What exactly does a real estate agent do?

The process in detail: analysis and facts

Phase 1: Analysis and Evaluation

Before a house comes onto the market, some groundwork needs to be done. One of the first tasks of a real estate agent is a thorough valuation. A reputable agent doesn't rely on gut feeling. Their responsibilities include creating a hedonic valuation or a real estate appraisal. They analyze the micro-location (schools, noise, tax rate ), the building's condition, and compare this with current transaction data. These analytical tasks are crucial for real estate agents. If the price is set too high, the property will languish on the market. If it's set too low, you lose money.

Furthermore, obtaining all necessary documents is part of a real estate agent's responsibilities . Land registry extracts, cadastral maps, building insurance policies, and regulations for condominium ownership – all of this must be procured and reviewed. For laypeople, this aspect of a real estate agent's duties is often overwhelmingly bureaucratic, a task that the professional handles.

Phase 2: Marketing and Staging

Once the price is fixed, the creative work begins. The real estate agent's tasks now include creating a professional sales dossier (property exposé). This involves more than just writing text. Modern real estate agent tasks include organizing professional photographers, creating 3D tours or drone footage, and preparing floor plans. Next comes distribution. The real estate agent's tasks include placing advertisements on major platforms (Homegate, ImmoScout24) and comparing them with the internal database of registered clients. This proactive marketing is one of the most valuable aspects of a real estate agent's work , as it maximizes reach.

Phase 3: Inspection management and filtering

As soon as the listing goes online, the phone won't stop ringing. Now the real estate agent's organizational tasks begin . The agent acts as a filter. One of their responsibilities is to separate casual buyers from those who are simply looking for a property. They check the creditworthiness of potential buyers before showing them around your home. Conducting viewings is the classic part of a real estate agent's job . But it's not just about unlocking the door. The sales pitch is also part of the real estate agent's role : highlighting the property's advantages, professionally addressing objections (e.g., "The bathroom is old"), and competently answering questions about the building's condition.

Phase 4: Negotiation and Sale

Once a buyer is found, the crucial phase begins. The real estate agent's role now shifts to the negotiation stage. The agent acts as a buffer between you and the buyer. Their responsibilities include conducting price negotiations objectively and based on facts. They argue the property's value and secure the best possible price. Once an agreement is reached, the real estate agent takes on administrative tasks : drawing up a reservation agreement and securing the deposit. Coordination with the buyer's bank to obtain financing confirmation is also part of the real estate agent's role . Without this aspect of the real estate agent's responsibilities, many sales fall through at the last minute.

Phase 5: Legal conclusion and handover

The sale is only finalized at the notary's office. Preparing for this appointment is one of the most responsible tasks of a real estate agent . The agent has the draft purchase agreement drawn up and checks it for accuracy. The agent's duties include discussing this draft with both parties and explaining complex clauses (e.g., guarantees for capital gains tax). They will accompany you to the notary appointment. But the real estate agent's responsibilities don't end there. The property handover (handover of keys) and the preparation of the handover protocol are also among the final tasks of the real estate agent . They ensure that meter readings are taken and notifications are sent to the utility companies.

Why the tasks of real estate agents are important for expats

For newcomers , the services of real estate agents are particularly valuable. Switzerland has unique features such as the Lex Koller (restrictions on foreigners) and cantonal differences in notary regulations. The advisory services provided by real estate agents protect against mistakes in these situations. A good agent explains not only the house to an expat, but also the system. This cultural translation is one of the implicit tasks of a real estate agent .

Transparency in the tasks of real estate agents

A reputable real estate agent will document all their responsibilities in writing in the brokerage agreement. Make sure the contract doesn't just say "sale," but lists the agent's tasks in detail: from valuation to handover. Be wary if an agent tries to delegate certain tasks (e.g., viewings) to you but demands the full commission. The agent's services only justify the cost if they provide a comprehensive, worry-free package.

Conclusion

The question "What does a real estate agent do?" cannot be answered in a single sentence. The tasks of a real estate agent are a mosaic of business administration, law, psychology, and marketing. Anyone who hires an agent is buying time, security, and market knowledge.

The primary goal of a real estate agent is to make the process stress-free for you and to optimize your return. An agent who takes their responsibilities seriously often recoups their commission through a higher selling price. Don't underestimate the work done behind the scenes: the visible viewings are often the smallest part of a real estate agent's job . Anyone who wants to sell professionally shouldn't forgo this expertise.

Do you want to monitor your property sale and all steps of the process centrally and transparently, without losing track? Loft offers you the digital platform to make organizing everything around your property simple and efficient.

Glossary

• Exposé (sales dossier): A detailed brochure describing the property. Its creation heard to the central marketing-related Tasks Real estate agent .
• Hedonic valuation: A comparative valuation method for price determination based on databases of real transactions. A standard tool in analytical valuation . Tasks Real estate agent .
• Reservation agreement: A preliminary contract that reserves the property for the buyer against a deposit. Drafting falls among the administrative Tasks Real estate agent .
• Capital gains tax on real estate: A tax on the profit from the sale of property. Advising on how to avoid paying this tax is part of the advisory services offered by real estate agents .
• Credit check: Checking whether a prospective buyer can afford the house. One of the most important filtering tasks . Real estate agent .