Residential Sales Agent Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s real estate market, the role of residential sales agents has never been more important.

As the property landscape evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, develop, and secure our residential property market grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a residential sales agent?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to comprehend the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the ins and outs of residential property sales,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Residential Sales Agent Duties and Responsibilities

Residential Sales Agents, also known as Real Estate Agents, are professionals who assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties.

They are responsible for helping clients navigate the real estate market, providing advice on market conditions, and managing transactions.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Advise clients on the buying, selling, and renting process
• Help clients find properties that meet their needs and budget
• Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers
• Prepare necessary paperwork such as contracts, leases, and deeds
• Conduct property showings and open houses
• Evaluate properties to determine a competitive market price
• Promote sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and multiple listing services
• Cooperate with appraisers, escrow companies, lenders, and home inspectors
• Maintain and update listings of available properties
• Review property listings, trade journals, and relevant literature, and attend conventions, seminars, and staff and association meetings to remain knowledgeable about real estate markets
• Develop networks of attorneys, mortgage lenders, and contractors to whom clients may be referred

 

Residential Sales Agent Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a motivated and highly skilled Residential Sales Agent to join our real estate team.

The Residential Sales Agent will be responsible for buying and selling property for our real estate business.

You will be tasked with growing our customer base by generating leads, counseling clients on market conditions, and developing competitive market prices.

Our ideal candidate is an experienced real estate professional who is knowledgeable about the real estate market, has excellent negotiation skills and is committed to providing outstanding customer service.

 

Responsibilities

• Generate client leads to buy, sell, and rent a property
• Counsel clients on market conditions, prices, and mortgages
• Develop a competitive market price by comparing properties
• Create lists for real estate sale properties, with information location, features, square footage, etc.
• Show properties to potential buyers and renters
• Promote properties with ads, listings, and open houses
• Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration
• Coordinate appointments to show homes to prospective buyers
• Review property listings, trade journals, and relevant literature, and attend conventions, seminars, and staff and association meetings to remain knowledgeable about real estate markets

 

Qualifications

• Proven working experience as a real estate agent or real estate salesperson
• Proven track of successful sales record
• Ability to work independently with little management involvement
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong sales mentality, and negotiating ability
• Candidates must have their own car and a valid driver’s license
• Knowledge of local, state and federal housing laws
• Strong knowledge of the local property market
• High school diploma is required; Bachelor’s degree in real estate, business administration or related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• Competitive commission rates
• Continuous professional development opportunities
• Networking opportunities to meet potential clients
• Flexible working hours

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Residential Sales Agent
• Work Environment: This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. It would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Manager.
• Salary: Salary is commission-based and is determined by the amount of properties sold.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• 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 Sales Agent Do?

Residential Sales Agents, also known as real estate agents, work for real estate brokerages and primarily deal with the buying and selling of residential properties.

They meet with clients to discuss their needs and preferences, and then use their understanding of the local real estate market to find properties that suit these requirements.

They also list and promote properties for sale on behalf of sellers.

Residential Sales Agents show properties to potential buyers, highlighting the positive aspects and addressing any concerns.

They also negotiate prices between buyers and sellers and draw up the necessary legal documents once a sale is agreed upon.

Moreover, they provide advice to their clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, and related information.

They also guide sellers on how to make their homes more appealing to potential buyers.

Residential Sales Agents may also oversee the closing of sales to ensure all parties are satisfied and all paperwork is appropriately filed.

They work closely with various professionals such as home inspectors, mortgage brokers, and legal representatives during this process.

Their ultimate goal is to ensure the successful sale of residential properties while meeting the needs and expectations of their clients.

 

Residential Sales Agent Qualifications and Skills

Residential Sales Agents require a mix of technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and industry knowledge to effectively navigate the real estate market, including:

• Strong communication and negotiation skills to deal with buyers, sellers, and other property professionals effectively and persuasively.
• A solid understanding of the local real estate market and property laws to provide accurate advice to clients and ensure all transactions comply with the law.
• Excellent customer service skills to build long-lasting relationships with clients, maintain client loyalty, and generate referrals.
• Good analytical skills to assess the property market and advise clients on pricing, market trends, and investment opportunities.
• Organization and time management skills to manage multiple properties, clients, and appointments effectively.
• Detail-oriented to review and draft legal documents, catch potential issues, and ensure all paperwork is accurate and complete.
• Resilience and perseverance, as the role often involves long hours, working under pressure and dealing with rejections.

 

Residential Sales Agent Experience Requirements

Residential Sales Agents, also known as Real Estate Agents, typically require a certain amount of practical experience in the field, in addition to acquiring the necessary educational and licensing prerequisites.

Entry-level Residential Sales Agents may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through internships or part-time roles in real estate agencies.

This initial experience is crucial in learning about real estate regulations, local market conditions, and effective sales techniques.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience have usually established a solid foundation in the industry, having the ability to navigate various transactions such as sales, purchases, and property management.

They may have broadened their skills and knowledge through roles such as Property Consultant or Leasing Agent.

Residential Sales Agents with more than 5 years of experience often have built a substantial client base and are proficient in negotiating deals and closing transactions.

They may have also gained leadership experience by guiding new agents or managing a team.

These highly experienced agents may be ready to move onto roles such as Real Estate Broker or Agency Manager.

 

Residential Sales Agent Education and Training Requirements

Residential Sales Agents, often referred to as real estate agents, typically must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The primary requirement for this role is to obtain a real estate license in the state where the agent wishes to practice.

To obtain this license, prospective agents must complete a certain number of hours of real estate courses, which vary by state, and pass the state’s real estate licensing examination.

These courses cover a range of topics, including real estate law, contracts, property management, real estate investments, real estate appraisal, and business law.

While not mandatory, some Residential Sales Agents opt for a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related fields to gain deeper knowledge of the industry and become more competitive in the job market.

In addition to these formal education requirements, successful Residential Sales Agents often have strong customer service, negotiation, and sales skills.

Many agents also participate in ongoing professional development courses and seminars to stay current with changing laws, technology, and market trends.

Obtaining a professional certification, such as the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, can further enhance a Residential Sales Agent’s career prospects and credibility in the industry.

 

Residential Sales Agent Salary Expectations

A Residential Sales Agent can expect to earn an average salary of $48,930 (USD) per year.

This income level can differ considerably based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific real estate market in which the agent operates.

 

Residential Sales Agent Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Residential Sales Agent need?

Residential Sales Agents should possess exceptional communication and negotiation skills, as they will often be brokering deals between buyers and sellers.

They should also have a deep understanding of real estate markets, housing laws and regulations, and the ability to accurately evaluate property value.

Strong customer service skills are also essential to understand and cater to clients’ needs.

 

Do Residential Sales Agents need a degree?

A degree is not a compulsory requirement to become a Residential Sales Agent, but many agents have a degree in fields such as business, finance or real estate.

Regardless of educational background, all agents must pass a state-accredited real estate course and the respective state’s licensing exam.

 

What should you look for in a Residential Sales Agent resume?

Firstly, ensure that the candidate is licensed to work in your state.

Other things to look for include experience in residential sales or real estate, a record of successful sales, and knowledge of the local property market.

They should also demonstrate strong negotiation, communication and customer service skills.

 

What qualities make a good Residential Sales Agent?

A good Residential Sales Agent is patient, detail-oriented, and has excellent interpersonal skills.

They should be able to handle stressful situations, such as negotiating deals or dealing with difficult clients.

They should also have a genuine interest in real estate and a desire to continuously learn and keep up with market trends.

 

Is it difficult to hire Residential Sales Agents?

The challenge of hiring Residential Sales Agents often lies in finding individuals with the right mix of skills, knowledge, experience, and personal qualities.

As the real estate market can be competitive, finding agents who are able to handle pressure, negotiate effectively, and maintain a high level of customer service can be challenging.

Offering competitive commission structures and opportunities for professional growth can attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

We’ve taken a deep dive into what it truly means to be a Residential Sales Agent.

Surprised?

It’s not just about selling houses.

It’s about helping individuals find a place to call home, one property at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Residential Sales Agent job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to make your next career move.

But why stop at that?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every property sold brings someone one step closer to their dream home.

Let’s make those dreams come true. Together.

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