What is the main role of a listing agent in real estate?

The main role of a listing agent in real estate is to handle negotiations on behalf of the seller. This responsibility is crucial because the listing agent acts as the seller's representative throughout the selling process, which includes discussing offers, negotiating terms, and ensuring that the seller's interests are prioritized. A successful listing agent not only brings expertise in pricing and market trends but also possesses strong negotiation skills to achieve the best possible outcome for their client.

In contrast, while preparing the property for viewing is an important task that listing agents often assist with, it is not the primary role. Some agents may also provide staging or other services to help the property show better, but their key function is to represent the seller in negotiations.

Representing the buyer in a transaction aligns more with the role of a buyer's agent, who focuses on finding and negotiating the purchase of a property for the buyer’s benefit. The management of property maintenance after the sale typically falls under property management, a separate function outside the listing agent's responsibilities.