What is the difference between a Realtor and A Real Estate Agent?
Posted on February 28th, 2010 in Renting & Real Estate | 4 Comments »
kellysmiles=] asked:
I'm thinking about going into the REAL ESTATE field and I would like to know the differences between a Realtor and A Real Estate Agent. Also the pros and cons of the business.
Playa del Rey Real Estate
I'm thinking about going into the REAL ESTATE field and I would like to know the differences between a Realtor and A Real Estate Agent. Also the pros and cons of the business.
Playa del Rey Real Estate

4 Responses
Flathead Lake Mt Real Estate
realtor just means they are a member of the National Association of Realtors.
Agent means they have a real estate salesperson license. All Realtors are agents because you have to be a licensed agent to join. Not all agents are Realtors because one does not have to join that association.
the words are used interchangeably but that is incorrect.
Hawthorne Ca Real Estate
Schooling and testing is the same. Once you get your salesperson license you can decide whether or not to become a Realtor or not. A Realtor is someone who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. To join that you pay membership dues and agree to operate by their code of conduct. You do not have to be a Realtor to be a real estate agent, tho many brokers require that you are, and it gives you more credibility.
Thermage Before and After
Please note: This was an answer given earlier regarding the difference between broker, agent, and realtor. I feel it gives a perfect outline for you though!
Loaded question, would be glad to shed some light on the issue. Depending on which state you are in the answer could be very different. I am a Real Estate Broker in NJ. Now in order to become a Real Estate Broker I had to first get my Real Estate Salesperson License (some people sale real estate agent, occasionally just realtor, but I will get to that shortly). I first had to complete a 75 hour course, followed by a state exam that I had to pass. Then I had to work full time (no other employment, and work 40 hours a week) as a real estate agent for 3 continuous years. I could not work a year, then leave the business, and come back again and continue. After the completion of my three years I took another course followed by another test. Now as an agent in NJ I could work under a Broker of record for a company and conduct real estate business. I could list, sell, assist buyers, and do all the things you would think a real estate agent capable of doing. There are however a few things I could not do that I can do now as a broker. Those things are as follows…manage an office under the supervision of a broker of record, be a COMMERCIAL mortgage broker, or have my own company and designate myself as the broker of record. Some states only have a broker license, some states have both but require different things. Now a realtor is a real estate agent in any state that is a member of the national association of realtors. Sometimes you’ll find the term realtor associate…that usually is just the differentiation between an agent and a broker (realtor associate would be for a broker rather than an agent which would just be realtor). Real Estate agents can not call themselves realtors unless a member of the association of realtors. Being a member holds the person to an ethical code set forth by the association. Hope that helps! ?
Sarasota Real Estate News
an agent makes deals happen. a realtor is passive and thinks the business will come because of that designation.. I am a realtor, but always consider my self to be an AGENT.