When consulting with clients from the previous generation, I often get asked what exactly an agent does. The process of buying and selling homes in Albuquerque is quite different from how it was done in Korea a long time ago, so it helps to go through everything step by step from the beginning.

Simply put, an agent is someone who helps find a home, reads the contract with you, and supports you through the closing process. To be more specific, the role includes the following:

• Searching listings and confirming appropriate prices through Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
• Drafting offers and negotiating prices and terms
• Reviewing the terms of the sales contract
• Coordinating home inspections and appraisal schedules
• Managing the overall closing process

Additionally, providing information on local market trends and school districts is part of an agent's role (source: NAR). If the terminology seems unfamiliar, think of it this way: the agent takes care of almost all the verification tasks that occur before signing the contract.

A change in procedure occurred due to the NAR class action settlement in 2024. Starting from August 17, 2024, agents must establish a written Buyer Agency Agreement before showing a home. In simple terms, this means that there is now a procedure to document what services the agent will provide and how the commission will be calculated before entering into a contract (source: NAR).

The Albuquerque housing market has a median sale price of $360,000 based on the last three months as of June 2026, which is an increase of 2.8% from a year ago. On average, there are about two offers on a property, and transactions are typically completed in about 31 days, indicating that while the market is not overly heated, it is also not a market where one can take a relaxed approach (source: Redfin, as of 2026).

For clients from the previous generation, reviewing new documents like the Buyer Agency Agreement in English can be challenging. If they work with a Korean agent, the agent can explain each clause in Korean and address any concerns they might have in advance.

Some families place great importance on school districts, while many clients from the previous generation often ask about the distance to religious communities like churches. These conditions can vary significantly depending on the area within Albuquerque, and comparing two regions can make the decision much easier. Since school district boundaries change frequently, please verify the assigned school before purchasing.

Compared to the process of real estate transactions in Korea, the procedures in the U.S. involve much more paperwork leading up to closing. There are differences from the title transfer method to the timing of tax settlements, which can be unfamiliar for those who have just immigrated from Korea. An agent who has experienced both countries' processes can specifically point out what is different and what additional steps need to be taken.

If you are transferring retirement funds from Korea or purchasing a home in your child's name, there will be additional documents to manage, including international remittance procedures, ITIN applications, and, if necessary, confirmations related to FIRPTA. An agent who has gone through these procedures multiple times can guide you on where time may be spent.

On the day of closing, there are several documents to review, including title insurance, loan documents, and the final settlement statement. For first-time homebuyers in the U.S., these documents can be unfamiliar, so I typically take the time to go through each one in order, allowing you to ask any questions before signing.

Being able to introduce trustworthy attorneys, mortgage brokers, and inspectors is also a great reassurance for clients from the previous generation. It is much easier to connect them with people I have worked with rather than having them find unfamiliar contacts on their own.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with professionals to review individual circumstances before entering into any contracts.