What does a real estate salesperson do?
Quick Answer: A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps clients buy, sell, lease, or rent residential and commercial properties. Their daily responsibilities may include researching properties, listing homes for sale, negotiating offers, advising clients, conducting market analyses, networking, and marketing real estate services and listings.
Let’s take a closer look at the daily tasks of real estate agents. We’ll also discuss the different types of agents and how to get started in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Helps Clients Buy, Sell, or Rent Property: A real estate agent guides clients through the process of purchasing, selling, or leasing residential and commercial properties.
- Researches and Markets Properties: Agents search listings, evaluate home values, and promote properties through online platforms, social media, and open houses.
- Manages Transactions and Negotiations: They prepare offers, negotiate contracts, and coordinate with lenders, inspectors, and title companies to ensure smooth closings.
- Builds a Network and Client Base: Real estate agents generate new business by networking, attending events, leveraging referrals, and staying active in their communities.
Real Estate Agent Definition
A real estate agent is an individual who has completed the required pre-licensing education and passed a state licensing exam, allowing them to legally represent buyers, sellers, or renters in property transactions.
While agents can work independently with clients, they must do so under the supervision of a licensed broker (or “managing broker” in some states). In return, agents typically earn a commission from each closed transaction, making their income performance based.
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do Each Day?
If you’re exploring a career in real estate, you may be wondering,
What does a real estate agent actually do all day?
The answer: no two days are exactly the same. That’s one of the career’s most attractive features. A real estate agent’s daily activities combine field work, communication, strategy, and organization.
Here’s a deeper look at the core tasks and responsibilities:
1. Search for properties
Agents working on behalf of buyers spend much of their day finding homes or investment properties that match client needs. This involves:
- Reviewing new listings
- Filtering properties by price, location, features, and other buyer preferences
- Coordinating with other agents to gather more details
- Scheduling and conducting private showings or tours
In competitive markets, agents must act quickly to help clients make timely decisions on properties that are likely to attract multiple offers.
2. List properties for sale or rent
For clients selling or renting their property, real estate agents handle the process of preparing the property for the market. This includes:
- Conducting a walk-through to assess the property
- Advising on repairs, upgrades, or staging
- Recommending a competitive listing price based on market conditions
- Writing compelling MLS listings and property descriptions
- Coordinating professional photography
Agents may also arrange for home staging or virtual tours to make listings more appealing to buyers.
3. Evaluate property values
Accurately pricing a property is critical to a successful transaction. Real estate agents conduct Comparative Market Analyses (CMAs) by:
- Reviewing recently sold homes with similar characteristics
- Considering the property’s condition, location, and upgrades
- Analyzing market trends and buyer demand
An overpriced home may sit on the market too long, while an underpriced home may lead to missed profit opportunities. Buyer’s agents also rely on these skills to help clients avoid overpaying.
4. Market listings
Marketing is a significant part of a real estate agent’s role, especially for seller’s agents. Effective marketing strategies include:
- Posting on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
- Listing on third-party sites like Zillow or Realtor.com
- Promoting on social media channels
- Distributing email campaigns or printed materials
- Hosting virtual tours or video walkthroughs
Creative marketing helps a home stand out and increases visibility to potential buyers.
5. Host open houses and showings
To give buyers an in-person or virtual experience, agents:
- Organize open houses
- Coordinate private showings with other agents
- Set up safety procedures and sign-in sheets
- Gather feedback from attendees
- Follow up with interested prospects
Agents require excellent presentation and communication skills to effectively highlight key property features and address buyer questions.
6. Negotiate offers and manage transactions
Once an offer is made, the agent plays a central role in the negotiation and closing process. This includes:
- Reviewing and presenting offers
- Advising clients on counteroffers or contingencies
- Coordinating with lenders, appraisers, title companies, and attorneys
- Scheduling inspections and addressing issues that arise
- Managing transaction timelines to meet contract deadlines
Good negotiation skills can be learned!
7. Prospect and network
To keep business flowing, real estate agents continuously grow their network and seek new clients. This includes:
- Attending local networking events and chamber meetings
- Engaging with prospects on social media
- Asking for referrals from past clients
- Hosting educational events or webinars
- Following up with cold leads or expired listings
Real estate is a people-driven business, and success depends on consistent outreach and relationship building.
Different Types of Real Estate Agents
While many real estate agents focus on residential transactions, others specialize in specific niches. Selecting a specialization can help you establish a strong reputation in a specific market.
- Residential Agents: Help individuals and families buy or sell single-family homes, condos, or townhouses
- Commercial Agents: Represent clients buying, leasing, or selling office buildings, retail space, and industrial properties
- Luxury Real Estate Agents: Handle high-end homes, often requiring specialized marketing strategies and white-glove service
- Rural Property Agents: Work with farms, ranches, or undeveloped land; knowledge of zoning and agriculture may be necessary
- Investment Property Agents: Advise clients looking to flip homes or invest in rental properties
- Multi-Family Agents: Focus on duplexes, triplexes, apartment complexes, and help with property management
Why Become a Real Estate Agent?
Real estate is appealing to people from all walks of life. Whether you’re switching careers or looking for more flexibility, becoming a real estate agent offers:
- A Flexible Schedule: Set your own hours and work around family or other commitments
- Unlimited Income Potential: Your earnings are directly tied to your performance
- Opportunities to Help Others: Guide clients through one of the most important decisions of their lives
- Low Barrier to Entry: No college degree required—just pre-licensing education and passing your state exam
- Personal Growth: You’ll sharpen your communication, marketing, negotiation, and time management skills daily
Start Your Real Estate Career with Colibri
If you’re ready to start a fulfilling career with flexibility and growth opportunities, Colibri Real Estate can help you get licensed and launch your business.
Colibri Real Estate offers:
- State-approved pre-licensing courses
- Self-paced online learning options
- Industry-leading exam prep tools
- Support from real estate instructors and career resources
Choose your state, enroll in a course, and take your first step toward a new career in real estate.
FAQs About Real Estate Agents
What does a real estate agent do?
A real estate agent helps clients buy, sell, lease, or rent properties by assisting with property searches, home valuation, listing, marketing, negotiations, and closing procedures.
Is a real estate agent the same as a REALTOR®?
No. All REALTORS® are licensed real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. “Realtor” is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent?
No. Most states do not require a college degree. You can become licensed by completing pre-licensing coursework and passing the state exam.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent?
In many states, you can become licensed in as little as 4–6 months, depending on your schedule and the requirements in your area.
