A real estate broker holds a higher level of state licensing than a real estate agent, requiring additional education, experience, and examination, and may operate their own brokerage. In contrast, a Realtor® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and adheres to its Code of Ethics, which is a professional designation, not a license. Therefore, a professional can be a licensed real estate agent or broker and also be a Realtor®, as the terms describe different aspects of their qualifications and affiliations. Understanding these distinctions helps consumers choose the right professional for their needs.
What’s the Difference—and Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re buying or selling a home, you may hear the terms real estate agent, real estate broker, and Realtor® used interchangeably.
They are not the same thing.
Understanding the difference can help you make a more informed decision when choosing someone to represent you.
Real Estate Agent vs. Real Estate Broker vs. Realtor®
Here’s the simple explanation:
| Title | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent | A person licensed by a state to represent buyers and/or sellers |
| Real Estate Broker | A real estate licensee with additional education, experience and licensing who may operate a brokerage |
| Realtor® | A real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and agrees to follow its Code of Ethics |
Is a Realtor® a Higher Real Estate License?
“Realtor®” is not a higher real estate license.
A Realtor can be a real estate agent or broker, depending upon their state license.
What Is a Real Estate Agent?
A real estate agent is licensed by a state to perform real estate activities on behalf of clients.
Depending upon state law and the agent’s license, an agent may:
- Represent buyers
- Represent sellers
- Market properties
- Show properties
- Prepare or assist with transaction documents
- Negotiate within the scope permitted by law
- Assist with the transaction through closing
Most agents work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker.
What Is a Real Estate Broker?
A real estate broker generally has a higher level of licensing than a salesperson or agent.
Broker licensing requirements vary by state, but commonly involve additional:
- Education
- Experience
- Examination
- Continuing education
- Responsibility
A broker may be able to:
- Operate a real estate brokerage
- Employ or supervise agents
- Represent buyers
- Represent sellers
- List properties
- Negotiate transactions
- Manage a real estate business
What Additional Responsibilities Does a Real Estate Broker Have?
A broker can often do many of the things an agent does plus has additional responsibilities and authority under state law.
What Is a Realtor®?
Realtor® is a membership designation associated with the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
A Realtor is a real estate professional who belongs to NAR or an affiliated association and agrees to follow the organization’s Code of Ethics.
Realtor® is not a license.
Someone can be:
Real Estate Broker + Realtor®
or
Real Estate Agent + Realtor®
And someone can be a licensed real estate professional without being a Realtor®.
Does a Realtor Have More Experience Than a Broker?
No.
The terms describe different things.
A broker has a particular level of state licensing.
Realtor® describes membership in a professional organization.
Therefore, you should not assume:
Realtor = more experienced
or:
Broker = automatically better
Experience depends on the individual professional.
Why Work With a Real Estate Broker?
When you’re buying or selling an expensive asset, experience can matter.
A broker may bring:
- More experience
- Greater transaction knowledge
- Negotiation experience
- Investment experience
- Knowledge of local markets
- Understanding of contracts
- Knowledge of brokerage operations
But again, the individual broker’s experience matters more than the title alone.
Broker vs. Realtor: An Example
Consider two professionals.
Example: Realtor® with 5 Years of Experience
Realtor®
5 years of experience.
Example: Real Estate Broker with 30 Years of Experience
Real Estate Broker
30 years of experience.
The second professional may have significantly more experience—but that doesn’t automatically make them better for every client.
The important questions are:
- How long have they been in real estate?
- How many transactions have they handled?
- Do they specialize in your type of property?
- Do they understand your market?
- Who will personally handle your transaction?
- How are they compensated?
- What services do they provide?
What Should a Buyer Look For?
If you’re buying a home, consider:
Experience
How long has the professional been practicing?
Local Knowledge
Do they understand the neighborhoods you’re considering?
Negotiation
Do they have experience negotiating purchase prices and terms?
Availability
Will you be able to communicate directly with them?
Representation
Will they actually represent your interests throughout the transaction?
Compensation
Do you understand how your buyer representative will be compensated?
Service
What happens after you find the property?
What Should a Seller Look For?
For sellers, consider:
- Pricing expertise
- Marketing
- MLS experience
- Photography
- Property exposure
- Showing management
- Offer analysis
- Negotiation
- Contract knowledge
- Transaction management
- Total cost
Don’t choose a broker simply because they offer the lowest commission.
Look at the value of the entire service.
What About Netrealtynow.com?
Netrealtynow.com is a real estate brokerage, not simply a website that generates leads.
The company provides:
Buyer Representation
Helping buyers find, evaluate and purchase property.
Seller Representation
Helping sellers price, market and sell their property.
Flat-Fee MLS
Providing sellers with an alternative to traditional percentage-based listing compensation.
Investment Real Estate
Helping investors evaluate and acquire properties.
Thomas Hennerty Is a Real Estate Broker
Netrealtynow.com’s principal broker, Thomas S. Hennerty, is a licensed real estate broker in:
Florida | Maryland | Virginia | Washington, DC | New York
Tom has more than four decades of real estate experience and has worked as both a broker and real estate investor.
That means he has experience not only representing clients but also buying and selling properties for his own investment purposes.
Broker + Investor Experience
This is an important distinction.
When evaluating an investment property, Tom can look at the property from both perspectives:
Broker
“What is this property worth in today’s market?”
Investor
“Does this property make financial sense?”
That can be particularly useful when evaluating:
- Multifamily properties
- Rental properties
- Investment homes
- Commercial properties
- Value-add opportunities
Do I Need a Realtor® to Buy a Home?
No.
You are not legally required to use a Realtor® to purchase a home.
You can:
- Represent yourself
- Work with a licensed real estate agent
- Work with a licensed real estate broker
- Choose a Realtor®
- Choose a broker who is not a Realtor®
The important issue is choosing the representation arrangement that works best for you.
Do I Need a Broker to Sell My Home?
No.
You can sell:
FSBO
For Sale By Owner.
Flat-Fee MLS
Use a broker for MLS exposure while handling some of the transaction yourself.
Full-Service Brokerage
Hire a broker or agent for comprehensive representation.
The Most Important Question Isn’t “Are You a Realtor?”
Instead, ask:
“What can you do for me?”
Ask about:
- Experience
- Services
- Compensation
- Marketing
- Negotiation
- Availability
- Local knowledge
- Transaction management
Those factors are much more important than a title.
Why Netrealtynow.com Is Different
Netrealtynow.com gives consumers choices.
Sellers
FSBO
↓
Flat-Fee MLS
↓
Full-Service Representation
Buyers
Buyer Representation
↓
Professional Negotiation
↓
Transaction Management
↓
Potential Buyer Rebate
You choose the level of service you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a broker better than a Realtor?
Not necessarily. “Broker” refers to a state license level, while “Realtor®” refers to membership in a professional organization.
Can a broker be a Realtor?
Yes. Many brokers are also Realtors®.
Can a real estate agent be a Realtor?
Yes.
Can someone be a broker without being a Realtor?
Yes.
Does Realtor® mean the person has more experience?
No.
Is Netrealtynow.com a Realtor?
Netrealtynow.com is a real estate brokerage. Whether an individual associated with the company is a Realtor® depends on their professional membership.
Bottom Line
Broker is a license. Realtor® is a membership.
When choosing someone to help you buy or sell real estate, look beyond the title.
Look for:
Experience
Knowledge
Negotiation skills
Local market expertise
Communication
Services
Compensation