When trying to determine which real estate agent to work with, the various titles real estate agents use can be very confusing. Here is a breakdown of the key distinctions between a real estate agent, a real estate broker and a Realtor®.

What Is A Real Estate Agent?

A real estate agent is anyone who has a real estate license. A real estate agent could have two days of experience or twenty years of experience. A real estate agent, therefore, is a very generic description for anyone who has a real estate license, regardless of the amount of real estate experience or the level of licensing.

What Is A Real Estate Broker?

Most states have a preliminary associate level of real estate license before someone is a full real estate broker. Associate brokers are required to work under a fully licensed real estate broker.

For example, in California you are required to be an associate broker for at least two years before you can sit for the test to become a real estate broker unless you submit an application to have the two year associate broker requirement waived for equivalent experience.

Doug Bend with BLG Properties is not only an associate broker, but a full real estate broker.

What is a Realtor®?

A Realtor® is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors®.

If a real estate agent wants to call themselves a Realtor®, they are required to pay the National Association of Realtors® dues and to follow its code of ethics.

Like a real real estate agent, a Realtor® could have two days or twenty years of experience.

Don't be confused by the various titles of real estate agents. Instead, focus on finding the real estate broker whom you feel most comfortable working with and who has the best experience to help you and your family find an amazing home.

Trying to find the best real estate agent to help you buy or sell your home in the Bay Area? E-mail us at Doug@BLGProperties.com.