Originally, real estate brokershave handled almost all tasks involved in purchasing and selling a home, such as:

• Marketing the home.
  • The local multiple listing service (MLS), print and online advertising in the community's media, and holding open houses are all examples of marketing services.
• Reviewing contracts.
  • Giving recommendations on pricing, home inspections, or other contractual provisions may be part of the contract review process.
• dealing with potential buyers and sellers of homes.
• searching for potential properties for buyers.
• arranging property inspections for potential purchasers.
• providing relevant data about a community to potential buyers and sellers, such as nearby property valuations, most recent selling prices, and property taxes.
• educating prospective buyers about available financing options.
• creating and negotiating proposals, counteroffers, and acceptances with assistance.
• assisting in the transaction's completion.
• Assistance with managing papers could be part of closing services.

Real estate agentsoften charge a single fee (the commission) for these services, which ranges from 5 to 6 percent of the home's sales price.