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Realtors, Agents, & Brokers, Oh my! What’s the Difference?

definitions real estateWhat’s the Difference Between Realtors, Real Estate Agents, & Brokers?

The likelihood that you'll work with a real estate agent,  broker,  or realtor at some point in the real estate business is pretty good. These are phrases and titles that get a lot of usage, often interchangeably. However, there are significant distinctions between them, as well as knowing what they represent.

Real Estate Investor Definitions

We'll go over what each term means and its main function in the real estate industry. All of these professionals are licensed to help you with different stages of renting, selling, or buying a property. Let's dig a little deeper:

Key Highlights:

  • The similarity is that realtors, brokers, and agents are all licensed.
  • The main difference is that agents are at the entry-level position and must be employed by a broker or agency.
  • Brokers are more qualified than real estate agents, as they have completed extra training and licensing requirements. Plus, Brokerages can establish their own real estate firm and hire agents to work for them.
  • Realtors are experts in the field of real estate who adhere to a set of guidelines known as the Code of Ethics put forth by the National Association of Realtors.
  • Most property managers are licensed professionals who oversee renting properties.
  • A mortgage broker is a licensed professional who helps people get loans for property.

What is a real estate broker?

A real estate broker is a professional who helps people buy, sell, or rent a property. In most states, brokers must be licensed by the state in order to help with these transactions. Brokers usually work for a brokerage firm, and their main responsibility is to help their clients find the best property that meets their needs (and budget).

What does a real estate broker do?

Brokers help their clients find the best property that meets their needs (and budget). This can involve showing properties, negotiating prices, writing up offers, and more. Once a deal is reached, brokers also help with the paperwork and coordinate with other professionals (such as lenders, home inspectors, etc.) to make sure the transaction goes smoothly.

What is a real estate agent?

A real estate agent is a professional who helps people buy, sell, or rent a property.  Like brokers, agents must be licensed by the state in which they work. Most agents work for a brokerage firm and are responsible for helping their clients find the best property that meets their needs (and budget).

What does a real estate agent do?

Real estate agents strive to assist their clients in purchasing the perfect home that caters to both their wants and needs. A real estate agent's job is not easy. It encompasses everything from showing properties and writing up offers to negotiating prices. After a property deal is finalized, real estate agents also take care of the paperwork and collaborate with other professionals (such as lenders or home inspectors) to help guarantee an easy transaction.

What is a Realtor?

A Realtor® is a professional in the real estate industry who has met specific licensing, education, and production requirements and is affiliated with the National Association of Realtors. The NAR is a professional trade association for real estate professionals. In order to be a Realtor®, you must meet certain requirements, such as taking ethics courses and being a member in good standing of the NAR.

What does a Realtor do?

Realtors don't just help their clients find any property - they go above and beyond to ensure that their client's every need is met, as well as staying within their budget. This includes displaying properties, negotiating prices, writing up offers, and additional tasks. Real estate agents assist with the paperwork and coordinate with other professionals (such as lenders, home inspectors, and others) to guarantee that the transaction goes smoothly after a deal is reached.

What is a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker is a licensed person who assists individuals in obtaining loans to buy property. Mortgage brokers work with a variety of lenders and help their clients find the best loan that meets their needs. In order to be a mortgage broker, you must be licensed by the state in which you work.

What does a mortgage broker do?

Mortgage brokers help their clients find the best loan that meets their needs. This can involve shopping around for loans, negotiating terms with lenders, and more. Mortgage brokers also help with the paperwork and coordinate with other professionals (such as real estate agents, home inspectors, etc.) to make sure the transaction goes smoothly.

What is a property manager?

A property manager is a professional who helps people manage their property. Property managers can help with a variety of tasks, such as finding tenants, collecting rent, handling maintenance and repairs, and more. In order to be a property manager, you must be licensed by the state in which you work.

What does a property manager do?

Property managers help their clients with a variety of tasks related to their property. This can involve finding tenants, collecting rent, handling maintenance and repairs, and more. Property managers also help with the paperwork and coordinate with other professionals (such as real estate agents, home inspectors, etc.) to make sure the transaction goes smoothly.

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