USAHouses.com pros
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Agents, brokers, lenders, title and escrow, insurance, inspectors, attorneys and builders across the United States, with plain-English guides to what each one does and how to choose.
- Free for buyers and sellers
- Independent local pros
- Facts sourced and dated
Every kind of real estate professional
Real estate agents
Buyer's agents, listing agents and REALTORS: who they work for, what they do and how they are paid. 8,383 listed.
Real estate brokers and brokerages
The licensed firm every agent works under, responsible for contracts, trust money and supervision. 8,256 listed.
Mortgage lenders and loan officers
Pre-approval, loan programs and closing costs; compare written Loan Estimates. 807 listed.
Title and escrow companies
They search title, hold the money and close the sale; title insurance protects the owner and lender. 920 listed.
Home insurance agents
Homeowners, flood and wind coverage; lenders require proof before closing. 1,895 listed.
Real estate attorneys
Contracts, closings, title problems and disputes; some states use attorneys to close. 8,552 listed.
Home inspectors
An independent look at the home's condition before you commit. 4,713 listed.
Home builders
New-construction builders and their communities. 1,880 listed.
Home services
Movers, contractors, cleaners and the trades you need around a move. 5,286 listed.
Real estate coaches and trainers
Training and coaching for agents and investors. 1,008 listed.
Who you need, and when
- Before you shop: a lender for pre-approval, and an agent if you want representation (sign the buyer agreement before touring).
- Under contract: a home inspector and any specialty inspectors, an insurance agent for a quote, and the title or escrow company (or closing attorney) to open the file.
- To close: the lender, title or escrow, and in some states an attorney; then movers and home services.
- Selling: a listing agent, a pre-listing inspection if you want no surprises, and title or escrow.
What a real estate agent does
A real estate agent helps you buy or sell a home: pricing, marketing or finding homes, arranging showings, writing and negotiating the offer, coordinating inspections, appraisal, financing and title, and keeping the deal on schedule to closing. Every agent works under a licensed broker, and the brokerage, not the individual agent, holds the agreement with you and is responsible for the agent's work.
Types of agents
- Listing (seller's) agent: represents the seller, prices and markets the home and negotiates for the seller.
- Buyer's agent: represents the buyer, finds and evaluates homes, writes the offer and negotiates for the buyer.
- Dual agent, transaction broker or intermediary: one brokerage working with both sides. Whether this is allowed, and what it is called, depends on the state (see the state rules on each state page).
- REALTOR®: a licensed agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and follows its Code of Ethics. Not every agent is a REALTOR.
- Broker: holds a higher license, can run a brokerage and supervises agents.
The buyer agreement before you tour
Since August 17, 2024 (NAR settlement practice changes), REALTORS and other MLS participants working with a buyer must have a written agreement with that buyer before touring a home. The agreement states what the agent will be paid, and the amount cannot be open-ended.
Real estate commissions are not set by law. They are negotiable between you and the brokerage, and offers of buyer-agent compensation can no longer be published on the MLS.
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USA HOUSES LLC is a media, advertising and listing platform, not a real estate brokerage, lender or law firm. Professionals listed here are independent; a listing is not an endorsement. Featured and "Sponsored" placements are paid advertising. Directory listings show name, category and location only. Licensing and legal facts are summarized for education; confirm current rules with the state regulator linked on this page.
