Understanding the Difference Between a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent

If you are looking for a real estate agent, you may be surprised to learn that there is a difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor. Although many people use the term "Realtor" as a general term to describe a person that helps individuals buy and sell homes, a Realtor is actually a specialized type of real estate agent that has met certain criteria in order to earn that title.

What is a Realtor?

In order to be designated as a Realtor, a real estate agent must be a member of the National Association of Realtors. Therefore, any real estate agent claiming to be a Realtor who does not belong to this organization is purposely misrepresenting his or her licensing. You can identify a real estate agent who is a Realtor by looking for the Realtor logo on the agent's business card, sales literature or other marketing documents.

How is a Realtor Different from a Real Estate Agent?

In order to become a member of the National Association of Realtors, a real estate agent must adhere to a strict code of ethics. For example, a Realtor may not deliberately mislead a homeowner regarding the market value of the property and is required to subjectively submit offers and counter-offers as quickly as possible. In essence, the code of ethics requires Realtors to treat buyers and sellers fairly and honestly.

Realtors are also required to maintain a certain level of knowledge regarding the buying and selling process. This way, you can make certain the Realtor is knowledgeable and up-to-date when it comes to real estate transactions.

What Can a Realtor Do for Me?

While you can certainly bypass the Realtor and buy or sell a home without the help of one of these professionals, there are many benefits that come with working with a Realtor. These include:

Getting help with finding the right lender
Providing you with information about properties that are not actively being advertised on the market
Assisting you with obtaining information about the neighborhood, including zoning information, school information and utility information
Providing you with negotiating power to help you get the best price
Assisting you with finding experts to conduct necessary inspections, including dry rot, termite, roof condition, termite and septic tank inspections
Providing you with information about your various financing options
Guiding you through the closing process
Providing you with up-to-date information about current market trends
Knowing where and how to advertise your property effectively
Helping you evaluate the proposals of potential buyers

Obviously, the most important consideration when selecting an agent is to find someone you can trust and who has a solid reputation. Nonetheless, you might want to first consider hiring someone who is a licensed Realtor in order to get the added peace of mind that hiring one of these professionals provides.



About the Author: Shannon Kietzman is a well known author and trusted resource. Shannon regularly writes for http://www.electronicappraiser.com/, which is a leading provider of on-line home appraisals and offers a nationwide personalized instant informational report about home appraisal. For more information, please visit .
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