Buying and selling real estate in Georgia immerses people in a world of new terminology. As they struggle with terms like "points" and "MLS" they may mistakenly assume they understand some of the other jargon. For example, people often assume that real estate agents and real estate brokers are the same, but this isn't the case at all.

Real estate agents are licensed by the Georgia Real Estate Commission to handle real estate sales. Real estate agents in Georgia are technically called "salespersons" under state law, but are commonly referred to as agents. They have passed a criminal background check, have had 75 hours of pre-licensing real estate education, and have passed the real estate licensee qualifying examination.

Real estate agents are not allowed to work alone. They may only offer their services on behalf of licensed real estate brokers. All listings are put in the names of the real estate brokers and they collect the commissions, which they will share with the real estate agents making the sales.

Real estate brokers must have been actively licensed as salespersons for at least three years. They must complete another 60 hours of pre-licensing coursework before obtaining their brokers licenses.

Real estate brokers can operate independently, dealing with customers directly. However, many real estate brokers oversee groups of real estate agents who do the actual customer interaction while they handle the management and administrative duties. The real estate brokers make their experience and education available to the agents.

Neither agents nor brokers should be confused with REALTORS®. A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and operates under that organization’s Code of Ethics. Most of them also act as real estate brokers or real estate agents, but some operate as appraisers, property managers, or other real estate professionals.

Since real estate agents work under the supervision of real estate brokers, the difference isn’t that important to customers. Instead, customers should look at the sales history of the agency as a whole. It’s easy for real estate agencies to make sales in a hot market. When the market cools down though, good agencies still can move lots of homes. This is where the experienced real estate brokers and agents separate from the average as they tap into their years of experience and education to move properties that other agencies can't.

Some customers shy away from premium real estate agencies because they often charge higher commissions. They think that selling a home is a straight-forward process that is the same no matter who performs it, when in reality hiring a real estate agent is entering in to a service contract that can yield very different overall experiences. Sellers who choose bargain real estate agents are surprised when their home doesn't sell and buyers often grow frustrated when they watch the homes they want slip away to other buyers. In the end, bargain commissions generally bring bargain service.

With more than 15 years experience with Georgia real estate, Realty 1st offers the qualifications you are looking for in real estate brokers and agents. We help our sellers get the price they need, and find our buyers the homes of their dreams. Contact Realty1st at 678-221-3333 and hire the best work for you.