What is the difference between a Realtor and A Real Estate Agent?

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.

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4 Responses to “What is the difference between a Realtor and A Real Estate Agent?”

  1. HEATHER says:

    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.

  2. David Z says:

    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.

  3. Stuart says:

    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! ?

  4. Burt says:

    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.

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