REALTOR® or broker or agent.. what's the difference?

Thursday, September 23, 2021   /   by Michael Haynes

REALTOR® or broker or agent.. what's the difference?

REALTORS® are licensed real estate agents who belong to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). NAR is the largest trade group in the country. Not all agents are REALTORS®, but most are. As a REALTOR®, we are held to higher ethical standards and a formal Code of Ethics unlike a non-REALTOR® agent / salesperson. If you’re unsure if your agent is a REALTOR® you can always ask them if they are a licensed REALTOR®.


Some REALTORS® are brokers (principal or associate), while some are agents. While they are used interchangeably, there are some differences between brokers and agents. Principal brokers represent the brokerage firm and are the person legally authorized to enter into agency contracts with clients and they are responsible for supervising the real estate agents who work for the agency. A principal broker oversees a transaction between a buyer and seller and affiliated agents for which a commission is paid to the brokerage firm once the transaction has been closed and recorded.


Associate brokers are industry professionals who have completed the same requirements necessary to become a principal broker but are not the actual principal broker. Many associate brokers choose to complete the necessary classes and training to increase their level of competence. Some associate brokers may also manage salespeople under the supervision of their principal broker.


An agent / salesperson is an industry professional that has completed all necessary requirements and passed the state and national tests to be able to assist in the sale of real estate for buyers and sellers. Real estate agents are not allowed to work for themselves, they must hang their license and practice under a designated brokerage of their choosing.


  realtor, broker, associate broker

Haynes Realty Group at Keller Williams Realty
Michael Haynes
20 Trafalgar Square, Suite 101
Nashua, NH 03063
603-921-3244 – mobile
603-883-8400 x 240 – office


Jay Vogel
Branch Manager
NMLS# #47957
Direct: 603-966-3437
Cell: 603-943-0027
Fax: 603-546-0467
Jay.Vogel@guildmortgage.net
74 Northeastern Blvd Suite 7A
Nashua, NH 03062

The property listing data and information set forth herein were provided to MLS Property Information Network, Inc. from third party sources, including sellers, lessors and public records, and were compiled by MLS Property Information Network, Inc. The property listing data and information are for the personal, non commercial use of consumers having a good faith interest in purchasing or leasing listed properties of the type displayed to them and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties which such consumers may have a good faith interest in purchasing or leasing. MLS Property Information Network, Inc. and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations and warranties as to the accuracy of the property listing data and information set forth herein.
neren-logo.png Copyright 2024 PrimeMLS, Inc. All rights reserved. This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate displayed on this site comes in part from the IDX Program of PrimeMLS. The information being provided is for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated December 5, 2024.
This site powered by CINC: www.cincpro.com