Real estate agents help clients buy, sell, and rent residential and commercial properties. Homebuyers and sellers should get a realtor or listing agent to help find and visit properties, make offers, determine a competitive listing price, negotiate, and handle all the paperwork.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, real estate agents do the following:

• Represent clients looking to buy, sell, and rent properties.
• Advise clients on local prices, market conditions, mortgages, and related information.
• Generate and compare currently listed and recently sold properties to determine a competitive listing price or offer.
• Market properties through open houses, online websites, and advertisements.
• Show prospective properties to buyers or renters.
• Present purchase offers to sellers or helps buyers submit an offer.
• Mediate negotiations between buyer and seller.
• Ensure all contract terms are met.
• Prepare and submit documents, such as loyalty contracts, purchase agreements, and deeds.

The standard, fair commission for a real estate agent is 6% of the home's sale price. The commission is negotiable and is typically split between the seller’s agent and buyer’s agent at 3% each. Some real estate firms offer selling or listing services at a flat rate of $3,000 to $6,000.

Additional costs apply for home staging, photography, videography, marketing, inspections, appraisals, and closing costs.

• Real estate brokers are licensed to own their firm and help clients buy and sell real estate.
• Real estate sales agents must work under a licensed broker. Brokers work with sales agents on a contract basis and charge a commission for each property they sell.

To find the best real estate office, look for and do the following:

• Contact and compare at least three presentations from top realtor agents.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Select realtors with extensive knowledge and experience of the local market.
• Avoid part-time real estate agents.
• Avoid agents that don't typically work within your price range.
• Look for agents that have recent and successful local transactions.
• Look for agents that communicate with you regularly and keep you up to date.

After asking questions, hire the best real estate agents near you.

When hiring a real estate firm, ask them the following questions:

• How long have you been in business? Are you full-time?
• How many homes have you represented in this area?
• What types of homes do you usually represent?
• What price range do you typically work within?
• What price would you recommend listing my home at, and why?
• Are there any potential complications you foresee with this home?
• How many other homes or buyers are you currently working with?
• Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers?
• Does your firm help with photography, walk-through video, or staging?
• How long are houses taking to sell in the neighborhood?
• How much do you charge, and how long does your contract last?
• Is your commission negotiable?
• What services are included in the cost?
• How do you plan to market my house?
• What do I need to provide to get started?