Short answerA listing agent prices the home from local sales, prepares it for the market, lists it on the MLS, markets it, runs showings, reviews and negotiates offers, handles the inspection and appraisal stages, and keeps the lender and title company moving to closing. Most of the money is won or lost in negotiation after the offer.
Before the house goes on the market
- Pricing from recent nearby sales, adjusted for condition, size, lot, and updates.
- A condition review so you know what a buyer's inspector or a government loan appraiser may flag.
- A net estimate so you know what you keep at different prices.
- Photos, listing description, and the required disclosures.
While it is for sale
- MLS entry, which feeds the major home search sites.
- Showing scheduling, feedback, and weekly updates on activity and the market.
- A price conversation backed by data if activity is slow.
From offer to closing
- Comparing offers on net proceeds and certainty, not just price.
- Negotiating the inspection response and any appraisal gap.
- Tracking every contract deadline with the lender and title company.
See the steps to selling a house for the full timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Does a listing agent represent the buyer too?
Not unless both sides agree in writing to limited agency. Otherwise the listing agent represents only the seller.
Who pays the listing agent?
The seller, from the sale proceeds at closing, under the listing agreement.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Sources
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.