| Aspect | Hiring Realtor | Real Estate Agent |
|---|
| Credentials | Licensed real estate professional, often a member of the National Association of Realtors | Licensed real estate professional, may or may not be a member of NAR |
| Work Environment | Typically works for a real estate brokerage, representing clients in property transactions | Works independently or for brokerages, assisting clients in buying or selling properties |
| Industry Usage | Commonly used in marketing and hiring contexts to denote a licensed professional | Used broadly to describe licensed real estate practitioners |
Hiring Realtors are licensed professionals often affiliated with the National Association of Realtors, and they typically work within brokerages to assist clients with property transactions. Real Estate Agents are also licensed professionals who help clients buy or sell homes, but may or may not be members of NAR. The terms are often used interchangeably, but "Realtor" specifically refers to members of NAR, while "Real Estate Agent" is a more general term.