyer’s agent to clarify the fact that they are representing the buyer.  A selling agent will normally only work with buyers, however, in slow market it is very common to have a selling agent work with buyers and sellers alike. 

It is customary for a selling agent to request the buyer to sign a buyer agency agreement.  This agreement commits a buyer in to working with that particular agent.  



 

Listing Agent Represents the Seller

Listing Agents represent the seller and strive to negotiate a contract for highest possible sale price of their home.  Their primary task involves marketing the home to attract buyers and other real estate agents representing potential buyers.