Real estate agents and realtors are both professionals who help sellers market their property so they can sell it quickly and for the highest possible price. But they have some important distinctions that will impact your final decision about which one to hire. Real estate agents and realtors are not exactly the same thing, but they do both serve the same function. A realtor is a type of agent who specializes in real estate.
Realtors have additional training, education, and certification in real estate related fields. In addition to marketing properties, realtors also offer additional services such as home inspections, financing consultations, and negotiating contracts on behalf of their clients. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between real estate agents vs. realtors so you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?
Real estate agents are the people who help buyers and sellers of real estate (property like houses, condos, and commercial buildings) with the details of a real estate transaction. They earn a fee when they sell your house. They represent you, the seller. In most states, anyone can call themselves a real estate agent. But in some states, you need special training and a license in order to call yourself a real estate agent.
If you use a real estate agent, make sure he or she is licensed. Real estate agents help you prepare your property for sale by cleaning it, landscaping it, and showing it to prospective buyers. They also help you price your property by showing you comparable properties in your neighborhood that have recently sold. They also negotiate terms of the purchase contract with the buyer, including the sale price, when the property will be sold, etc. Real estate agents work for a commission. In most cases, the seller pays the commission.
What Does a Realtor Do?
Realtors are licensed real estate agents who specialize in real estate transactions. They are also members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a trade association that sets standards for the real estate industry. Realtors have completed advanced training and licensing to help buyers and sellers with real estate transactions.
Many Realtors provide additional services such as property appraisals, assisting with financing, and home inspections. While most real estate agents are also realtors, there are some who choose to focus on residential real estate and do not offer commercial or investment real estate services. Realtors also offer additional services such as property appraisals, assisting with financing, and home inspections.
What is the Difference between a Real Estate Agent and a Realtor?
In short, real estate agents deal with residential real estate, while realtors usually specialize in commercial real estate. A real estate agent is a real estate professional who assists with buying or selling residential real estate. A realtor, on the other hand, is a real estate agent who has completed additional training and licensing (in most states) to represent clients in commercial real estate (like buying and selling commercial buildings).
Real estate agents are licensed to sell residential property only, while realtors have completed advanced training and licensing to sell commercial real estate as well as residential real estate. That’s why realtors often get paid a larger commission than real estate agents.
Is There a Difference Between an Agent and a Realtor?
Yes, an agent represents a seller, while a Realtor represents the buyer. Real estate agents represent the seller and help them prepare their property for sale. Realtors represent the buyer and help them purchase a property. Other than this difference, there is no difference between agents and realtors.
How to Find Reputable Real Estate Agents or Realtors?
Check their references. You can find out whether other clients were happy with their work by talking to them. Contact their former clients and ask them what they think. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see if they have complaints. The BBB has information on real estate agents and realtors. Also, you can look for a realtor or real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors, or NAR. Membership shows that agents have agreed to a set of high standards and ethics. The NAR also offers training, legal assistance, and other benefits to all its members.
How to Hire a Real Estate Agent or Realtor
Hire a real estate agent or realtor who has the experience and qualifications to help you with your real estate needs. If you are hiring a realtor, hire a certified residential realtor who specializes in residential real estate. That way, you can be sure that the agent can help with buying a home. If you are hiring a real estate agent, hire a real estate agent who specializes in the type of property that you are selling.
For example, if you are selling a home, hire a residential real estate agent. If you are selling a piece of commercial property, hire a commercial real estate agent. Real estate agents and realtors have the same information about your property, and they are equally capable of helping you sell it. Your choice will depend on your preferences and the experience and qualifications of each one.
What is a Realtor?
A realtor is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. An agent who has completed the necessary training and licensing to become a realtor can represent both buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Realtors have a fiduciary responsibility to their clients, meaning they have a legal obligation to act in their clients’ best interests.
What is a Real Estate Agent?
A real estate agent is a real estate professional who represents both buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. An agent who has completed the necessary training and licensing to become a real estate agent can help you buy or sell a home. Agents have a fiduciary responsibility to their clients, meaning they must act in their clients’ best interests.
Key Differences Between Real Estate Agents and Realtors
Real estate agents and realtors both help buyers and sellers with real estate transactions, such as buying or selling a home. Here are some key differences between real estate agents and realtors: Real estate agents are licensed to sell residential real estate only, while realtors have completed advanced training and licensing to sell commercial real estate as well as residential real estate.
A realtor’s commission is usually larger than an agent’s commission because they are qualified to handle commercial real estate transactions. Agents have a fiduciary responsibility to their clients, while realtors have a fiduciary responsibility to their clients as well as their clients’ clients (the sellers).
