A good agent can help you find a home that meets your needs, negotiate on your behalf, supervise property inspections, and coordinate the closing. Agents are familiar with the mortgage process. A good agent can help save you thousands of dollars.
States issue two kinds of real estate licenses.
There's a salesperson's license, and there's a broker's license. If your real estate agent is not also the broker, then he or she will be supervised by a broker. Some states require agents to disclose all possible agency relationships before they enter into a residential real estate transaction. That means they act, in a legal role, in the best interests of the sellers. Be aware at the seller pays the commission of both brokers, not just the one who lists and shows the property, but also to the sub-broker, who brings the ready, willing and able buyer to the table.