Which is easier? The one you are best at.

It really depends on your style.

Being good at either one is work and both have their challenges. I think it is less expensive to be a buyer's agent because your don't have as much marketing expense.

William - I think there are too many variables to say one is easier than the other. In a buyer's market, it is easier to be a buyer's agent, and as a listing agent, you will probably never get full asking price on an offer.

In a seller's market, the listing agent will look like a hero for selling the home in a few days for more than list price. As a buyer's agent, your buyer may miss out on homes due to other offers, or not getting an offer submitted soon enough.

These are just two examples. Also depends on the clients, etc...

First, let me say that I really appreciate Jill Murty's answer!  When I moved to the Outer Banks in 2000, I was direction-challenged as well.  But I quickly found that the big puddle over there was just about as far east as one could go.  And using the ocean as my guide, I quickly learned the other three directions.

Once, my parents had come into town for a visit, and as I was driving along, I mentioned that so-and-so was south-west of our current position.  My Dad said, "Oh Honey!  You've finally found your internal compass!"  So thanks Jill for the laugh..

As to which is easier  - while it's generally simpler to be a listing agent, ultimately, it depends on the clients, right?  I've had sellers who expected me to sell their houses overnight (literally), and who became unhinged when it had not sold in two weeks.

My career stats reveal that I'm nearly 50-50 buyer/seller side transactions.  I like to mix it up.  Keeps it interesting!  

I think a buyer's agent.  We don't have listings to attract buyers and sell homes.

A buyer agent can easily spend 3-6 months work with a client. Making 6 offers and may be 1 gets accepted.   A listing agent spends 1 weekend marketing a few more days to process all offers and he is done.  To become the listing side it takes some times and effort to get a customer.  The more you are out with people the better chances you have. Also being a good judge on people's motivation is crucial in results.

Sam Shueh

Silicon Valley, CA

Being retired is somewhat easier.  I always found working with the sellers was easier...most of the time.

Don't think either is easier.  It all depends on the individual circumstances.

If it is with bank owned homes, then a buyer agent is easier as listing agents get swamped in tasks and work as the bank gives 60+% of the commission to the buyer agent. For owner occupied homes, i like to be the listing agents, new listings bring me new buyers and more new listings, 

I find listing gets you more business and is mainly what puts food on the table... however it's more stress if the home doesn't sell within the first couple of weeks.

As a buyers agent it will take a bit longer to find a place but it's not as stressful.

Listing in my opinion, it also affords opportunities to get buyer clients for other listings.

Listings can take up less time, but which is easier is hard to say--depends on the market and the clients.

Listing agent.....less time involved so long as it is price right for the condition

We are both and as a husband and wife Team it works out well for us, and we can be at 2 different places at the same time...

I don't think, it is about ''easier'' role.

I personally feel more comfortable being a listing agent.

My bitter realtor irony is that I can barely find around the corner without a GPS, so listings are better for me.

When I work with buyers, I immediately out myself and let them know I'm terrible with directions, but strong in the areas that matter most.

Buyers are so nice; they'll often navigate for me.

William very good question which is easier. I do like to have listings however as a buyers agent I like the aspect of gathering all the back history on a property of a listing to better serve my client buyer. Usually get to see a lot more homes with a larger diverse buyer population.

I have been playing the role of a Buers agent, while my wife, Evelyn,  has been mostly a Listing agent, although we each have done both when the opportunity arrises.