The Difference Between Realtors, Brokers and Real Estate Agents

Do you ever get confused with all the Titles and names associated with the professionals that are in charge of helping you sell or buy a home?  Learning what each Title entails helps you make an educated decision on what type of expert you need to hire.

When first searching for that right agent, it is crucial to make sure that they are a licensed professional.  A visible license should be posted that is from the state that you live in.All Real Estate Agents are licensed by the state.  They must complete the required number of hours of classes and pass the agent's exam per each state.  Agents must work for a broker, who is responsible for that agent's actions.  A broker is an agent that has decided to take additional classes and have a specified amount of experience in the field.  A broker's license grants certain privileges, including the entitlement to open, run and own a real estate office and to work independently without an office. They must also pass another exam that is designated for brokers.  Both brokers and agents are required to take a certain number of hours of continuing education courses.

Some real estate professionals have the Title of Realtor.  A Realtor is a broker or an agent who belongs to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and subscribes to that organization's code of ethics and conduct.  Currently, there are approximately 2 million Real Estate Agents in the United States; about half of those belong to the National Association of Realtors.

In summary, all licensed professionals in the real estate realm follow a certain set of rules and guidelines depending upon their state and their Title.It is best not to be fooled by Titles and letters behind names though, there are plenty of regular Real Estate Agents that have chosen not to get their broker's license that have years more experience and knowledge than the brokers in their firm.  Talk to friends and family and get feed back from experiences they have had with particular agents, interviewthree to four professionals to get a feel of how they conduct business and let them tell you what they can and will do for you as their client.