Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial undertakings many people will make. You need a qualified professional to help assist you along the way. To help you distinguish between the different types of real estate professionals let’s look at their role and experience as well as factors you may want to consider.
Real Estate Agent Every person who is licensed to represent buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction is a real estate agent. Many real estate agents have years of experience and have successfully practiced their trade without additional certification. However, without a different title it becomes difficult to distinguish them from another agent who has just entered the field.
Real Estate Broker A real estate broker is a real estate agent who decided to pursue a higher level of licensing after working in the industry professionally. The biggest difference between the two is experience. In Georgia, a real estate agent must work in the industry for three consecutive years before taking the broker’s exam. As a broker, the real estate agent can own or manage a real estate firm. All real estate agents work for and under a real estate broker.
Realtor All licensed individuals are considered either a real estate agent or a real estate broker. However, not all real estate agents or real estate brokers are Realtors®. What’s the difference? Realtors® are members of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the largest trade organization in the country. Realtors® are held to a higher standard and are governed by a strict Code of Ethics aimed at ensuring the integrity of the agent and protecting clients. NAR offers additional training for Realtors® to specialize in particular types of deals or clients.