A real estate agent, realtor or brokerage is someone who brokers or sells real estate or a particular type of real estate. While a real estate agent may work alone, most often an agent will work under a licensed brokerage to represent prospective clients. The agent will often make cold calls to homes that are for sale or may do follow up visits. Once the home has been listed in the MLS, the agent will then begin to show the home.
In order to become a real estate agent, one must obtain a real estate license from their local government. Most states require agents to take a one or two year associate degree course in marketing. This course includes subjects such as business law, public relations, psychology, sales and marketing, along with at least 90 hours of coursework in the areas of finance and accountancy.
After passing the state exam, agents must complete an associate degree course in finance in order to become licensed in these states. Then agents must take a minimum of two years of classes and an exam in order to become a certified real estate agent. Some states allow agents who have passed the exam to continue their education by taking additional courses at any time.
Although a realtor or real estate agent battle has been played out many times in popular culture, it doesn’t necessarily have to be so. Agents can learn about selling and buying foreclosure houses on the internet, through self-help books and by attending seminars and training. Today, many people choose to become a broker or realtor in order to either buy or sell a house, but if they want to work directly with buyers and sellers, they need to get the proper education and training.