Residential Real Estate Agent Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling world of real estate, residential real estate agents hold a crucial role.

As the housing market continues to evolve, the demand for knowledgeable professionals who can navigate, expand, and protect our residential property landscape increases.

But let’s delve a little deeper: What’s truly expected from a residential real estate agent?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager shaping up the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of residential real estate,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable residential real estate agent job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get right to it.

Residential Real Estate Agent Duties and Responsibilities

Residential Real Estate Agents assist clients with the process of buying, selling, or renting properties.

They use their in-depth knowledge of the real estate market to advise clients on market conditions, property prices, mortgages, legal requirements, and related matters.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate and list client’s property for sale or rent
• Provide guidance to buyers and sellers to make informed real estate decisions
• Coordinate and facilitate open houses, property viewings, and other appointments
• Prepare and submit all required paperwork, including various real estate documents, agreements, and records
• Maintain and update listings of available properties
• Promote sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and participation in multiple listing services
• Develop networks and cooperate with attorneys, mortgage lenders, and contractors
• Negotiate between buyer and seller to reach mutually satisfactory agreements
• Remain knowledgeable about the real estate market and best practices

 

Residential Real Estate Agent Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly-motivated Residential Real Estate Agent to assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties.

The Residential Real Estate Agent will assist clients in assessing market conditions, formulating pricing strategies, and negotiating contract terms.

Our ideal candidate is knowledgeable about local real estate markets, possess strong negotiation skills, and is dedicated to helping clients achieve their property goals.

Ultimately, the role of the Residential Real Estate Agent is to ensure a smooth real estate transaction process, resulting in client satisfaction.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties.
• Advise clients on prices, mortgages, market conditions, and related information.
• Compare properties to determine fair and competitive market prices.
• Prepare and submit all required paperwork, including various contracts and agreements.
• Promote sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and listing services.
• Coordinate property closings, overseeing the signing of documents and disbursement of funds.
• Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers, ensuring good conduct and the honest exchange of information towards a beneficial understanding.
• Present properties in the best light to promote lettings and sales.

 

Qualifications

• Proven working experience as a Real Estate Agent or Real Estate Salesperson.
• Proven track of successful sales record.
• Ability to work independently with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong sales, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Pleasant and trustworthy personality.
• Real estate agent’s or broker’s license (depending on state).

 

Benefits

• Commission based salary.
• Flexible working hours.
• Continual professional development opportunities.
• Potential for high earnings.
• Networking opportunities.

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Residential Real Estate Agent
• Work Environment: This role often involves significant field work, including property visits and client meetings. Some administrative work in an office setting is also required.
• Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Real Estate Broker or Agency Owner.
• Salary: This role typically works on a commission basis. The median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $48,930 in May 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, earnings can vary greatly depending on the number of transactions completed, the commission paid to the brokerage, and the agent’s split with the sponsoring broker.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Commission
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Residential Real Estate Agent Do?

Residential Real Estate Agents are licensed professionals who help individuals buy, sell or rent residential properties, such as homes and apartments.

They work closely with clients to understand their specific needs, preferences, and budgets, and use this information to identify properties that meet these criteria.

A key part of their job is to negotiate transactions on behalf of their clients, which includes presenting offers, handling paperwork, and coordinating with other parties involved, such as sellers, buyers, and lenders.

Residential Real Estate Agents also conduct property showings and open houses, and advise clients on market conditions, prices, and legal requirements.

In addition, they promote properties through listings, advertisements, and networking events to attract potential buyers or renters.

Residential Real Estate Agents often work on commission, and their earnings are usually dependent on the number and value of the transactions they complete.

They often work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet their clients’ schedules and needs.

 

Residential Real Estate Agent Qualifications and Skills

A competent residential real estate agent should possess the qualifications and skills that align with the job role, such as:

• Knowledge of real estate laws and regulations to ensure all transactions are legal and fair
• Negotiation skills to help clients get the best deals possible and to resolve any disputes that might occur during transactions
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients, and to interact effectively with sellers, buyers, and other real estate professionals
• Communication skills to clearly convey information about properties, and to understand the needs and preferences of clients
• Customer service skills to provide a positive experience for clients, from the initial meeting through closing
• Organizational skills to manage multiple listings and clients, and to keep track of all details related to transactions
• Marketing skills to promote properties effectively, using various online and offline channels
• A valid real estate license, and a willingness to continue learning about the real estate market, trends, and best practices

 

Residential Real Estate Agent Experience Requirements

Residential Real Estate Agents often start their careers by gaining a real estate license, a process that typically requires certain hours of education and passing an exam.

Most states also mandate a background check for licensure.

Aspiring Real Estate Agents often take on internships, part-time roles, or assistant positions at real estate firms to gain practical experience in the field.

This allows them to understand the real estate market, learn the art of negotiation, and gain familiarity with local zoning and tax laws.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience are generally considered entry-level and can take on roles involving property listings, arranging buyer-seller meetings, and negotiating contracts.

They may also assist more experienced agents to gain further on-the-job experience.

Agents with more than 3 years of experience are often adept at handling complex transactions and large-scale property negotiations.

They may also have gained specialized knowledge in particular residential areas or types of housing.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are usually ready for senior roles or even managerial positions.

These agents may also explore getting a broker’s license, which allows them to open their own real estate agency.

Continued education, certifications, and real estate seminars are often recommended to stay updated in this dynamic industry.

 

Residential Real Estate Agent Education and Training Requirements

Residential Real Estate Agents typically have a high school diploma as a minimum education requirement, but many also possess a bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, finance or related field.

Before becoming a real estate agent, a person must complete pre-licensing courses and pass the real estate license examination in their respective state.

The coursework, regulated by the state’s real estate commission, offers an introduction to various aspects of real estate law, contract law, and property management.

Beyond licensing, many real estate agents choose to pursue additional designations or certifications to specialize in certain areas of real estate or to enhance their credibility and marketability.

This might include becoming a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or earning a certification in property management.

Real estate is a rapidly evolving industry, so continuing education is crucial.

Most states require real estate agents to complete a certain number of continuing education hours every 1-2 years to maintain their license.

In addition to formal education and training, successful real estate agents often have strong interpersonal skills, a solid understanding of the local market, and the ability to utilize technology effectively.

 

Residential Real Estate Agent Salary Expectations

A Residential Real Estate Agent can expect an average salary of $87,290 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the agent’s experience, the local real estate market, and the commission structure of the employing agency.

 

Residential Real Estate Agent Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Residential Real Estate Agent need?

A Residential Real Estate Agent should have excellent communication and negotiation skills, as they will be dealing with various clients and other agents.

They need to have good knowledge of the local real estate market and should be able to provide accurate property valuations.

A keen attention to detail is also required to ensure that all paperwork and legal matters are properly handled.

 

Do Residential Real Estate Agents need a degree?

While a degree is not a requirement for becoming a Residential Real Estate Agent, they must have a real estate license to operate.

This involves completing a pre-licensing course and passing a licensing exam.

A degree in a related field, such as business or finance, could be advantageous and provide valuable knowledge.

 

What should you look for in a Residential Real Estate Agent resume?

A Residential Real Estate Agent’s resume should indicate that they have a current real estate license.

Look for experience in selling or buying residential properties and familiarity with the local real estate market.

Other important skills to look for include strong communication, negotiation and customer service skills, along with the ability to manage multiple clients and tasks.

 

What qualities make a good Residential Real Estate Agent?

A good Residential Real Estate Agent should be enthusiastic, personable, and trustworthy.

They should have strong negotiation skills, be detail-oriented, and have excellent knowledge of the real estate market.

A good agent should also have a proactive approach, identifying potential properties that meet their clients’ needs and working hard to secure the best deals.

 

Is it challenging to hire Residential Real Estate Agents?

The difficulty of hiring a Residential Real Estate Agent depends on the local market conditions.

In areas where the real estate market is booming, there may be a high demand for agents, making it more challenging to find qualified candidates.

When hiring, it’s essential to look for agents with a proven track record, strong local market knowledge, and excellent customer service skills.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve drawn back the shutters on what it truly means to be a residential real estate agent.

And guess what?

It’s not just about selling homes.

It’s about crafting the dreams of homeownership, one property at a time.

With our handy residential real estate agent job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every property sold is a part of someone’s dream.

Let’s build that dream. Together.

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