Real estate investment is not easy as it involves multiple tasks. Brokers can help an investor to share his burden. Many new investors have no idea what a broker can do for them. Here we are discussing the role of a broker in real estate and how this person can help you.
Who is a broker?
Generally, a broker is an individual or a firm that communicates between exchange and investor. Brokers facilitate real estate transactions and help the deals between buyers and sellers. If you hire a broker, he can help you to get the best deal due to his extended network of contacts. However, there are different types of brokers in the real estate market, who perform different duties, you have to hire one according to your needs.
Difference between a real estate agent and a broker
The job of a real estate agent is to help buyers and sellers in the real estate market. They work with real estate firms and deal with their clients. Some agents work for landlords to manage their properties and find tenants for their rental units. The key difference is the license. Brokers have practicing licenses while real estate agents have no such compulsion.
Brokers study relevant subjects focusing on real estate and its related things. At the end of their education, they get a license. To open a brokerage firm, a broker has to attain another license and he can hire real estate agents as well. Agents work on a commission basis and earn for every successful transaction.
Difference between realtor and broker
A real estate professional who is a member of the National association of realtors is called a realtor. Realtors perform multiple jobs and can work in different capacities like agents, brokers, salespersons, and property managers. However, realtors have to take a per-licensing course before taking a licensing exam.
Realtors have to follow ethical standards and moral codes, being a member of NAR. They have to earn a good reputation to establish their worth. Realtors can access property listings while others cannot.
Types of brokers in real estate
Real estate investors take transactions very lightly but these investments are not as simple as they seem. You have to search for properties, contact sellers, close deals and apply for loans. New investors have to take services from experienced people for smooth transactions. In the real estate market, there are three types of brokers.
General brokers: Usually, the terms of brokers and agents are used interchangeably. Brokers can do all the jobs of real estate agents, but they are different. Both agents and brokers help investors to find properties of their choice. They assist sellers to find buyers as well. Qualifications for broker licenses can be different in different countries and different states of the US even. Brokers negotiate with sellers on behalf of property owners. They also take all the responsibility, until the deal closes. Moreover, brokers also help to determine the market value of the property and with the listing process, this is useful for investors who quickly flip their properties.
General real estate brokers can be further categorized as principal brokers, managing brokers, and associate brokers. Principal brokers serve their clients under the umbrella of the brokerage firm. Managing brokers are responsible for transactions related to the office. They also hire and train new employees and do office related activities of the firm. Associate brokers work as a salesperson for other brokers.
Mortgage brokers: Mortgage brokers communicate between borrowers and lending agencies. They help investors to find the best financing options according to their needs. For real estate investors, different types of loans are available and mortgage brokers can help you to select the appropriate one. Moreover, they also work on terms and conditions and interest rates imposed by the lending agency. However, it is important to understand that these brokers do not help with their own money. Loan approval is not easy for new investors, and hiring a broker is the best solution to get quick approval.
Mortgage brokers deal with all the formalities like credit reports and financial information. They will be responsible for all activities until the deal closes. They ask for the commission from lenders and borrowers, for their services.
Transaction brokers: Transaction brokers are third-party brokers who perform the role of intermediary in a real estate deal. They assist the buying process, but they don’t talk on behalf of the buyer or seller. As they are neutral, they are the best person to set the market value of any property. Moreover, they help to complete transactions. They also prepare proposals, drafts and help to prepare closing documents. Most of the investors hire them to do paperwork and documentation, as they don’t help to negotiate between buyer and seller. These brokers charge a fee on a per transaction basis; which can be $200 to $500, depending on workload.
Advantages of working with brokers
Working with brokers can be useful for anyone, but new investors can solve many problems by hiring these brokers. You have to pay a fee to the broker but they will share a lot of your workload and you will experience an ease in life. Here are a few advantages of working with brokers that you can also enjoy.
Grab the best opportunities: When you hire a broker you will have access to a wide range of inventory. Licensed brokers can also access the MLS database which is another advantage. It means you will have more options to choose the property of your choice.
Good negotiators: Brokers know the pulse of the market. All the numbers and current market trends are at their fingertips. They have experience in negotiation and They can communicate well. It means, they can close the best deal for you.
Save time: Brokers have experience working in the real estate market so they can close deals quickly. They can help you to find properties in a short time and do all paperwork without wasting any time. It saves your time and you can avoid many unnecessary delays.
If you’d like to talk more about property management, or you need help with Everest Property Management, please contact us at Everest Realty.
As a top producing Realtor and Property Manager; Terry specializes in sales, extensive construction homes, rentals, REO’s, short sales, and all aspects of Real Estate. After graduating the University of Michigan with a master in MBA, Terry continued his endeavor and now has over 15+ years of experience in the Real Estate world. If there is anything that has to do with Real Estate and sales, you can always be sure of Terry to provide important, specialized knowledge.
