Not every real estate agent out there is a true Realtor, which is a common misconception people have. Every real estate agent and Realtor must go through the same education and testing process in which they become licensed by the state they are working in. After this though is where the difference between an agent and a Realtor is made. An agent will choose to practice on their own, while a Realtor joins an association. A Realtor will show your home on the market more often, will be able to show you a wider variety of homes, and will give you numerous advantages an ordinary agent simply can not.

Realtors are all members of the National Association of Realtors, and subscribe to that associations strict ethical code. Your Realtor will use a multiple listing service to get information about homes and display information about a house for sale. These agents are dedicated to putting your interests above those of others, obeying your instructions, and keeping your personal information confidential. They’re also required to account to you for all money involved and to report all useful information to you in a timely fashion.

A Realtor will be experienced and knowledgeable in what they do, will be able to open up new avenues, and will help you avoid many common mistakes first time home buyers and sellers often make. They will be able to find you tons of homes that fit your criteria, or if you are selling your home they will know where to place it on the market. Realtors are more informed on up-to-date things in then market and are held to more requirements than just a real estate agent. That is why choosing a Realtor over a real estate agent is a brilliant idea.

Its also a good idea to ask a few questions. Make sure your Realtor has an active license in good standing, and make certain he or she belongs to the local MLS, or multiple listing service. Ideally, your Realtors full time career should be real estate, so you’ll be able to know that you’re in good, dedicated hands. Find out if the agent is representing you, or the other party in the deal. The person that’s being represented is the person whose interests the Realtor will be prioritizing. You want it to be you, so try to find a good buyers agent early on.

Find out how your Realtor will help you accomplish your goals before you commit. Ideally, he or she should plan to show you a list of carefully chosen homes that meet your requirements, or bring appropriate buyers to the home you want to sell. Its your Realtors experience and ability to choose homes and potential buyers that offer you the biggest benefit. Choose carefully, and you’ll have a much easier time selling. Its worth the time to find a good Realtor.