Listing agent vs. selling agent: the two titles are often used synonymously, but these real estate professionals actually sit on opposite sides of the negotiating table. The confusion started a long time ago with a few letters at the end of the root word “sell” — selling and seller. The suffix is to blame. In this brief easy-read post, we simplify and clarify these two terms, making it easier for you to understand who does what in a home sale transaction. The real estate industry is rife with jargon, but few terms cause as much confusion as “listing agent” and “selling agent.” Though they sound alike, their roles are distinct. Listing agent (seller’s agent): A listing agent represents the seller in the transaction. They are responsible for listing the property for sale, marketing it, and negotiating with buyers to secure the best possible deal. Selling agent (buyer’s agent): On the flip side, the selling agent represents the buyer. They help find properties that meet the buyer’s criteria, advise on offers, and negotiate terms on behalf of the buyer. “It’s kind of weird verbiage,” Tom Heuser, a top Las Vegas Realtor, told HomeLight in an earlier interview. “Many articles and the Realtors’ board will reference the buyer’s agent as the ‘selling agent’ because they are the ones representing the buyer and helping the property sell.” He recommends swapping “selling agent” to “buyer’s agent” in your mind. This simple switch can clear up all the confusion. Heuser’s suggested title correction approach clarifies the distinct roles of listing and selling agents, ensuring you know exactly who you’re dealing with in your next real estate venture. In some real estate transactions, a single agent might represent both the seller and the buyer. This is known as dual agency, but it is illegal or heavily restricted in the following eight states: Where dual agency is legal, agents typically must clearly disclose to their clients that they are representing both the homebuyer and home seller in the transaction. While it can simplify communication by having one point of contact, dual agency also brings unique challenges and considerations. Real estate agents are typically paid through commissions based on the sale price of the property. Here’s how it traditionally breaks down, but there are changes on the horizon (more on this below):Listing and seller’s vs. selling agent
What does a listing agent do?
What does a selling (buyer’s) agent do?
Can a listing agent represent the seller and buyer?
Pros and cons of dual agency
Pros
Cons
How do both agents get paid?
