Salesperson vs Broker vs Realtor vs Agent, what’s the difference?

A real estate salesperson can perform all of the duties of a broker; however, salespersons must work under a broker. A salespersons license is an “entry level” license. Once a salesperson gets enough experience, they can apply to get their broker’s license, which allows them to open their own brokerage and have salespersons work under them.
Both salespersons and brokers are also referred to as real estate agents, or simply agents for short.
Someone can only call themselves as Realtor if they are a member of the National Association of Realtors. While most salespersons and broker do belong to the NAR, and can call themselves a Realtor, not all agents are members of the NAR.

What Does Each Role Entail: Salesperson, Broker, Realtor and Agent?

Salesperson

As mentioned earlier, salespersons are limited in their responsibilities and must work under a licensed broker. However, they can help with many aspects of the buying and selling process, including:

• Showing homes to potential buyers
• Hosting open houses
• Assisting with marketing efforts
• Preparing contracts and paperwork

While salespersons may not be able to work independently, they play an important role in the real estate industry and are often the first point of contact for buyers and sellers. They have a wealth of knowledge about the properties they are showing and can answer any questions that buyers may have. Additionally, they can help sellers prepare their homes for showings and provide valuable feedback on how to make their property more attractive to potential buyers.

Broker

Brokers have more flexibility in their work and may choose to work independently or hire a team of salespersons. Some of their responsibilities may include:

• Managing a team of salespersons
• Handling transactions with clients directly
• Developing marketing strategies
• Negotiating contracts
• Providing guidance and support to salespersons

Brokers are ultimately responsible for ensuring that all transactions conducted by their team are legally and ethically sound. They have a deep understanding of the real estate market and can provide valuable insights to their clients. Additionally, they have a network of industry contacts that they can leverage to help their clients buy or sell their properties more quickly and efficiently.

Realtor

As we mentioned earlier, being a realtor means agreeing to uphold certain ethical and professional standards set forth by the National Association of Realtors. In addition to their legal responsibilities, realtors may also provide:

• Market insights and analysis
• Assistance with preparing and negotiating offers
• Referrals to other professionals, such as home inspectors or lenders
• Support and guidance throughout the entire buying or selling process

Realtors are typically well-connected in the industry and can provide valuable insights and resources to their clients. They have a deep understanding of the local market and can help buyers find properties that meet their specific needs. Additionally, they can help sellers price their homes correctly and market them to potential buyers more effectively.

Agent

Whether you’re referring to a salesperson or a broker, all agents have a duty to represent their clients’ best interests. This includes tasks like:

• Negotiating offers
• Drafting contracts and paperwork
• Providing advice on market trends and conditions
• Guiding clients through the entire buying or selling process

Ultimately, an agent’s primary responsibility is to act as an advocate for their clients and help them achieve their real estate goals. They have a deep understanding of the buying and selling process and can help their clients navigate any challenges that may arise. Additionally, they can provide valuable advice on market trends and conditions, helping their clients make informed decisions about their real estate investments.