When it comes to buying or selling a home, the terms “real estate agent” and “broker” are often used interchangeably; however, these two veteran professionals have very different roles that should be defined when you are planning your real estate transaction. Many people might not understand what sets agents and brokers apart from one another and may especially struggle if they aren’t familiar with some of the common terminology associated with real estate transactions. This blog post will help to explain the differences between a real estate agent and a broker so that you can better understand who best suits your individual needs when performing a real estate transaction.
Who is Real Estate Agent?
Real Estate Agents are professional advisors in the home buying and selling process who offer their expertise to ensure that all aspects of a transaction are taken care of. They help guide buyers by presenting market trends and providing qualified advice, whereas they help sellers determine the most appropriate listing price.
Real Estate Agents will often take potential buyers or interested investors on visits to properties, compile reports encapsulating their analysis, and facilitate the different steps of the transaction such as negotiations, contracts and financing. Their entire role is based on enabling clients to make educated decisions prior to one of the biggest financial commitments they will ever have.
Who is Real Estate Broker?
- Real Estate Brokers are important players in the Real Estate market. They handle all sorts of Real Estate transactions and act as the client’s primary agent when buying or selling a property.
- Real Estate Brokers search for properties, prepare offers and purchase agreements, negotiate with all parties involved, inspect titles and surveys, arrange to finance, provide guidance on zoning issues and licenses, coordinate closing processes, and more.
- Real Estate Brokers are an essential link between buyers and sellers in Real Estate transactions both small and large; without Real Estate Brokers to handle all the details of buying and selling Real Estate, transactions would take much longer.
Difference between Real Estate Agent and Broker
Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Brokers are both licensed professionals who assist clients in buying, selling, or renting a property; however, there is an important distinction between their roles.
- Real Estate Agents are qualified to help buyers find properties that suit their needs, haggle with sellers on prices, draft contracts, and other paperwork related to real estate transactions.
- Real Estate Brokers handle all of these tasks as well but they also have authority over Real Estate Agents working under them — allowing them to provide additional guidance and assistance to agents in complicated transactions.
Furthermore, Real Estate Brokers must pass a state-administered licensing exam in order for them to become fully certified.
Conclusion
If you are thinking of becoming a real estate agent or broker, it is important to understand the difference between the two. A real estate agent is licensed to represent buyers and sellers in property transactions. A broker is also licensed to perform these duties but often has additional education and experience. In some states, brokers can own their own businesses, while agents must work for a broker. If you are interested in starting your own business one day, becoming a broker may be the right choice for you. However, if you would prefer to simply help people buy and sell homes without all the extra responsibility, working as an agent may be a better fit. No matter which path you choose, getting the proper education and licensure is essential to success in the world of real estate.
