Learn the Difference Between Real Estate Agents, Brokers And Realtors

By: Jennifer Villalba May 23, 2020

Do you think that real estate agents, brokers, and realtors are the same terms?

Well, you are not alone.

Many people believe that all these terms are synonyms to each other.

Or you can say that these terms are often interexchange or confused with one another.

This might be because all these job titles are related to the same profession.

Contrary to popular belief, these three terms are distinctively different, especially when it comes to qualifications and the level.

Here is a breakdown of each title so that you can know how they are different from each other.

Who Is A Real Estate Agent?

A real estate agent is a licensed professional to help their clients buy, sell, or rent properties.

To obtain a license, they are required to pass all required classes or training sessions that can vary based on jurisdiction. For example, a real estate agent is required to opt for 60 hours of pre-licensing training in Virginia while in New York they need 75 hours of license coursework. Real estate agents are also known as real estate associates.

A real estate agent can represent both buyers and sellers. Or they can represent them individually. For example, they can be a buyer’s agent to help them find their dream property. Or they can represent sellers to help them buy their home.

Understanding the Responsibilities of a Real Estate Agent

The real estate agents are supposed to carrying offers and counteroffers between buyers and sellers/renters, along with any questions they might have. They can approach the other’s party agent once the offer is accepted, helping their clients with paperwork. A real estate agent is also responsible to assist their clients in other requirements such as inspections, moving, and closing. So you should hire real estate agent if you want to buy, rent or sell your apartment. But do not forgot to ask these questions before hiring a real estate agent.

So how they are different from the agent?

The only difference between them is that a real estate broker has opted for the courses beyond the agent level and gone through a broker’s license exam.

Their coursework or training covers the topics that are advanced than those taught at the real estate agent pre-licensing stage.

A real estate broker can work independently or employ real estate agents for their work. However, agents who pass the broker exam, but prefer to work under another broker, are referred to as real estate associate brokers.