25
What's the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and REALTOR®
Our REALTORS® at Wagner Realty strive to provide every one of our customers with the best home buying process possible. Established in 1939 with a legendary focus on responsive service, we think you'll notice the difference when you work with Wagner.
But there's one more important difference many first-time buyers don't know much about:
The difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®.
Here's the quick summary: All REALTORs® are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are REALTORs®. If you want the absolute best quality of service, you should always look for real estate professionals who carry this special designation.
Who Gets to Be a REALTOR®?
Becoming a real estate agent of any kind is an involved process that can take several years. You need to demonstrate a great deal of knowledge and become licensed to practice in your state.
Licensed real estate agents have the basic skills and information to work in a specific area. But a REALTOR® takes things one step further – and it makes a difference to our customers.
REALTORS® are members in good standing of the National Association of REALTORs®. This is the largest professional association in the United States and one of its most trusted.
The purpose of any professional association is to help its members be the very best in their field. The NAR takes this seriously, with a wide range of training, live events, and opportunities for professionals at all levels to network and learn from one another.
In short, REALTORS® empower each other and strive to be truly amazing real estate pros.
What's the Most Important Part of Being a REALTOR®?
Being a NAR member provides many chances to go above and beyond. However, there's one aspect that's most important to peace of mind for our customers: The NAR Code of Ethics.
Just about every professional association has its own rules of conduct for members to follow. But ours help protect your best interests in some of the most important transactions you'll ever make.
The NAR Code of Ethics ensures that each member will always be held to the highest standards. It lays out specific guidelines for ensuring the customer's best interest is always priority one.
Most real estate professionals have good intentions, even if they aren't NAR members. But people find it's nice to know their real estate expert made a promise to uphold high standards.
What Are the Benefits of Working With a REALTOR®?
Whether buying or selling, you should never take on a real estate transaction by yourself.
The average real estate agent is better than going it alone, but a REALTOR® is the best choice.
With a REALTOR®, you can:
- Get accurate, timely information about market conditions to clarify your decisions.
- Zero in on properties that meet your needs and your budget much more quickly.
- Accelerate the process of getting to closing with a minimum of stress for you.
- Resolve any issues along the way so they don't compromise your timeline.
Both buyers and sellers find they are in the best hands when they partner with a REALTOR®.
Sellers leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table if they decide to list a home themselves. Agent-led listings sell faster and make more: The average sale price difference between "for sale by owner" listings (FSBO) and those with agents is an astounding $60,000!
Luckily, you don't have to look high and low for the right REALTOR®. The team at Wagner Realty is here for you!
Contact Wagner Realty to find out more. We'll help you shine here in the Sunshine State.