What's a Difference Among REALTOR®s and Real Estate Agents?



REALTOR® or a real estate agent? Generally, people use the titles interchangeably to refer to any individual who handles real estate transactions.

A real estate professional can be categorized as a real estate agent, REALTOR®, and/or broker.  The main difference between these titles is the levels of education, experience, and affiliation. Here are the titles defined:

Real Estate Agent in Ontario


A real estate agent is a person who is licensed to represent buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction. To become licensed it requires you to complete the Pre-registration Segment courses within 18 months and to obtain employment with a registered brokerage and makes an application for registration with RECO within 12 months of completing the Pre-registration Segment.  The licensing process takes from 3 to 4.5 years to complete.  Agents are the most common real estate professionals that you’ll run across.

Real Estate Broker in Ontario

The key differences between a real estate agent and broker have to do with education. A real estate broker has gone after a higher level of licensing after working in the industry for a set amount of time. To become a real estate broker in Ontario, they need to complete the Salesperson Registration Education Program, take two additional courses and register with RECO.

REALTOR®

The final title of a Real Estate Agent or Broker is that of a REALTOR®.  What makes a REALTOR® unique is the pledge to follow a set of ethics and guidelines that ensure their integrity.

How to pick Your Real Estate Professional


The best-suited person will be different for every transaction, homebuyer, and seller. Irrespective of whom you decide to go with, I recommend carefully cross-checking all your candidates before making your choice.

If you are in the market to buy or sell, contact Mike Bolger from Chestnut Park West. I am a REALTOR® in the Kitchener/ Waterloo area who can help you get the most out of your home.
Get a free home evaluation now.

Mike Bolger, Sales Rep
Chestnut Park Realty Southwestern Ontario Ltd.
The Shops at Waterloo Town Square
75 King Street South, Unit 50 
Waterloo, ON N2J 1P2
+1 (519) 616-2656 
http://www.mikebolger.ca/

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