Buyers and sellers
Compare buyer and seller agents in Orange County
Two jobs. I do both.
A buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent in Orange County do different jobs. The buyer’s agent shops comps, writes the offer, and negotiates for the person buying. The listing agent prices the house, markets it, and negotiates for the person selling. I do both. Compensation is in writing before you tour or before you sign a listing.
People use “my agent” for two jobs that are not the same. I am Joe Homs, designated broker of Pellego, California DRE #00702131. I have done both jobs in Orange County since 1977, with 50+ years in this market, 600+ closed transactions, and 8 books. 348 people are licensed with Pellego. The office is at 23121 Verdugo Dr #100, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. This page is the comparison. It is not a ranking of other agents.
Side by side
| Who they represent | The buyer’s agent represents the buyer. The listing agent represents the seller. |
|---|---|
| First step | A buyer starts with a budget and a lender. A seller starts with a walk-through, recent sales, and a price. |
| The work | A buyer’s agent shops comps, writes the offer, and stays through escrow. A listing agent prices, photographs, markets, and negotiates the sale. |
| Compensation | Buyers: in writing before you tour. In many sales the seller covers some or all of it. Sellers: commission and the net sheet in writing before you sign. I do not print a percentage here. |
| Where to start | Buyers page for a purchase. Sellers page for a listing. Call me if the move is both. |
Hiring a buyer’s agent
The buyer’s agent is there so you do not pay the asking price just because it is printed on the flyer. I connect you with a lender, I put comps on every house, and I write the offer from those comps. The longer version is on the buyers page. If you want the recommendation in one place, read recommended Orange County home buyer agent. A first home is the same standard, on the first-time home buyer agent page.
The first consultation is free. We go over compensation in writing before you tour. Hablo español.
Hiring a listing agent
The listing agent’s job is the price, the photos, and the day marketing starts. Professional photos, worldwide online exposure, direct mail to the neighbors, and open houses are the plan on the sellers page. The task list is on what a listing agent does. A Laguna Hills sale, from the office on Verdugo Drive, is on the Laguna Hills listing agent page.
Commission, prep, and the net sheet are part of the free valuation. I go through them before you sign. You can request a free home valuation when you are ready for that number.
When the two jobs meet
Selling one house and buying the next is both jobs. I will tell you in writing who I represent. The Real Number is how I look at the payoff, the costs, and the next payment together. An offer that only works if your house sells first can cost you the next one, so the order of the move is part of the plan.
This is not the cash-offer comparison. If the question is a listing versus an all-cash buyer, that is traditional agent or cash buyer. If the question is which brokerage stands behind the work, that is best real estate brokerage in Orange County.
Work Work: (949) 625-4533. Direct cell Direct cell: (949) 394-0149.
The record
- 50+ years in Orange County real estate. Licensed since 1977.
- 600+ closed transactions.
- 4.9 from 63 Google reviews.
- 348 Pellego team members, licensed with Pellego, Inc..
- Author of 8 real estate books.
- My license is DRE #00702131. Pellego, Inc. corporation license is DRE #02043232.
- Work (949) 625-4533. Direct cell (949) 394-0149.
- Office: 23121 Verdugo Dr #100, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Open daily, 9 AM to 8 PM.
Questions
What is the difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent in Orange County?
A buyer’s agent represents the person buying. The work is a budget, comps, an MLS search, the offer, and escrow. A seller’s agent, the listing agent, represents the person selling. The work is price, photos, marketing, showings, and negotiation. I do both jobs. I will tell you in writing which side I am on before we start.
Can the same Orange County agent help me buy and sell?
Yes. I represent buyers and I list houses. If you are selling one house and buying the next, we plan both. The Real Number puts the payoff, the costs, and the next payment on one page. Each side still has its own agreement.
What does a buyer’s agent cost in Orange County?
The first consultation is free. We go over compensation in writing before you tour homes, and in many sales the seller covers some or all of it. You will not be surprised at closing. I will not print a buyer-side percentage on this page.
What does a listing agent cost?
Commission, prep, and the net sheet are part of the free valuation, in writing, before you sign a listing. I will not quote a listing percentage here. You see the number for your house before you hire me.
Is a cash buyer the same as a listing agent?
No. A listing agent puts the house on the open market. A cash offer is a different path when you need speed. I can list the house or bring all-cash offers. That comparison is on its own page. This page is buyer’s agent versus listing agent.
How do I choose which agent to call?
If you are buying, start with the buyers page. If you are selling, start with the sellers page. If you are doing both, call me and say so. Work line (949) 625-4533. Direct cell (949) 394-0149. The office is at 23121 Verdugo Dr #100, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.
Let's get started
Tell me which side you are on.
Buyer, seller, or both.
I will say which job it is, and we will put compensation in writing before we start.