What is the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor®?

A Realtor® is a professional member of the National Association of Realtors® who subscribes to a strict code of ethics based on professionalism and public protection. While not all agents are Realtors®, all Realtors® are held to these ethical standards, with your interests as the client being their first obligation.

How can a Realtor® help me find properties that aren't listed online?

Realtors® have access to opportunities and market data beyond what appears on public home search sites, and can help you identify properties that may not be actively advertised. They can also filter out listings that are no longer actually available but still showing online, saving you time and frustration.

What role does a Realtor® play in negotiations?

A Realtor® examines every angle of a real estate transaction from your perspective, including structuring a purchase agreement that gives you adequate time to complete inspections and investigations before you're bound to the purchase. Their negotiation knowledge helps protect your interests throughout the process.

Why is hiring a Realtor® valuable even if I've bought a home before?

Real estate laws and regulations change frequently, and because Realtors® handle hundreds of transactions over their career, they stay current with these changes. Their experience helps you navigate the emotional and technical complexities of what is often the biggest purchase of your life.

Six Reasons to Hire a Realtor®

By Anne-Britt OstlundDecember 14, 20202 min read

Buying a Home

In a competitive real estate marketplace, you want the best on your side. And in real estate, that’s a Realtor®. Realtors® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics.

Here are a few more reasons why the Realtor® difference matters for home buyers:

Ethical Treatment. Every Realtor® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a Realtor®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.

An Expert Guide. Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so hiring a Realtor® allows you to work with a professional who can speak the language.

Objective Information and Opinions. Realtors® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. Realtors® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need. By understanding both your needs and search area, they can also point out neighborhoods you don’t know much about but that might suit your needs better than you’d thought.

Expanded Search Power. Sometimes properties are available but are not actively advertised. A Realtor® can help you find opportunities not listed on home search sites and can help you avoid out-of-date listings that might be showing up as available online but in fact are no longer on the market.

Negotiation Knowledge. There are many factors up for negotiation in a real estate transaction. A Realtor® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows enough time for you to complete inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase.

Up-to-Date Experience. Most people buy only a few homes in their lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. Because Realtors® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career, they’re able to serve as your rock during emotional moments in the process. Realtors® know that a home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third-party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor®?: A Realtor® is a professional member of the National Association of Realtors® who subscribes to a strict code of ethics based on professionalism and public protection. While not all agents are Realtors®, all Realtors® are held to these ethical standards, with your interests as the client being their first obligation.
How can a Realtor® help me find properties that aren't listed online?: Realtors® have access to opportunities and market data beyond what appears on public home search sites, and can help you identify properties that may not be actively advertised. They can also filter out listings that are no longer actually available but still showing online, saving you time and frustration.
What role does a Realtor® play in negotiations?: A Realtor® examines every angle of a real estate transaction from your perspective, including structuring a purchase agreement that gives you adequate time to complete inspections and investigations before you're bound to the purchase. Their negotiation knowledge helps protect your interests throughout the process.
Why is hiring a Realtor® valuable even if I've bought a home before?: Real estate laws and regulations change frequently, and because Realtors® handle hundreds of transactions over their career, they stay current with these changes. Their experience helps you navigate the emotional and technical complexities of what is often the biggest purchase of your life.