If you're new to buying or selling real estate, the specific roles and titles of professionals who work in the industry can be unclear. Before you make a decision about whether you need a real estate agent or REALTOR®, it's important to understand the distinctions between them, so you're armed with the knowledge you need when selling property or looking at Belleville homes for sale. 

Real Estate Agents

A real estate agent helps people sell, buy, or rent various types of housing and real estate. Real estate agents must be licensed by the state in which they work. To obtain a real estate license, they must take a certain amount of hours of training, which varies by state. After training is competed, potential agents take a written exam, which usually focuses on two areas: state-specific real estate law and federal real estate law and general principles that apply in the industry. If they pass the test, agents are then licensed and permitted to work with sellers, buyers, and renters. Depending on the state, they may be required to continue their education and renew their licenses every few years. Some real estate agents also represent clients and landlords who are looking to rent or lease homes and apartments.

REALTORS®

About half of the real estate agents in the United States are also certified REALTORS®. To use this title, a real estate agent must be a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, hold an active real estate license, and have a good record of professional conduct. REALTORS® are required to follow an extensive code of ethics and uphold certain professional standards when it comes to how they work with clients, the public, and other agents. These additional standards show potential clients that they are thoroughly vetted and committing to adhering to strict professional standards. REALTORS® also enjoy access to benefits such as real estate market data and transaction management services. From listing your house to helping you find the home of your dreams, both REALTORS® and real estate agents can assist you with whatever you may need during the process.

Listing Agents

Also known as a seller's agent, a listing agent helps clients who are selling property. They assist with a number of tasks, including helping a seller price their home, marketing, home staging, showing the home to potential buyers, negotiating with potential buyers, and generally overseeing the process from listing to closing.

Buyer's Agents

Buyer's agents represent and guide clients through the home-buying process, which usually includes looking at homes, negotiating offers, and helping them troubleshoot issues like appraisal or home inspection problems. Buyer's agents may also recommend other real estate professionals like mortgage lenders, attorneys, brokers, and insurance agents. 

Whether you're buying or selling residential or commercial property, our real estate agents can help the process run smoothly from start to finish. Contact us today to get started.