- Although these terms are used interchangeably they CAN mean different things
What is a Real Estate Agent?
- A Real Estate Agent is someone who has their Real Estate Salesperson license
- In the state of NY this means they must have completed a 75 hours pre licensing course, taken and passed the proctored exam final, and passed the state exam.
- Keep in mind these requirements vary from state to state
- Agents MUST work under a sponsoring Broker
- Basically this license gives someone the legal right to buy, sell, rent or lease Real Estate owned by someone else for compensation.
- IF you own your home, you have every right to sell it on your own, but do so at your own discretion
- If you value your time I’d recommend hiring a Real Estate Agent
- If you know what you’re doing, and have plenty of free time you have every right to sell your home on your own.
- Its just like any other service: You have every right to make coffee at home, but millions of people buy Starbucks every day
- You can also make your own dinner at home, but most people eat out and pay someone else to do.
What is a Realtor?
- A Realtor is someone who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (NAR)
- Most Real Estate Agents are also Realtors
- The National Association of Realtors is an organization that helps agents with the business side of Real Estate.
- For clients, it makes no difference whatsoever if a Real Estate Agent is a member of NAR or not
What is a Broker?
- A Broker is a Real Estate Agent that completed additional educational requirements
- These requirements also vary by state
- The main difference here is that a Broker can work solo, or have other agents working under him