WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LISTING AGENT AND A SELLING AGENT?

If you re buying or selling a home, you ve probably encountered terms such as listing agent, selling agent, buyer s agent, and seller s agent. While these labels can be confusing even for experienced buyers and sellers, understanding what each means can help you feel more confident while navigating this important transaction. Here is a quick guide to the different real estate agents you ll encounter:

- Listing agent. Also known as a seller s agent, the listing agent is the one who lists and markets the property for sale. Their roles may include conducting market analysis, offering suggestions for how to increase the home s appeal to buyers, advertising the property, and networking with other agents. The listing agent represents the seller s interests throughout the process.

- Selling agent. Despite the name, selling agents actually represent buyers. If you re searching for a home, a selling agent can help locate properties that match your criteria, schedule showings, communicate with the listing agent, and negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible sales price and terms. You may also hear this type of agent referred to as a buyer s agent technically, that term is accurate before the contract is signed, but afterwards, they are designated as the selling agent.

In some situations known as dual agency the listing agent may also work as the selling agent, representing both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. However, because this can lead to conflicts of interest, it is either illegal or heavily restricted in some states. In states where it is legal, clients are typically asked to sign a disclosure stating that they understand the potential risks of dual agency.

Source: thebalance.com & forbes.com