Real Estate Agent Vs Realtor: How To Choose The Right One To Sell Fast

Should you hire a Realtor or search for the best real estate agents near you to find the right one for you?

Which one is right? What do they do? Why does it even matter?

The truth is that you’ve probably heard both terms tossed around in the same conversation. Many people assume that realtors and real estate agents are the same thing. I hear that confusion all the time, even from people who have bought or sold a home before. 

But here’s the thing. There is a difference, and it matters especially when you’re getting ready to sell.

The person you choose to represent your home should be more than just a licensed real estate agent. That's because when it comes to knowing what it takes to sell real estate, you want someone who brings real experience, holds themselves to a higher standard, and knows how to guide you through pricing, marketing, and negotiation with skill and strategy.

I put together this blog to give you a quick breakdown of what realtors and real estate agents are, what sets a realtor apart, why it matters to your bottom line, and how to make sure you’re hiring someone who’s equipped to help you get the best possible result.

As an experienced real estate agent in Grove City, I want to make the entire home buying or selling process as simple as possible for you so you can make the right choice before you begin. 

So, without further delay, let’s get into it.

What Is a Real Estate Agent?

Real estate agents are real estate professionals who have completed the required coursework, passed their state exam, and are licensed to represent buyers or sellers in real estate transactions. They’re legally allowed to assist with tasks such as listing a home, scheduling showings, writing offers, and guiding clients through the closing process.

Real estate agents work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker and are expected to adhere to all applicable state laws and regulations when representing clients.

That said, licensing is the starting line, not the finish. Just because someone has a real estate license doesn’t mean they’re equally trained, equally experienced, or equally committed to doing what’s best for their clients.

If you’re getting ready to sell, you’ll want to look beyond the basic title and ask questions about how your agent works, how they market properties, and how they plan to position your home in the current market. Their real estate license gives them the ability to help you. The way they help you? That comes down to who they are as a professional.

What Is a Realtor?

All Realtors are licensed real estate agents, but not all licensed real estate agents are Realtors.

A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This professional organization holds its members to a higher standard than what’s required by state law alone across the entire real estate industry.

To use the title “Realtor,” a licensed real estate professional has to commit to following NAR’s Code of Ethics, complete ongoing education, and stay current with both legal updates and industry best practices.

This means when you work with a Realtor, you’re working with someone who has chosen to go above and beyond what other real estate agents do. When it comes to selling your house or hiring someone to be your buyer's agent, you want them to offer and have more than just a valid real estate license. You want them to operate with integrity, transparency, and a stronger sense of responsibility to the people they serve.

As a seller, that extra layer of accountability can give you more peace of mind, especially when you’re making big decisions that affect your timeline, your finances, and your next chapter.

Realtor vs Real Estate Agent: What’s the Real Difference?

The biggest difference between Realtors and real estate agents comes down to standards. Both are licensed to help you buy or sell a home. But a Realtor has committed to more education, more accountability, and a higher level of ethics training.

Why is that important? Because that extra step is vital in the real estate business, it can make a big difference when it comes to how your home is marketed, how negotiations are handled, and how problems are resolved.

Here’s a quick comparison to help break it down:

Real Estate Agent

• Licensed by the state

• Can represent buyers and sellers

• Works under a broker

• Must follow state laws and regulations

Realtor

Everything above, plus:

• Member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR)

• Must follow a strict Code of Ethics

• Required to complete ongoing training

• Access to Realtor-only tools, resources, and professional networks

• Can be held accountable by NAR for misconduct

For sellers, these differences often show up in the quality of service, the advice you receive, and the results you get. It’s not just a title. It’s a level of commitment.

Why This Matters for Sellers

If you’re selling your home, you don't want someone to list it and walk away. You want a real estate broker who knows how to position it, price it right, and guide the entire transaction with skill and strategy.

That’s where working with a Realtor can make a real difference.

Realtors are trained to go beyond the basics for all types of real estate transactions. They stay current on market trends, understand how to price based on local data, and know how to create a plan that gets your home in front of the right buyers. They’re also experienced negotiators who can advocate for your best outcome, not just get the deal done.

From staging advice and marketing strategy to managing showings and navigating inspection results, the level of professionalism you receive matters. When things get complicated (and they often do), having someone who’s held to higher standards means fewer surprises and more confidence every step of the way.

How to Know If Your Agent Is a Realtor

Not sure if the agent you’re speaking with is a Realtor? It’s easy to find out, and it’s absolutely okay to ask.

Start by asking them directly. A professional who holds the Realtor designation will be upfront about it and often proud to share that they’re a member of the National Association of Realtors.

You can also look for the ® logo on their website, business card, or email signature. And if you want to double-check, the NAR member directory lets you search by name to confirm.

I always encourage clients to ask questions about experience, training, and credentials. The real estate broker representing your home should be someone who values transparency and takes your goals seriously, because selling your home isn’t just a transaction. It’s a major decision, and you deserve the best support possible.

So What’s It All Mean?

The title someone holds is more than just a label. It reflects their level of commitment, training, and professionalism. When you’re selling your home, the person you choose to represent you will shape your experience, and often, your outcome.

A Realtor brings more than just a license to the table. They bring market insight, strong negotiation skills, a national Code of Ethics, and a standard of accountability that goes beyond the basics.

If you’re comparing professionals, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Look at more than their title. Be sure to look at their track record, their approach, and whether they’re someone you trust to represent your goals.

Here’s a quick breakdown of why working with a Realtor matters:

• Follows a strict Code of Ethics

• Has access to exclusive tools, training, and professional networks

• Stays current with market changes and legal updates

• Brings advanced negotiation skills and strategic pricing insight

• Offers higher standards of accountability and client care

When the stakes are high, the right guidance matters. Choose someone who’s qualified to help you move forward with confidence.

Not Sure Who to Trust With Your Home Sale? Let’s Talk.

Choosing the right person to represent your home can feel overwhelming, especially when the differences between titles aren’t always clear. If you’re unsure where to start, let’s have a quick conversation.

As a licensed Realtor in Grove City and local expert, I help sellers cut through the noise and make smart, informed decisions. I’ll walk you through what matters most, answer your questions honestly, and help you feel confident about your next steps with no pressure or guesswork.

Call or text me at (724)-992-4128, or send a quick message through the form on my website. I’m here to make this process easier and to help you get the results you deserve.