It’s important to choose an agent you feel comfortable working with – one who is competent and prepared to be with you throughout each step of the home buying process.
What is the difference between a REALTOR® and a Real Estate Agent?
All REALTORS® and Real Estate Agents are required to be licensed by the state to represent buyers and sellers in property transfers.
A REALTOR® is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, which means that he or she must uphold the standards of the association and its code of ethics.
If you’ve already chosen a neighborhood, find an agent within that community or ask for referrals from family or friends. The following are some questions you might ask a potential real estate agent partner:
- Do you deal mostly with home buyers or with home sellers?
- Are you fully automated with a computer, smart phone, email, voice mail, text, etc?
- Do you have a list of reputable lenders, home inspectors, and insurance agents for me to consider?
- Are you a member of the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?
- Do you have information about For Sale by Owner properties?
- Are you able to provide local real estate market trends, values, and statistics?
Keep in mind:
- The seller is represented by the listing agent.
- The buyer is represented by the selling agent.
- The selling agent is also referred to as the buyer’s agent.
- Real estate commissions are usually paid by the seller.
Communication between all parties is critical during a real estate transaction. Your title and escrow partners at AmeriTitle are dedicated to working very closely with you and the agent you choose.
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This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal, financial, or real estate advice.
I didn’t even know that there is a difference between realtors and real estate agents! If realtors have to uphold a specific code of ethics while doing business, then I would definitely make sure to hire them over other agents. After all, you can never be too careful, especially when it comes to buying or selling your house. Your home is a big investment, so it’s really important to protect it.
A friend of mine is trying to get some help with buying a house, and wants to make sure he chooses the right person. It makes sense that you would want to make sure they have a list of reputable lenders, home inspectors, and insurance agents for you to look at. It would be nice to have them refer you to people that they trust when looking at the houses.
I have never heard the advice to choose a neighborhood before choosing a real estate agent. This makes a lot of sense to me since there are other priorities to consider about the location. Factors like nearby schools and parks can play a big role in choosing which neighborhood to live in.
My husband and I are looking to buy our first home, and I know the place to start is finding a good real estate agent. I really liked your suggestion to ask a potential agent if they are fully mobile with their technology. I think finding an agent who is up to date with the latest technology also shows that they are us up to date on their real estate knowledge as well.
I did not realize that there was a difference between realtors and real estate agents. My husband and I are looking to buy our first house, and we definitely want an experienced professional to help us with this process. As you explained, a realtor is part of an association that helps ensure that they will uphold a certain standard. This seems like a great way to make sure you are getting quality service.