Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Luke Feldbrugge
The REALTOR vs real estate agent debate creates a common dilemma that comes up when it comes to entering the world of real estate. Both can help you buy your next home or sell your current house. But what is the difference between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent, or better yet, which one is better?
The truth is, there isn’t a lot of difference between a REALTOR vs real estate agent. Whether one is better for you is a matter of personal characteristics and fit. So why are there two different kinds of real estate professionals?
Difference: REALTOR vs Real Estate Agent
First off, let’s start with the basics. A real estate agent is someone who has completed the required coursework and licensing requirements in their state to become a licensed real estate agent. This means they can legally assist clients in buying or selling real estate. All states have licensing requirements, so you can’t be a real estate agent in your state without the coursework and passing a test.
A REALTOR is also a licensed real estate agent, but they have taken an extra step. REALTORS are members of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), which is a professional organization that requires its members to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Similarities: REALTOR vs Real Estate Agent
Because there isn’t much difference between a REALTOR and a real estate professional, the similarities abound. Agents and REALTORs help you along every part of the real estate journey – from initial searches of properties all the way to closing. As is often the case, the best way to find an agent that will be a good fit for you is to find friends and family members who have had a good experience with one of these real estate pros.
Both REALTORS and real estate agents love referrals because it means more business for them, but it is also a vote of confidence from previous clients to recommend their services.
A short list of what you can expect from either a REALTOR® or a real estate agent includes:
- Helping you search
- Listing your current home
- Scheduling showings
- Helping you get pre approved for a mortgage
- Helping you make an offer
- Negotiating on your behalf
- Closing the deal
And everything in between. Seriously, a good real estate agent will help you make good decisions, make important compromises and prevent you from making costly mistakes. The relationship you develop with your real estate professional can last for years, even decades!
Our Real Estate Agents Save You Money
At Homes for Heroes, we have a network of real estate agents, REALTORS and other real estate and mortgage professionals who are committed to serving and thanking local community heroes. And, to show a little more of our gratitude, we help our heroes save an average of $3,000 if you buy or sell a home, $6,000 if you do both. It’s our way to thank you for your service.
“My real estate agent was very helpful and patient throughout the whole process. We started looking for homes in 2021 and didn’t find anything until 2023! He stood by us for two years and looked at numerous houses before we found one. He made sure all our questions were answered, was always available, and went above and beyond!” – Dan, who is in the Army, found a new home in California.
“My real estate agent really helped us in the home buying process. He made sure everything was done correctly and that we understood everything every step of the way. We are very appreciative for the help he put in and also grateful for the Homes for Heroes program. We’re glad that this program is available to my coworkers and others that put their lives on the line daily. Thank you.” – Nataka, a firefighter, found a new home in Maryland.
Our local real estate and mortgage specialists joined Homes for Heroes because they wanted to assist and give back to their local hero community of:
- Healthcare Workers
- Military Service Members (Active Duty, Reserves and Veterans)
- EMS
- Teachers
- Firefighters
- Law Enforcement
The Homes for Heroes nationwide network connect you to our local real estate and mortgage specialists to buy, sell or refinance. If you choose to work with our local specialists, after closing, we give you a Hero Reward check that averages $3,000 for a buy or sell, and $6,000 if you do both!
If you’re in one of our hero groups, and you are looking for a home or want to sell your current house, complete the online registration form and we will connect you with one of our team members to answer your questions and get you started.
We look forward to working with you, and thank you for your service.
