Real Estate Agent vs. Broker – What Are the Actual Differences?

Whether you’re looking to sell, buy or rent, you might have heard the words “real estate agent” or “broker” being passed around randomly in different types of contexts. Many people believe that “agent” and “broker” are interchangeable terms, but this isn’t necessarily the case. 

Real estate agents are what we could call the bottom level tire on the real estate “food chain.” They cater to the needs of homeowners, helping them sell homes and manage paperwork, and in most cases you can rely on an experienced real estate agent to find you a new place to live or help you sell your old home.

Brokers, on the other hand, are in charge of large agencies, and real estate agents are often acting almost like they’re the broker’s employee. Part of their commission goes to the broker in most cases, and in exchange, the broker will be in charge of helping them with issues like putting together paperwork, benefiting from E&O insurance or resolving certain disputes.

 

As a homeowner, it’s essential to find the right agent to help you sell, but it can also be a good idea to research the agency or brokerage that they are a part of. Some brokerages don’t offer agents enough support or assistance, which can end up leading to problems and risks associated with your sale process or your transaction. If you are interested in looking at family friendly Erie homes for sale, know that agents and brokers from Team Front Range are experienced, reliable, and professional. People you can count on to provide you with services delivered with quality and care.