What is the primary role of a listing agent?

The primary role of a listing agent is to represent the seller in the sale of their property. This involves a range of responsibilities focused on effectively marketing the property, setting an appropriate listing price, and guiding the seller through the complexities of the selling process. A listing agent works to understand the seller's needs, develop a marketing strategy, and negotiate offers to ensure the best possible outcome for the seller.

While assessing the market value of properties is an important task that a listing agent performs—often through comparative market analysis—it is a part of the overall role rather than the primary function. Representation of the buyer is distinctly the role of a buyer's agent, which is separate from the responsibilities of a listing agent. Providing legal advice, although sometimes overlapping with real estate transactions, is typically not within an agent's purview, as legal guidance should come from a qualified attorney. Thus, the crux of the listing agent's role is centered around advocating for the seller throughout the sales process.