You probably know a few real estate agents—or at least you’ve seen their faces on billboards or next to “For Sale” signs in your neighborhood. But what do they actually do?
Maybe you’ve wondered if hiring an agent is really necessary, how much it costs, or what the difference is between a residential and a commercial agent. We’ll answer those questions and more—plus, we’ll help you understand what separates a great agent from the rest and how to find the right one for you.
Let’s dive in!
What Do Real Estate Agents Do?
At first glance, it might seem like real estate agents just search the MLS or platforms like CoStar and LoopNet and show clients properties. But there’s a lot more to it than that! Real estate agents are key players in helping buyers and sellers navigate one of life’s biggest financial decisions. They’re not just middlemen—they’re trusted guides, making sure everything goes smoothly, whether you’re buying a home, selling an office, or leasing a retail space.
Simply put, a real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps people buy, sell, or lease properties—whether that’s a house, a commercial building, or even vacant land. To become an agent, they have to complete required education, pass a licensing exam, and stay up to date with all the latest laws, contracts, and market trends.
Before we dive into exactly what agents do, though, it’s important to understand the difference between commercial and residential real estate agents, as their roles can be pretty different!
What Do Commercial Real Estate Agents Do?
Commercial real estate agents specialize in properties used for business/investment purposes. Investors, business owners, and corporations rely on them to find office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and other income-generating properties. Unlike residential real estate, commercial deals often involve longer lease agreements, higher financial stakes, and more complex negotiations.
A Few Types of Commercial Properties
- Office buildings (small business offices to corporate headquarters)
- Retail spaces (shopping centers, standalone stores, strip malls)
- Industrial properties (warehouses, manufacturing facilities)
- Multi-family investment properties (apartment complexes, duplexes)
What They Do for Buyers
- Find properties that align with business needs and investment goals – Whether a company needs a new headquarters or an investor is looking for a rental property, commercial agents identify options that fit their criteria.
- Analyze market trends and financial projections – Commercial real estate is an investment, and agents help clients understand potential risks and rewards.
- Negotiate lease terms or purchase agreements – Commercial leases can be complex, and a skilled agent ensures clients get the best terms.
- Assist with zoning and regulatory compliance – Commercial properties must adhere to zoning laws and regulations, which agents help clients navigate.
What They Do for Sellers
- Market properties to the right buyers or investors – Commercial agents use industry networks, databases, and professional marketing to attract serious buyers.
- Price properties competitively – By analyzing market conditions, they ensure sellers maximize their return on investment.
- Negotiate favorable sales terms – Whether selling a retail space or a multi-unit apartment building, a strong agent works to secure the best possible deal.
What Do Residential Real Estate Agents Do?
Commercial real estate agents specialize in properties that are used for business or investment purposes. Business owners, investors, and corporations turn to these pros when they’re looking for office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and other income-generating properties. Commercial deals are different from residential ones—there are often longer lease agreements, bigger financial stakes, and more complicated negotiations.
A Few Types of Commercial Properties:
- Office buildings (everything from small offices to corporate headquarters)
- Retail spaces (shopping centers, standalone stores, strip malls)
- Industrial properties (warehouses, manufacturing facilities)
- Multi-family investment properties (apartment complexes, duplexes)
What They Do for Buyers:
- Find Properties That Fit Your Needs & Goals: Whether you’re looking for a new office or an investment property, commercial agents help you find options that match your specific business needs or investment goals.
- Analyze Market Trends & Financial Projections: Real estate is an investment, and commercial agents are experts at helping you understand potential risks and rewards before making a decision.
- Negotiate Lease Terms or Purchase Agreements: Commercial leases can be tricky, but a skilled agent will help make sure you get the best terms for your needs.
- Help with Zoning & Regulatory Compliance: Navigating zoning laws and regulations can be complex, but your agent will be there to guide you through it to ensure everything is in compliance.
What They Do for Sellers:
- Market Properties to the Right Buyers: Using industry networks and marketing tools, commercial agents target the right investors or buyers who will be a good fit for your property.
- Price Properties Competitively: They stay on top of market conditions to help you price your property just right, ensuring you get the best return on investment.
- Negotiate Favorable Sales Terms: Whether you’re selling a retail space or a multi-unit apartment, a great agent knows how to negotiate a deal that works in your favor.
What Do Residential Real Estate Agents Do?
Residential agents focus on helping individuals and families buy or sell homes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upgrading, downsizing, or selling an investment property, residential agents are here to make the whole process smoother and less stressful.
A Few Types of Residential Properties:
- Single-family homes
- Condos
- Duplexes
- Luxury homes
- Townhomes
What They Do for Buyers:
- Find Homes That Match Your Needs & Budget: Your agent will help you navigate the sea of listings to find homes that fit your budget and lifestyle. They’ll suggest neighborhoods, arrange viewings, and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
- Negotiate Offers & Handle Paperwork: Once you’ve found your dream home, your agent helps you make a strong, competitive offer without going over budget. They’ll also handle the paperwork, making sure everything’s in order.
- Guide You Through the Mortgage Process: Securing a mortgage can feel like a maze. Your agent will break it down, explain your financing options, and even recommend trusted lenders if you need help.
- Advise on Home Inspections: After the home inspection, your agent will go over the findings with you. If issues pop up, they’ll help you decide whether to negotiate for repairs or adjust the price.
- Help You Navigate Challenges: Buying a home can be a wild ride! Whether it’s a financing hiccup or an appraisal issue, your agent stays calm, helps you work through problems, and keeps everything on track.
What They Do for Sellers:
- Set the Right Price: Pricing your home correctly is key. Your agent will pull up the most recent market data to help you set a price that’s competitive but realistic. If emotions get in the way, they’ll help you stay grounded and focused on the market.
- Help with Curb Appeal & Staging: Sometimes, little things like clutter or peeling paint can turn buyers off. Your agent will help spruce up your home’s curb appeal and suggest ways to stage it to make it look its best.
- Handle Marketing: Your agent will take professional photos, create an eye-catching online listing, and even go the extra mile with drone shots for aerial views of your property. Their goal is to make sure your home stands out.
- Negotiate Offers with Your Best Interests in Mind: Selling a home can stir up a lot of emotions. Your agent will handle the tough negotiations while keeping your best interests in mind. They’ll make sure you stay focused on the facts so you can make the right decision.
- Reassure You When Things Get Tough: Not every sale goes smoothly. Whether the market shifts or a buyer has unrealistic expectations, your agent will guide you through it with experience, keeping you calm and focused on the end goal: selling your home for the best price.
In short, real estate agents do a lot more than just list properties. They’re there to help you through every step, protecting your interests, guiding you through challenges, and making the entire process as smooth and successful as possible.
Are Real Estate Agents Worth It? Do I Really Need One?
You’ve probably asked yourself this at some point: Do I really need a real estate agent? After all, you can buy or sell a home on your own, right? While it’s possible to go solo, the numbers tell a different story. Statistics show that working with an agent doesn’t just make life easier—it can also lead to better financial outcomes:
- According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nearly 90% of home buyers work with a real estate agent (NAR – Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers).
- Homes sold with an agent sell for an average of 26% more than For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties. (NAR – 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers).
- That means with the median home price in the US around $410,000 in 2023, that 26% difference could mean an extra $106,600 in your pocket when working with an agent!
- Agents help buyers avoid costly mistakes and ensure sellers maximize their home’s value.
Ultimately, skipping a real estate agent is like neglecting an oil change—you might get by for a while, but you’ll probably face bigger issues later. In the end, real estate agents are well worth their commission. They save you time, reduce stress, and often help you secure a better financial outcome.
What is the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a REALTOR®?
A real estate agent is anyone licensed to help people buy and sell property. A REALTOR® is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and adheres to a strict code of ethics. While all REALTORS® are agents, not all agents are REALTORS®.
If you’re choosing between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent, it’s important to focus on their experience, credentials, and, most importantly, their character.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Cost?
You’re probably wondering, “What’s this going to cost me?” That’s a fair question! Typically, agents earn a commission based on the home’s sale price, usually around 5-6%, which is split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. The seller often covers the buyer’s agent fees from the proceeds of the sale, so buyers usually don’t pay anything directly out of pocket.
However, commission structures can vary, so it’s always a good idea to clarify the costs upfront to avoid any surprises. Understanding how much you’ll be paying helps you budget better and ensures you’re on the same page with your agent.
Don’t stress too much about agent fees. When you see all the work they do, you’ll quickly realize they’re more than worth it. They help guide your decisions, save you time, and often secure you a better deal.
Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Sellers typically pay 5-6% of the home’s sale price, which is split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. This is usually paid from the seller’s proceeds at closing.
- Buyers generally don’t pay agent fees directly since the seller’s commission typically covers the buyer’s agent’s costs.
What Makes a Great Real Estate Agent?
Picking the right agent can make all the difference in your home-buying or selling experience. Here’s what to look for:
- Honesty & Trustworthiness – You need an agent who truly has your best interests at heart—not just someone chasing a commission. A great agent listens, cares, and guides you toward the best decisions with integrity.
- Market Expertise – From pricing and market trends to contracts and negotiations, a good agent should be able to break things down in a way that makes sense and help you navigate any bumps in the road.
- Communicates Well (and Often!) – Buying or selling a home is a big deal, and you shouldn’t be left in the dark. A great agent keeps you updated, asks the right questions, and makes sure they understand what matters most to you.
- A Skilled Negotiator – Negotiation is an art. The right agent knows when to push, when to compromise, and how to get you the best possible deal—so you don’t leave money on the table or agree to terms you’ll regret later.
Looking for an agent who checks all these boxes? Kingdom Living Professionals are trusted, experienced, and committed to serving you with excellence and integrity.
Let’s find the right agent for you—get connected today!
How to Find a Great Real Estate Agent
Finding the right agent doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Here’s how to make sure you’re working with someone you can trust:
- Ask for Referrals – Start by asking friends, family, or coworkers if they’ve worked with an agent they’d recommend. A personal referral is one of the best ways to find someone reliable! But don’t stop there—do some online research, too. Check out local agents’ reviews and see what past clients are saying.
Another great option? Use a referral program that vets agents for you. But be careful—not all programs hold agents to high standards. Some just list agents who paid to be there, which doesn’t mean they’re actually good at their job.
That’s why Kingdom Living Professionals are different. They don’t just sign up and pay a fee—they earn their spot by proving they’re highly experienced, committed to biblical values, and actively involved in their local church. When you choose a KLP agent, you know you’re working with someone you can trust!
- Interview Potential Agents – Once you’ve found a few options, take the time to meet with them. A great agent should make you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. Here are some good questions to ask:
- How long have you been in real estate?
- What’s your experience with homes in my area?
- How will you communicate with me?
- What makes you different from other agents?
- What do you charge?
- Can I speak with past clients for a reference?
- How do you help set realistic expectations?
Pay attention to how they answer—are they patient, clear, and honest? Do they take the time to understand your needs?
- Go with Someone You Trust – At the end of the day, the best agent is one who makes you feel confident, supported, and prioritized. You should never feel like just another transaction! Choose someone who genuinely cares about your goals and is committed to serving you with integrity.
Ready to find the right agent? Let us connect you with a Kingdom Living Professional today!
Find a Chrisitan Real Estate Agent Near You
That was a lot to take in—so let’s simplify it.
Whether you’re buying a home, selling a property, or looking for a new space for your business, the right real estate agent matters. Real estate isn’t just about paperwork and transactions—it’s about making wise decisions that align with your needs and goals. That’s why working with an agent who truly understands your priorities is so important.
That’s where Kingdom Living Connections comes in. Our network is made up of experienced, faith-driven agents who do more than just help you buy or sell—they serve with integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to doing what’s best for you. From your first conversation to closing day, they’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.
You may already know a few agents, but choosing the right one takes more than just a name. With so much at stake, you need someone who will look out for your best interests and handle the process with excellence. Taking the time to find the right agent is worth it—and we make that process easy.
And the best part? Connecting with a Kingdom Living Professional is completely free!
Start your search today and find a trusted Christian real estate agent near you!
