Accessing offmarket properties can provide a range of advantages for prospective buyers. One of the main benefits is the opportunity to find unique and exclusive properties that are not readily available on the open market. These offmarket properties may offer features or locations that are highly desirable but not easily accessible through traditional listing channels.
By accessing offmarket properties, buyers can also avoid competition from other potential buyers, which can lead to a smoother and more straightforward purchasing process. This lack of competition can also sometimes result in better pricing or negotiation opportunities for the buyer.
Additionally, accessing offmarket properties allows buyers to tap into a network of connections and resources that may not be readily available through public listings. This can provide access to insider knowledge about upcoming listings or investment opportunities before they are widely known, giving buyers a distinct advantage in the real estate market.
Overall, accessing offmarket properties offers a range of advantages for buyers looking for unique, exclusive, and potentially lucrative real estate opportunities. By leveraging these connections and resources, buyers can gain an edge in finding their dream property or investment opportunity.
Are you tired of competing with countless other buyers for the same properties on the market? Are you looking for a more exclusive and less competitive way to find your next investment or dream home? If so, accessing off-market properties may be the solution you've been searching for.
Off-market properties are those that are not publicly listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or other real estate websites. These properties are often referred to as "pocket listings" because they are kept within a small network of agents and investors, making them more difficult to find through traditional channels.
So, how can you gain access to these elusive off-market properties? One option is to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who has connections in the industry. These agents often have access to off-market listings before they hit the market, giving their clients a competitive edge.
Another way to find off-market properties is through networking. Attend local real estate events, join investor groups, and connect with other professionals in the industry. By building relationships with others in the field, you may come across exclusive opportunities that are not available to the general public.
Additionally, consider reaching out directly to property owners who may be interested in selling but have not yet listed their property. You can do this by sending out letters or postcards expressing your interest in purchasing their property. This proactive approach can sometimes lead to uncovering hidden gems that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
In conclusion, accessing off-market properties requires thinking outside the box and utilizing different strategies than those typically used when searching for homes on the open market. By working with experienced real estate agents, networking with industry professionals, and reaching out directly to property owners, you can increase your chances of finding unique and lucrative investment opportunities that others may overlook. So why wait? Start exploring off-market properties today and discover a whole new world of possibilities!
When it comes to purchasing property on the Gold Coast, getting a professional buyers agent for the Gold Coast is essential for making the right decisions. A Gold Coast buyers agent offers invaluable services to guide you through the challenges of property transactions, from the initial consultation all the way through to the purchase completion. With the local property market growing consistently, understanding property prices, neighborhood dynamics, and investment potential can be overwhelming without expert assistance. A skilled Gold Coast buyers agent helps ensure that you make an informed, smart decision that aligns with your goals, whether you're buying a first home, investment property, or luxury real estate.
The Coast real estate market is ever-changing and fast-paced, with a wide range of properties available, from beachfront homes to luxury apartments and suburban family homes. For first-time buyers or seasoned investors, understanding this market can be daunting. A professional buyers agent for the Gold Coast can help you unlock the full potential of your property purchase.
The process of purchasing property involves much more than just finding the right home. A buyers agent for the Gold Coast serves as your trusted advisor throughout the entire transaction. They assist with everything from initial consultations to post-purchase support.
At Savvy Fox, we pride ourselves on being a top-tier Gold Coast buyers agent with a track record of successful property purchases for our clients. Here’s why working with us can make a difference in your property journey:
The Coast market is known for its strong growth and potential for capital appreciation, making it a prime location for investment. In recent years, the Gold Coast has become a hotspot for both local and interstate buyers, with properties in certain areas seeing significant price increases.
Investing in property on the Gold Coast offers exciting opportunities, but it requires careful consideration. Whether you're looking for residential or commercial properties, there are several factors to keep in mind. A buyers agent for Gold Coast can help you assess the investment potential of a property by considering factors such as location, amenities, rental yield, and future market trends.
If you're ready to take the next step in your property journey on the Coast, Savvy Fox is here to assist you every step of the way. With our professional expertise, extensive market knowledge, and commitment to achieving your property goals, you can trust us to help you navigate the competitive buyers agent for Gold Coast market with confidence.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in finding the perfect property on the Coast.
The Gold Coast is a popular place to live in Australia. It offers beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and a relaxed lifestyle. Many people move here for work, study, or retirement. The cost of living varies depending on location, lifestyle, and personal choices. This article provides an overview of key expenses in the Gold Coast.
Housing is one of the biggest expenses in the Gold Coast. Prices depend on the suburb and type of property. Beachfront areas like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach have higher prices, while inland suburbs like Nerang and Helensvale offer more affordable options.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around AUD 2,500 per month. In outer suburbs, the price drops to about AUD 1,800 per month. A three-bedroom house in a central area costs between AUD 750,000 and AUD 1,200,000, while in suburban areas, prices range from AUD 600,000 to AUD 900,000.
Electricity, water, and gas bills depend on usage and household size. The average monthly cost for utilities in an apartment is around AUD 200 to AUD 250. A larger home with air conditioning may cost more.
Internet prices vary depending on the provider and plan. A high-speed unlimited plan costs between AUD 70 and AUD 100 per month.
Grocery costs in the Gold Coast are similar to other major Australian cities. Supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi offer a variety of food options.
Buying groceries at local markets can be cheaper than supermarkets. Many residents visit farmers' markets for fresh produce and better prices.
Dining out in the Gold Coast varies in price depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around AUD 20 to AUD 30 per person. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs about AUD 80 to AUD 120 for two people.
Coffee lovers can expect to pay around AUD 5 for a cappuccino or latte. A fast-food meal costs about AUD 12 to AUD 15.
The Gold Coast has a public transport system that includes buses, trains, and the G:Link light rail. The cost of transport depends on travel frequency and distance.
Many residents use cars for transport. Fuel prices range from AUD 1.80 to AUD 2.20 per liter. Car insurance and registration add to the cost, with annual fees between AUD 800 and AUD 1,500.
Healthcare in the Gold Coast is of high quality. Public hospitals provide free or low-cost treatment for Australian citizens and permanent residents under Medicare. Private healthcare is available for those who want additional benefits.
Private health insurance costs between AUD 150 and AUD 300 per month, depending on coverage. A standard doctor’s visit without Medicare costs around AUD 80 to AUD 120.
The Gold Coast has public and private schools. Public schools are free for Australian residents, with small fees for supplies and activities. Private school fees range from AUD 5,000 to AUD 25,000 per year.
For university students, Griffith University and Bond University are major institutions. Tuition fees for domestic students start at AUD 10,000 per year. International students pay higher fees, ranging from AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 per year.
The Gold Coast offers many activities, from theme parks to outdoor adventures. The cost of entertainment varies based on interests.
Outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and beach visits are free. Many locals take advantage of the warm climate and natural beauty for recreation.
Childcare costs in the Gold Coast depend on the type of service. Long day care centers charge around AUD 100 to AUD 150 per day. Family daycare and nannies are other options, with varying rates.
The Australian government offers childcare subsidies to eligible families, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Other costs include mobile phone plans, clothing, and personal care. A standard mobile phone plan costs between AUD 30 and AUD 60 per month. Clothing prices vary, with a pair of jeans costing around AUD 80 and a pair of running shoes around AUD 150.
Haircuts range from AUD 30 for men to AUD 80 for women. Basic toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste cost between AUD 5 and AUD 10 each.
The cost of living in the Gold Coast depends on lifestyle and spending habits. Housing and transport are major expenses, while groceries and dining out vary in price. Public services like healthcare and education are accessible, but private options add extra costs.
Overall, the Gold Coast offers a high-quality lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for work, study, and leisure. Understanding living expenses helps residents and newcomers plan their budgets effectively.
When it comes to accessing off-market properties, negotiating deals can be a bit trickier than with traditional listings. However, with the right approach and some insider tips, you can increase your chances of landing a great deal on these exclusive properties.
One key tip for negotiating deals on off-market properties is to do your research. Before entering into negotiations, make sure you have a good understanding of the property's value in the current market. This will give you a solid foundation for making an informed offer and help you negotiate from a position of strength.
Another important tip is to build relationships with real estate agents and other industry professionals who have access to off-market listings. These connections can provide valuable insights and help you gain access to properties that are not publicly listed. By networking within the industry, you may be able to find opportunities that others overlook.
Additionally, when negotiating on off-market properties, it's important to be flexible and open-minded. Since these properties are not widely advertised, sellers may have unique motivations or circumstances that could impact the negotiation process. Being willing to consider creative solutions or compromises can help you reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification during the negotiation process. Clear communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring that both parties are on the same page. By being proactive in seeking information and addressing any concerns upfront, you can build trust with the seller and increase your chances of reaching a successful deal.
In conclusion, negotiating deals on off-market properties requires diligence, networking, flexibility, and effective communication. By following these tips and approaching negotiations with a strategic mindset, you can improve your chances of securing a great deal on an exclusive property.
When it comes to finding offmarket properties, working with a real estate agent or broker can be incredibly beneficial. These professionals have access to a wide network of contacts and resources that can help you uncover hidden gems that are not listed on the open market.
One of the main reasons why it's important to work with a real estate agent or broker for offmarket properties is their insider knowledge. They often have access to exclusive listings and offmarket opportunities that are not available to the general public. This can give you a competitive edge when searching for your dream property.
Additionally, real estate agents and brokers have extensive experience in the industry and can provide valuable guidance throughout the buying process. They can help you navigate complex negotiations, identify potential red flags, and ensure that you are making an informed decision.
Furthermore, real estate agents and brokers have established relationships with other industry professionals such as appraisers, inspectors, and lenders. This network can be invaluable when purchasing offmarket properties, as it allows for a seamless transaction from start to finish.
Overall, working with a real estate agent or broker for offmarket properties can save you time, money, and stress. Their expertise and connections can help you uncover unique opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. So if you're in the market for an offmarket property, consider enlisting the help of a professional to guide you through the process.
The Australian property market comprises the trade of land and its permanent fixtures located within Australia. The average Australian property price grew 0.5% per year from 1890 to 1990 after inflation,[1] however rose from 1990 to 2017 at a faster rate. House prices in Australia receive considerable attention from the media and the Reserve Bank[2] and some commentators have argued that there is an Australian property bubble.[citation needed]
The residential housing market has seen drastic changes in prices in the past few decades. The property prices are soaring in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Hobart.[3] The median house price in Sydney peaked at $780,000 in 2016. [4] However, with stricter credit policy and reduced interest from foreign investors in residential property, prices have started falling in all the major cities. [5] When compared with the soaring prices of 2017, the housing prices fell by 11.1% in Sydney and 7.2% in Melbourne in 2018.[6] In 2022 the residential rental market has seen a significant increase in rents, which has been described as a ‘rental crisis’.
In 2011 there were 8.6m households with an average household size of 2.6 persons per household.[7] Freestanding houses have historically comprised most building approvals, but recent data shows a trend towards higher density housing such as townhouses and units.[8] Turnover rates vary across market cycles, but typically average 6% per year.[9] Since 1999-2000 the proportion of households renting from state/territory housing authorities has declined from 6% to 3% while the proportion renting privately increased from 20% to 26% in 2019-20.[10]
The Australian property market is non-uniform, with high variation observed across the major cities and regional areas.[11]
In Sydney, as of March 2010, the Property Market's vacancy rate reached 0.53% signalling that the market is recovering, as these rates had reached 2% in August 2009. As of July 2015, the Property Market in Sydney has surged in the first Q of 2015, up 3.1%.[12] Sydney's eastern and northern suburbs typically attract the highest prices, reflecting their desirability and premium location.[13] The annual capital growth for houses and units in Sydney is 4.2% and 3.8% respectively.[14]
In the late 2000s, housing prices in Australia, relative to average incomes, were among the highest in the world. As at 2011, house prices were on average six times average household income, compared to four times in 1990.[15] This prompted speculation that the country was experiencing a real estate bubble, like many other countries.[16]
Foreign investment has also been identified as a key driver of affordability issues, with recent years seeing particularly high capital inflows from Chinese investors.[17]
A number of economists, such as Macquarie Bank analyst Rory Robertson, assert that high immigration and the propensity of new arrivals to cluster in the capital cities is exacerbating the nation's housing affordability problem.[18] According to Robertson, Federal Government policies that fuel demand for housing, such as the currently high levels of immigration, as well as capital gains tax discounts and subsidies to boost fertility, have had a greater impact on housing affordability than land release on urban fringes.[19]
The Productivity Commission Inquiry Report No. 28 First Home Ownership (2004) also stated, in relation to housing, "that Growth in immigration since the mid-1990s has been an important contributor to underlying demand, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne."[20] This has been exacerbated by Australian lenders relaxing credit guidelines for temporary residents, allowing them to buy a home with a 10 percent deposit.
The RBA in its submission to the same PC Report also stated "rapid growth in overseas visitors such as students may have boosted demand for rental housing".[20] However, in question in the report was the statistical coverage of resident population. The "ABS population growth figures omit certain household formation groups – namely, overseas students and business migrants who do not continuously stay for 12 months in Australia."[20] This statistical omission lead to the admission: "The Commission recognises that the ABS resident population estimates have limitations when used for assessing housing demand. Given the significant influx of foreigners coming to work or study in Australia in recent years, it seems highly likely that short-stay visitor movements may have added to the demand for housing. However, the Commissions are unaware of any research that quantifies the effects."[20]
Some individuals and interest groups have also argued that immigration causes overburdened infrastructure.[21][22]
In December 2008, the federal government introduced legislation relaxing rules for foreign buyers of Australian property. According to FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) data released in August 2009, foreign investment in Australian real estate had increased by more than 30% year to date. One agent said that "overseas investors buy them to land bank, not to rent them out. The houses just sit vacant because they are after capital growth."[23]
Australian property investors often apply the practice of negative gearing. This occurs when the investor borrows money to fund the purchase of the property, and the income generated by the property is less than the cost of owning and managing the property including interest.[24] The investor is expecting that capital gains will compensate for the shortfall. Negative gearing receives considerable media and political attention due to the perceived distortion it creates on residential property prices. In anticipation of Labor being elected in the 2019 federal election, the banks issued less interest only loans which are used by many investors for negative gearing.[25]
In 2022 the Australian residential rental market saw an annual increase in rents of 12%, the strongest increase in 14 years. Across Australia the vacancy rate was 1%, when a rate below 2% is considered very competitive with affordability constraints impacting tenants.[26] A number of sources have described the situation as a ‘rental crisis’.[27][28]
The primary reason for the rental crisis is a lack of supply due to a variety of reasons, including existing landlords selling their rental properties which are being purchased by owner-occupiers[29][30][27] and some landlords using their properties on the short term rental market such as Airbnb.[31] Other commenators cited a lack of social housing being provided by the government.[32] The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted the rental market with shared households reducing in size and city workers moving to regional areas due to increased remote work.[33]
Buying agents or purchasing agents are people or companies that offer to buy goods or property on behalf of another party.[1] Indent agents or indenting agents (or firms) are alternative terms for buying agents.[2] An indent is an order for goods under specified conditions of sale.[3][4]
There are agents for all kinds of products, from raw material commodities through to specialized custom equipment.
In the United States, agents who buy real estate in this way are also known as property search agents or buyers’ agents and are professionals exclusively acting on behalf of a property buyer who assists the client during the entire purchasing process from sourcing the properties that correspond to the clients' requirements to negotiating the best possible price and terms with the seller and helping the client during the legal process to complete the acquisition.
Buying agents often preview properties on behalf of their clients, shortlist the most suitable, and usually accompany clients to all viewings. In order to ensure the most efficient property viewing experience, most agents offer a chauffeur and sometimes even helicopter viewings to their high-end clients. Often they will also offer personal concierge services which can schedule all viewings, book hotels, transfers and other amenities for the client. These services can be particularly useful to international clients who tend to fly in to view properties. In addition agents are typically able to connect the client with all necessary technical trades people who are required at different stages of the buying process such as lawyers, surveyors and other professionals.
Buying agents might have access to off-market properties through their network of contacts, although this depends on the market conditions and on how well connected the agent is locally.
The ethical behavior is a very important aspect to measure the professionalism of a buying agent: at any time they must advise their clients with no self-interest for their own success fee.
While initially buying agents catered exclusively to wealthier demographics, lately, especially in more competitive markets like London or Paris, the entry-level has significantly dropped to properties valued at around £500,000 or €500,000 (see The Daily Telegraph,[5])
At one end of the spectrum lie the super introduced local property experts who can be an invaluable resource for a buyer who is set on off-market or pre-market properties as well as private deals. These professionals are often able to source off-market because they have close ties with estate agents (or, in the United States, real estate brokers), they know other local intermediaries who may flag exclusive confidential deals, such as lawyers, private bankers, investment managers or other professionals and they sometimes know personally the owners of the best luxury properties for sale in the area they cover. If this is what the buyer is looking for then the size of the company is less relevant as contacts are made over time and lie in the hands of a few experienced professionals who may operate within larger organizations as well as on their own. Buying agents also often have close ties with property developers where the agent can get access to new properties before they come onto the open market.
The better buying agents will also have extensive knowledge of the properties in your target area and will contact owners of suitable properties directly to enquire if they would sell. This does put you in a weaker position in the negotiations but it means that you will have access to properties that other buyers won't and if your buying agent is a skilled negotiator then you may not have to pay a premium.
At the other end of the spectrum there are agencies that act more like relocation companies, well organized, operate in various languages, help their clients with all required paperwork, are well connected to various professionals and other companies in order to provide a full-blown service; these companies may be less capable of scouting off-market transactions or deal directly with private property owners.
Independent buying agents like to stress their autonomy from selling agencies who, depending on the country, either act on behalf of sellers or as mediators between the two parties (See The Independent,[6]). On the other side some well known estate agencies also offer buying services despite reservations over conflict of interest.
Because of the different nature of buying agencies, prospect buyers are often advised to contact more than one company to compare and contrast their benefits. As is often the case, it can be better to hire a professional who is more capable to listen and understand our needs even though his or her company does not entirely tick all the other boxes.
Most buying agents have significant transactional experience; however, like estate agents, only few of these professionals have a surveying qualification so they may not be the best advisors when it comes to valuing the property and predicting future market trends. For this reason the buyer may rely on other advisors or their own judgment before taking an investment decision.
From a geographical standpoint buying agents’ coverage ranges from a rather limited focus on few specific city districts or sub regional areas (a few towns and their surroundings) to nationwide 'chain' services. However each company has a few areas where it is stronger and only in those locations may it be able to deliver a superior value, especially when it comes to sourcing special opportunities. Only few companies in Europe have expanded to cover more than one country by employing different professionals.
There are varying terms for a buying agent which include: property consultant, property acquisition consultant, relocation agent and property finder. As per the above paragraph their skill sets vary slightly but the business is very similar. As this specific section within the property industry is still relatively new, in comparison to estate agents for example, the specific terms used are still debated in each country.
In some European countries, like the UK, buying agents do not need to pass any specific exam or get any certification to start practicing their profession while in other countries, like Italy, France or Spain they have to conform to the same qualification and legal requirements as selling agents do, even though the two roles differ substantially. This seeming gap in the regulation may be filled if and when the industry is going to mature.
Buying agents fees depend on the specific property market and often vary within a certain country. The overall fee structure is made of a small registration fee which is refundable (provided that the buyer completes the purchase within a certain time defined in the contract) and is charged upfront, and a success fee which is a percentage of the purchase price of the property and is paid at the exchange of contracts or when a preliminary contract is signed.
Buying agents generally require exclusivity meaning that the client cannot continue to search on its own or via estate agents for the duration of the contract, which generally lasts from 3 to 6 months.
French companies are forbidden from charging any registration fees and are required by law to tie all their compensation to the successful completion of the transaction. However good buying agents do not make any profit from the registration fee; the main purpose of the fee is to increase the likelihood that the client is sincerely committed to the purchase; in case they were not they would lose the registration fee after a certain length of time.
The success fee is a percentage of the sale price. Prospect property buyers should know that there are two different arrangements mainly depending on market conditions:
All these conditions are well specified in the contract agreement that the client signs upfront. Buying agents often claim that they can get a higher discount on the sales price than a private buyer could manage because they better know the prices at which similar properties have been recently exchanged in the market and they make use of good negotiating skills.
A full set of code of ethics is set out by The Property Ombudsman,[8] which any respected buying agent would be a member of.
Real estate agents and real estate brokers are people who represent sellers or buyers of real estate or real property. While a broker may work independently, an agent usually works under a licensed broker to represent clients.[1] Brokers and agents are licensed by the state to negotiate sales agreements and manage the documentation required for closing real estate transactions.
A real estate broker typically receives a real estate commission for successfully completing a sale. Across the U.S, this commission can generally range between 5-6% of the property's sale price for a full-service broker but this percentage varies by state and even region.[2]
In most jurisdictions in the United States, a person must have a license to perform licensed activities, and these activities are defined within the statutes of each state. The main feature of the requirement for having a license to perform those activities is the work done "for compensation". Hence, hypothetically, if a person wants to help a friend out in either selling or buying a property, and no compensation of any kind is expected in return, then a license is not needed to perform all the work. However, since most people would expect to be compensated for their efforts and skills, a license would be required by law before a person may receive remuneration for services rendered as a real estate broker or agent. Unlicensed activity is illegal and the state real estate commission has the authority to fine people who are acting as real estate licensees, but buyers and sellers acting as principals in the sale or purchase of real estate are usually not required to be licensed. It is important to note that in some states, lawyers handle real estate sales for compensation without being licensed as brokers or agents. However, even lawyers can only perform real estate activities that are incidental to their original work as a lawyer. It cannot be the case that a lawyer can become a seller's selling agent if that is all the service that is being requested by the client. Lawyers would still need to be licensed as a broker if they wish to perform licensed activities. Nevertheless, lawyers do get a break in the minimum education requirements (for example, 90 hours in Illinois).[3]
Some other states have recently eliminated the salesperson's license, instead, all licensees in those states automatically earn their broker's license.
The term "agent" is not to be confused with salesperson or broker. An agent is simply a licensee that has entered into an agency relationship with a client. A broker can also be an agent for a client. It is commonly the firm that has the actual legal relationship with the client through one of their sales staff, be they salespersons or brokers.
In all states, the real estate licensee must disclose to prospective buyers and sellers the nature of their relationship [4]
Some U.S. state real estate commissions – notably Florida's[5] after 1992 (and extended in 2003) and Colorado's[6] after 1994 (with changes in 2003) created the option of having no agency or fiduciary relationship between brokers and sellers or buyers.
As noted by the South Broward Board of Realtors, Inc. in a letter to State of Florida legislative committees:
"The Transaction Broker crafts a transaction by bringing a willing buyer and a willing seller together and provides the legal documentation of the details of the legal agreement between the same. The Transaction Broker is not a fiduciary of any party, but must abide by the law as well as professional and ethical standards." (such as NAR Code of Ethics).
The result was that, in 2003, Florida created a system where the default brokerage relationship had "all licensees ... operating as transaction brokers, unless a single agent or no brokerage relationship is established, in writing, with the customer"[7][8] and the statute required written disclosure of the transaction brokerage relationship to the buyer or seller customer only through July 1, 2008.
In the case of both Florida[8] and Colorado,[6] dual agency and sub-agency (where both listing and selling agents represent the seller) no longer exist.
Other brokers and agents may focus on representing buyers or tenants in a real estate transaction. However, licensing as a broker or salesperson authorizes the licensee to legally represent parties on either side of a transaction and providing the necessary documentation for the legal transfer of real property. This business decision is for the licensee to decide. They are fines for people acting as real estate agents when not licensed by the state.
In the United Kingdom, an estate agent is a person or business entity whose business is to market real estate on behalf of clients. There are significant differences between the actions, powers, obligations, and liabilities of brokers and estate agents in each country, as different countries take markedly different approaches to the marketing and selling of real property.
Before the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) was introduced in 1967, when brokers (and their licensees) only represented sellers by providing a service to provide legal documentation on the transfer real property, the term "real estate salesperson" may have been more appropriate than it is today, given the various ways that brokers and licensees now help buyers through the legal process of transferring real property. Legally, however, the term "salesperson" is still used in many states to describe a real estate licensee.[citation needed]
After gaining some years of experience in real estate sales, a salesperson may decide to become licensed as a real estate broker (or Principal/qualifying broker) in order to own, manage, or operate their own brokerage. In addition, some states allow college graduates to apply for a broker's license without years of experience. College graduates fall into this category once they have completed the state-required courses as well. California allows licensed attorneys to become brokers upon passing the broker exam without having to take the requisite courses required of an agent. Commonly more coursework and a broker's state exam on real estate law must be passed. Upon obtaining a broker's license, a real estate agent may continue to work for another broker in a similar capacity as before (often referred to as a broker associate or associate broker) or take charge of their own brokerage and hire other salespersons (or broker licensees). Becoming a branch office manager may or may not require a broker's license. Some states allow licensed attorneys to become real estate brokers without taking any exam. In some states, there are no "salespeople" as all licensees are brokers.[9]
Real Estate Services are also called trading services [10]
Flat-fee real estate agents charge a seller of a property a flat fee, $500 for example,[11] as opposed to a traditional or full-service real estate agent who charges a percentage of the sale price. In exchange, the seller's property will appear in the multiple listing service (MLS), but the seller will represent him or herself when showing the property and negotiating a sales price.[11] The result is the seller pays less commission overall (roughly half) when the property sells.[11] This is because a seller will pay a percentage of the sales price to a buyer's agent but not have to pay a percentage to a seller's agent (because there isn't one; the seller is representing himself).
In consideration of the brokerage successfully finding a buyer for the property, a broker anticipates receiving a commission for the services the brokerage has provided. Usually, the payment of a commission to the brokerage is contingent upon finding a buyer for the real estate, the successful negotiation of a purchase contract between the buyer and seller, or the settlement of the transaction and the exchange of money between buyer and seller. Under common law, a real estate broker is eligible to receive their commission, regardless of whether the sale actually takes place, once they secure a buyer who is ready, willing, and able to purchase the dwelling.[12]
Economist Steven D. Levitt famously argued in his 2005 book Freakonomics that real estate brokers have an inherent conflict of interest with the sellers they represent because their commission gives them more motivation to sell quickly than to sell at a higher price. Levitt supported his argument with a study finding brokers tend to put their own houses on the market for longer and receive higher prices for them compared to when working for their clients. He concluded that broker commissions will reduce in future.[13] A 2008 study by other economists found that when comparing brokerage without listing services, brokerage significantly reduced the average sale price.[14]
Real estate brokers who work with lenders can not receive any compensation from the lender for referring a residential client to a specific lender. To do so would be a violation of a United States federal law known as the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). RESPA ensures that buyers and sellers are given adequate notice of the Real Estate settlement process.[15]
In the United States, the term realtor is trademarked by the National Association of Realtors, which uses it to refer to its active members, who may be real estate agents or brokers.[16][17][18] In Canada, the trademark is used by members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.[19] Both organizations advise against the use of realtor as a generic synonym for real estate agent.[19]
States issue licenses for an annual or multi-year period and require real estate agents and brokers to complete continuing education prior to renewing their licenses. For example, California licensees must complete 45 hours of continuing education every 4 years in topics such as agency, trust fund handling, consumer protection, fair housing, ethics, and risk management.[20]
Several notable groups exist to promote the real estate industry and to assist professionals.
I had the pleasure of working with Jac as my buyer's agent, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From start to finish, she was incredibly helpful, always available to answer questions and provide guidance. Her professionalism, responsibility, and attention to detail made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Beyond that, her friendly and approachable demeanor made it easy to trust her throughout every step. I highly recommend Jac to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and dedicated buyer's agent. I'm truly grateful for her exceptional service!
My brother and I recently had the pleasure of working with Savvy Fox to secure a property, and I can confidently say we wouldn’t have been able to do it without Jac’s help. From start to finish, she was incredibly dedicated and proactive. We were super picky, but she really understood what we were looking for and went above and beyond to accommodate us. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for a buyer’s agent who truly goes the extra mile!
My partner and I engaged Jacqueline from Savvy Fox Buyers Agents to find a very specific property: a walk-up, brick-style unit in Surfers Paradise or Chevron Island. She not only delivered on time, within scope, and on budget but also exceeded our expectations with her professionalism and attention to detail. Being overseas during the process, we expected challenges, but Jacqueline made everything incredibly easy and stress-free. Her expertise and clear communication guided us seamlessly through every step. I can’t recommend Jacqueline highly enough and will absolutely engage her for future purchases. Thank you, Jacqueline, for such an outstanding experience!