Definition of a Real Estate Agent, Responsibilities, and Benefits

When buying or renting real estate, you're likely familiar with the term "real estate agent." In the property industry, a real estate agent is a professional who acts as an intermediary in buying, selling, or renting transactions.

Their role is to help clients find suitable properties, negotiate prices, and ensure smooth transactions. On the other hand, working as a real estate agent is quite appealing due to its lucrative benefits. Interested in becoming a real estate agent? Let's take a look at their roles and the documents they manage.

Definition and Responsibilities of a Real Estate Agent

According to Workable, a real estate agent is a professional who helps buyers find and purchase properties. Their job is to facilitate offers, sales, rentals, and overall property transactions. Real estate agents also assist clients in selling, buying, or renting buildings, shop houses, and other commercial properties. Thus, they play a crucial role in bridging buyers and sellers.

The main responsibilities of a real estate agent include:

1. Finding Clients
   The primary task of a real estate agent is actively seeking potential clients interested in selling, buying, or renting properties.

2. Providing Guidance
   Once they have a client—whether a buyer or seller—the agent’s role is to guide them throughout the property search and transaction process.

3. Property Promotion
   Real estate agents actively market properties through various media channels to attract potential buyers or tenants.

4. Managing Documents
   A vital part of a real estate agent's job is preparing and handling all necessary documents, such as sales or rental agreements and client contact lists.

Benefits of Being a Real Estate Agent

Working in real estate offers various benefits, including:

1. High Income Potential
   Real estate agents earn commissions from property sales or rentals, making it a highly lucrative job. For example, the minimum commission on a home sale is 2%, and it can go up to 5% of the transaction value.

2. Flexible Working Hours
   Real estate agents are not bound to a specific company, allowing them to set their own schedules. Because of this, many people take on real estate as a side job.

3. Expanding Professional Network
   Real estate agents interact with various clients and industry professionals, helping them build a vast network and unlock more business opportunities.

4. Enhancing Negotiation Skills
   Working as a real estate agent hones negotiation, communication, and market knowledge skills.

Essential Documents for Real Estate Agents

Interested in becoming a real estate agent? To work in this field, you must be familiar with several key documents, such as:

1. Land Ownership Certificate
   This official document proves an individual or entity's legal ownership of a plot of land. Issued by the National Land Agency (BPN), it includes the owner's name, location, land area, and other details.

   A real estate agent's role is to ensure that the client possesses this document. If not, the agent can assist in obtaining it from the BPN office by submitting supporting documents such as an ID card, tax proof, and a power of attorney letter.

2. Deed of Sale and Purchase (AJB)
   This legal document serves as proof of ownership transfer from the seller to the buyer. It is prepared by a Land Deed Official (PPAT) or a licensed notary.

3. Building Permit (IMB)
   The IMB is an official document that authorizes construction, renovation, or functional changes of a building in accordance with regional zoning regulations. It includes details such as building location, function, and technical drawings.

   A real estate agent can assist clients in applying for an IMB at the local spatial planning office by submitting the land certificate, building plans, and proof of retribution payment.

4. Land Measurement Certificate
   This document details the size, area, and boundaries of a property. Issued by the BPN, it ensures accurate land measurement.

   A real estate agent can help clients request land measurement services from the BPN.

5. Land and Building Tax (PBB)
   
   PBB is an annual tax that property owners must pay to the government. This document includes details about the land and building, Tax Object Sale Value (NJOP), and the amount due.

   A real estate agent should request proof of PBB payment from clients as part of the transaction documents. If the tax has not been paid, the agent can assist clients in checking their outstanding payments through apps or the local tax office.

Use VIDA Sign for Signing Documents

With modern technology like VIDA Sign, real estate agents can process documents more quickly, securely, and efficiently. This solution enables clients to sign and manage documents digitally without the hassle of printing or mailing physical copies. There are the benefits of using VIDA Sign: 

Benefits of Using VIDA Sign for Real Estate Agents

1. Accessibility
   Available on both mobile and desktop, allowing users to sign documents anytime and anywhere without downloading additional applications.

2. Security
   Uses encryption technology and an Electronic Certificate to ensure the authenticity of signatures and document integrity.

3. Legal Compliance
   VIDA Sign’s digital signatures are legally recognized under Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE) No. 11 of 2008, providing the same legal protection as handwritten signatures.

4. Efficiency
   Accelerates the document signing process, reduces paper usage, and minimizes the risk of manual errors.

By utilizing VIDA Sign, real estate agents can facilitate transactions and manage property documents efficiently for their clients.