ABA Family Legal Guide

Buying and Selling a Home

Meeting the Players

Selecting a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home

What is the role of the seller's agent?

The role of the seller's agent is spelled out in the listing agreement. The agent who signs a listing agreement with the seller is known as the listing agent. The listing agent helps determine the asking price, suggests how to market the home, adds the property to a local multiple listing service (MLS), schedules advertising and open houses, shows the home to prospective buyers, and otherwise facilitates the sale. Since the amount paid to an agent can be high, it may be possible to hire an agent to handle only limited aspects of the sale in exchange for a reduced commission.