Types of Real Estate Agents | The Home Cart

When searching for the right real estate agent to help you sell or purchase a home, you may think that all real estate agents are essentially the same. ?In reality, real estate agents and what they can offer to you can vary quite significantly,? says Josh Anderson* of Keller Williams Nashville. Not only do they vary in terms of experience, but the various titles within the industry also indicate differences in education, training and focus. Therefore, it is in your best interest to learn more about the various types of real estate agents and what they can do for you.

The Broker

In general, real estate brokers must complete more real estate coursework than the standard agent. While broker requirements vary by state, it typically involves completing more coursework, gaining additional experience in the field and completing some sort of examination. A licensed broker is capable of working independently and may hire real estate agents to work on his or her behalf.

The Broker Associate

A broker associate is a licensed broker who chooses to work for another broker. While the broker associate can work independently, he or she may choose to work with another broker in order to be part of a larger real estate network.

The REALTOR

A REALTOR is a real estate agent or broker who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). REALTORS must pay annual dues and must abide by an extensive Code of Ethics. They also belong to certain state and local trade associations and complaints can be filed against them with the local board.

The Listing Agent

Also referred to as a seller?s agent, the listing agent is a real estate agent who represents only the seller in the transaction. Whether the listing agent is an agent or a broker, he or she must protect the interest of the seller.

The Buying Agent

Also known as the buyer?s or selling agent, the buying agent works for the person who is purchasing the home. While it is unusual for an agent to work exclusively as a listing agent or a buying agent at all times, he or she cannot fill both roles on the same transaction. In other words, the agent may serve as your buying agent while also serving as the listing agent for a different client. So long as you are not purchasing a home from someone the agent is representing as a listing agent, there is no conflict of interest.

The Dual Agent

In some states, a real estate agent may serve as a dual agent if both parties are agreeable. As a dual agent, the real estate agent represents both the seller and the buyer. Even if you have two separate real estate agents, you will enter into a dual agency agreement if both real estate agents work for the same broker.

*Josh Anderson assists buyers and sellers interested in 12 South and other Nashville area homes as a licensed Realtor.

Source: http://www.thehomecart.net/types-of-real-estate-agents/

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