Understanding Who Does What in Your Home Journey

If you’ve ever started the home-buying or selling process, you’ve probably heard the terms real estate agent and real estate broker used interchangeably. While they work closely together, they are not the same, and understanding the difference can help you feel more confident as you navigate your real estate journey.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

🏡 Who Is a Real Estate Agent?

Think of a real estate agent as your day-to-day partner in the process.

A real estate agent:

• Works directly with buyers and sellers

• Helps you search for homes or market your property

• Schedules showings and open houses

• Assists with offers, negotiations, and paperwork

• Guides you through each step from start to finish

Agents are licensed professionals who are trained to help you achieve your real estate goals — whether that’s finding your dream home, selling a property, or navigating a more complex situation like an inherited home.

🚢 Who Is a Real Estate Broker?

If agents are your partners, brokers are the captains of the ship.

A real estate broker:

• Holds a higher level of licensing and education

• Oversees real estate transactions

• Manages and supervises real estate agents

• Ensures legal and ethical compliance

• May also work directly with clients in some cases

In short, brokers provide leadership, oversight, and structure within a real estate office to ensure everything runs smoothly and according to the law.

🤔 Why Does This Matter to You?

Knowing the difference helps you understand:

• Who is directly representing you

• How transactions are supervised

• Why having the right professional team matters

Real estate — especially when financing, probate, or estate matters are involved — can feel overwhelming. Clear guidance from experienced professionals can make all the difference.

🤝 Let’s Make Real Estate Simple

Real estate terms can be confusing, but you don’t have to figure them out on your own. Whether you’re buying, selling, planning ahead, or simply curious about how the process works, I’m here to help answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

Wishing you a safe, prosperous and wonderful 2026 when it comes!

Disclaimer: We are not attorneys and therefore we are not offering legal advice. 

My team and I can assist you with clean outs, removal of household items, estate sale, winterizing, landscaping, home maintenance and any other non-legal tasks that will help to lighten the load as you go through the probate process. Give us a call at 516-300-2427 or send an email to smbizsol@gmail.com.