Realtors Explained: What They Do, How to Choose One, and Why They Matter in 2025

Have you decided to enter into Real estate business? Then, as a beginner, you might not have known who realtors are, what they do. And how do they work? If you dont know, in this content I covered everything about a realtor.

Whether you are a buyer, seller, or agent, or want to enter into the real estate business, you must be aware of what a realtor is. And his roles and responsibilities.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Who Are Realtors and Why Should You Care?

Ever try to piece together the home-buying process by yourself? Yeah, it’s sort of the web equivalent of reading a foreign-language medical prescription — confusing, stressful, with a whole bunch of legalese you really don’t want to get wrong. That’s where the realtors come in.

Realtors are more than people who show you houses. They are trained professionals (that’s right, they’re licensed) who know what to look out for and are well-versed in the art of buying and selling. Consider them your GPS through the confusing all ways of real estate. The best part? You don’t always pay them out of pocket — many operate on commission, which means they have a vested interest in scoring you a great deal.

The overwhelming majority — 90% and higher — of home buyers in the U.S. purchased their homes with an agent, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That’s not just a stat — it’s a reality check. Most people want an agent who’s familiar with local market nuances, fills out a giant stack of paperwork for you, is essentially a project manager for whatever you need, negotiates like it’s nobody’s business on your behalf, and ultimately has your back through any closing issues.

Perhaps you are thinking, “Do I really need a realtor?” Fair question. If you are a first-time buyer, it’s akin to asking, “Can I repair my car engine from a YouTube video?” Technically, maybe. But do you really want to take that chance when there’s this much money at stake?

In this post, we’ll demystify what realtors do, explain how to find a good one, and how having one on your side can save you time, money, and a few headaches. Let’s take a deeper look inside the world of real estate professionals — and why they could be your new best friend as you navigate real estate transactions.

2. Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever been perplexed about whether a realtor and a real estate agent are the same thing? You’re not alone. A lot of people throw those words around like they come from the same mother, but guess what?

Let’s put it in terms of meeting a friend for coffee who has been to the circus, that is, buying a home.

🚪 So, What the Heck Is a Real Estate Agent?

Imagine a real estate agent as someone who has passed the state test and helps people purchase, sell or rent homes. That’s the minimum qualification. They are legit, but there’s a level beyond this game.

🧭 And a Realtor? It’s a Whole Different Badge

A realtor is a real estate agent and then some. To claim the Realtor (capital “R”) title, you gotta be a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That entails a strict Code of Ethics, additional training, and a whole lot of accountability.

So yeah — all realtors are real estate agents, but not all agents are realtors. Sort of like all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

📋 What’s the Big Deal?

Good question. Here’s why this matters:

There are established ethical rules for realtors. You know, like, written-in-stone, could-get-in-trouble-if-they-don’t rules. That’s not so with every agent.

They can utilize more tools thanks to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and real estate news from NAR.

They’re conditioned to fight for your bottom line, whether you’re buying your first apartment or selling an investment property.

🧠 Real Talk from Experience

When I was purchasing my first home, I had an agent who caught a shady line in the paperwork that I never would have caught. She explained it in layman’s terms, and — no joke — it saved me from what potentially could have been a money pit. That’s the sort of undocumented stuff you get when you work with someone who has more than a license.

So the next time you’re down a Google rabbit hole … “who’s more qualified: realtor or agent …” you’ll know. If, however, you value having a second level of accountability and a liaison with up-to-date education, choose a Realtor.

Simple as that.

Need help selecting one? Hold up — we’ll be getting to that in the next section.

3. What Does a Realtor Actually Do? (Daily Tasks & Hidden Work)

Real talk: If you think that the most a realtor does is unlock doors and put pictures online, you are completely missing a movie. Beyond the handshakes and the house-tour hustle is a hustling that most people never see.

When I purchased my first home, I assumed my realtor only attended showings. Nope. She was texting at 11 p.m. with the seller’s agent, doing numbers and just being a real estate ninja behind the curtain. So, what is there to the life of a realtor? Here’s the inside scoop.

💼 A Day in the Life (And It’s a Juggling Act)

From the outside, it may seem like they’re always “on the move” — because they are. Real estate agents don’t keep regular 9-5 hours; they work whenever you do. And that means:

Morning: Going through emails and listings on the MLS, scheduling showings (a lot of listing appointments are also in the morning), and returning texts from buyers freaking out (we’ve all been there) the night before.

Midday: Showing houses to clients, going to inspections, running after paperwork from mortgage lenders.

Evening: Reviewing offers, going back and forth on contracts, placating sellers nervous their home won’t be sold by the weekend.

And weekends? They’re filled with open houses, staging advice , and round-the-clock phone calls.

🔑 For Buyers: Your Guide in the Chaos

If you’re the buyer, your realtor is a scout, advisor, and (sometimes) part-time therapist. They…

Help you get pre-approved (and connect you with lenders)
Pull listings that actually match your vibe, not just “3 beds, 2 baths.”
Schedule and host home tours (even if it’s raining sideways)
Analyze market trends so you don’t overpay
Write offers that stand out without breaking your budget
Handle inspections, appraisals, and oh, the mountain of legal stuff

They also do a ton of work you never see, such as calling the listing agent to ascertain how serious the sellers are, or checking the public records to ensure the home’s not secretly about to fall apart.

🏠 For Sellers: It Is Not Just About the ‘For Sale’ Sign

Selling a house? A realtor makes your home a hot property. That means:

Biodiversity Could Help Build a Portfolio, Not Just Save the World Image If biodiversity is helping save the world, it is also helping you price it right through deep market analysis.

Helping you price it just right using deep market analysis
Recommending staging tricks (like “put away the 400 family photos”)
Taking professional photos that don’t look like a horror movie
Listing the home on the MLS and other platforms
Hosting open houses and private showings
Fielding offers, then negotiating for top dollar
Handling all the contracts and disclosures (so you don’t get sued later)

Out of the spotlight, they’re juggling with title companies, lawyers, and appraisers — so your sale doesn’t crumble at the last minute.

Realtors are not just “middlemen.” They’re fixers, connectors, market geeks, and, cautiously, when they have to be, part-time therapists. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or you’re selling your tenth, A Realtor who is good and worth your trust does far more than you might imagine.

So the next time you see one sipping on a coffee during a call in the car? They are, it’s a safe bet, saving someone else’s deal, bargaining the price down, or ensuring that the roof is up to code. It’s not just a job—is a juggling act with legal contracts and human emotions flying around.

4. How to Find a Good Realtor Near You

Finding the right realtor is a bit like dating — trust is important, as is chemistry, and someone who actually listens. Whether you’re buying your first house or selling, a great realtor is a valuable asset – but a bad one can ruin your experience. But hey, don’t worry — I’ve got your back.

We’re going to break it down, real-world style.

🔍 Step 1: Begin Local — but Skip the Ads

I’m going to guess you’ve gone into Google and written “find a realtor near me,” and you received a whole bunch. Here’s the reality: not all of those “Top 10” lists are real. Many are paid placements.

Instead, try this:

Refer to actual referrals: Ask friends, neighbors, or co-workers for a real referral. If someone says, ‘Our agent was a lifesaver,’ that’s gold.

Hop on Google Maps and browse reviews. Search for real estate agents with 4.8 stars and above and detailed reviews. “She helped us close in 21 days,” says more than “great service.”

Check Zillow and Realtor.com. These platforms display recent sales, local experience, and contact information — not just fluff.

🤔 Step 2: Interview Them (Yes, Really)

Don’t settle for the first smiling face on a billboard. Think of this in the same way you would go through the hiring process for a very important role, which it is.

Ask them:

“How many houses have you closed in my area lately?

“You mostly work with buyers or sellers?”

“Can I speak with a former client?”

And notice how they make you feel. Are they rushing you? Speaking in confusing terms? Or are they really listening?

When I sold my place in 2021, I interviewed three agents. The first two never shut up about themselves; they barely mentioned my house. The third strolled through the living room and exclaimed, “That light fixture? Gotta go. But your layout? Dreamy.” In five minutes, she had won my trust.”

🚩 Red Flags to Watch Out For

Vague answers: If they fudge easy answers about previous transactions or a pricing strategy, get out of there.

Pushy vibe: A good realtor steers you—they don’t shove you.

No online presence: They can’t be found anywhere online. That is a problem in 2024.

✅ Quick Checklist Before You Sign Up

Want to keep it simple? Here’s your cheat sheet:

☐ Do they have a license, and are they local?

☐ Do they have good recent reviews (not just old ones)?

☐ Are they familiar with your market and price range?

☐ Are they responsive and good communicators?

☐ Do they genuinely listen to you?

You could even make this a PDF or save it as a phone note to take along when interviewing realtors.

The best realtor near you is not necessarily the flashiest one. It’s about who’s authentic, local, and cares more about your keys than their cut.

Because when it comes to big life decisions like buying or selling a home, you want somebody to have your back.

Want to talk to someone already? Try this: “Hey, I need a no-nonsense local realtor who knows this area inside and out. Any recs?”

Trust me. The good ones are not hard to spot — if you know what to look for.

5. How Realtors Help Buyers (Especially First-Time Buyers)

Purchasing your first home can be like stepping into a maze with a blindfold on. Contracts, inspections, pre-approvals — it can make your head spin. That’s where a good people’s realtor for buyers comes in. Think of them as your personal GPS, shrink, and tough guy — all rolled into one.

I can still recall aiding my cousin Priya last year. She didn’t know about these things called “loans” and, honestly, seemed overwhelmed. Her dream? A modest 2BHK in a quiet locality, near where she worked. Sounds simple, right? It wasn’t. But with the right buyer’s agent, she got her keys in under two months, without losing sleep or money.

Here’s how agents actually help buyers like her — and, quite possibly, like you:

They listen. To your budget, yes — but also to your lifestyle. Do you want a backyard? Hate stairs? Need a home office? The filter of your agent rejects noise and allows only what fits to be shown.

They walk you through pre-approval. “Pre-approval” gives most first-time home buyers anxiety. A realtor breaks it down for you, paves the way to trusted lenders, and shows you how to look like a serious buyer.

They spot red flags. Mold in the basement? Sketchy neighbors? A roof that’s older than your childhood bike? They pick up things you might overlook on a casual walk through.

They negotiate for you. This isn’t a flea market; this is not haggling. We’re talking real money, repairs, timelines — stuff that impacts the future. An experienced buyer’s agent knows when to push and when to wait.

They field the chaos at the closing. There’s a lot of paperwork, inspections, appraisals.” Your realtor keeps it moving, and you don’t miss a step (or signature).

So… do you need a realtor to buy a house? If you love stress, shock, and financial disorder, then go solo. But if you prefer to have someone in your camp, translating real estate into real talk, then a realtor for first-time home buyers makes sense (and is often covered by the seller anyway).

Bottom line? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. That’s what a realtor’s for—so you can worry about what really counts: getting the right place, the one you call home.

6. How Realtors Help Sellers (Pricing, Marketing, and Closing)

So you’re considering selling your house because you have one to sell, but the reality is, selling your house isn’t just a matter of planting a sign in the yard and waiting for someone to come and write a fat check. This is where a realtor selling a home can really make all the difference.

Know what most sellers do not understand: a good real estate agent for sellers should not just help you list the house, they should help you SELL it smart.

💰 First, the pricing is right. It’s tempting to come in with a high and ambitious price.

Experienced a house languishing on the market for months? Yeah … it was probably overpriced anyway. Realtors don’t swipe a figure out of thin air for the value of your home—instead, they put together what’s known as a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). It’s a reality check for your price expectations, using actual numbers from comparable homes nearby.

I remember when I sold my first house, I felt that it was worth so much more than people were willing to pay. My agent was kind enough to burst that bubble — and you know what? We priced it reasonably, had offers in three days, and closed in a month.

📸 Then comes the glamour: Staging and listing

Realtors help you stage your home to make it pop. We’re talking the kind of rearranged furniture, better lighting, and, possibly, that cinnamon-candle sleight of hand that makes your house smell like fall in a Hallmark movie.

They also shoot killer photos, craft a winning listing description (no more “cozy” = small), and slap your listing everywhere — MLS, Zillow, Redfin, etc. And they create open houses that do not seem like uncomfortable fits.

🤝 And, of course, the last act: Negotiation and closing

This is the part where your realtor earns all those pennies. They negotiate with buyers, ensure seller disclosures are up to snuff, and coordinate with inspectors, appraisers, and title companies so you don’t lose your mind in the deal. They prevent the deals from falling apart at the emotional times (and oh boy, will there be some).

Sure, you could go solo — but selling a home without a realtor is akin to repairing a leaky roof with a roll of duct tape. Possible? Maybe. Smart? Not so much.

Then, do you need a realtor to sell your home? If you prefer less anxiety, profits you can bank on, and no shots in the dark — yes.

7. Realtor Commission and Costs Explained

So, let’s talk about money — what do realtors actually charge, and who pays?

If you’ve ever sat down at the closing table and wondered what happened to all your money, you’re in good company. I’ve done this from the other side — staring at the paperwork thinking, “Wait, I’m paying 6% for someone to take my house from me? Well, yes and no. Let’s clear the fog.

💸 So … What’s This 6% Thing?

Yeah, that “typical 6%” that you hear about? It’s a little bit like the sticker price for jeans — some people pay full price, some people walk out with a discount. On average:

Total Commission: 5 percent to 6 percent of the home’s sale price.

Split By: The seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent (typically 50/50).

So if your house sells for ₹50 lakhs (or $500K), and the commission is 6%, that’s ₹3 lakhs total split into ₹1.5 lakhs each. But here’s the twist…

You are the one who actually pays the full amount of the commission, not the buyer. Yes, even the buyer’s agent is going to be compensated from your side of the table.

🧾 What is That Fee Covering?

You’re not just paying for a couple of open houses and a sign in your yard. A decent realtor actually does work, such as:

Putting your house on the MLS
Conducting competitive market research
Helping with pricing strategy
Pro shots, videos, and staging tips
Dealing with non-stop phone calls, paperwork, and legalese
Dealing like a pro when things get gross (because they will)

Believe me, when my realtor saved me 7 lakhs by pushing back on a lowball offer, I didn’t think twice about that commission.

🤝 Is It Possible to Negotiate Realtor Fees?

Short answer? Yes. Long answer? It depends.
There is some flexibility with some agents, particularly if:
You are buying with them and selling with them
The home price is high
You live in a seller’s market; the house will sell itself

But be cool about it. Don’t start with “Can you come down on your fee?” —try something like:

“Because I’m both listing and buying through you, can you negotiate the commission?”

It’s respectful and still gets your point across.

Always ask upfront:

“What is your commission structure? What are the terms?”

No awkward surprises. No sneaky fees. Just clear, grown-up talk.

Because, here’s the thing: Ultimately, a realtor who helps a client land a good deal earns his or her commission—and then some.

8. Should You Sell or Buy a Home Without a Realtor?

So, you’re considering bypassing the realtor. Bold move. But hey, maybe you’ve spotted those “For Sale by Owner” signs and are thinking, “How hard can it be?” Spoiler: It’s not impossible, but it ain’t exactly a cakewalk, either.

Let’s unpack this in straight, no-bullshit English.

🏠 Selling Your Home Without a Realtor (aka FSBO)

True, going FSBO can save you the 5–6% commission. That’s thousands of dollars. Sounds sweet, right? But here’s what really happens:

You price it wrong — either way too high (crickets) or too low (you undercut yourself).

You are the marketer — listings, photos, signs, open houses, even in a good market, it’s a full-time job.

You take all the calls — and yes, that entails random nosy neighbors and tire-kickers.

You handle the paperwork — disclosures, contracts, legal hoops. You miss a form and, bam, lawsuit city.”

God, oh God, oh God, but to get back to this, I once had a friend, Ravi, who sold his own place to “save money.” A potential buyer came in below asking, and he panicked. In the end, he settled for much less than market value, just to get it done with.

🏡 Buying a Home Without a Realtor

Whenever you buy without a realtor, you are essentially flying solo within a maze. You’ll:

Go online and house hunt yourself (let’s see you crack the MLS without a license).

Schedule a book showing appointment directly through the listing agents, who do not work for you.

Haggle over price, inspections, repairs … it’s court without a lawyer.

Ignoring red flags — mold in the attic? Foundation issues? A seasoned realtor sees things 12 eyes can’t.

When I bought my first home, I foolishly believed that I could go it alone. Big mistake. I overlooked a flood zone warning folded into the paperwork. My realtor noticed in just enough time.

🤔 So… Do they use the Realtor or No Realtor?

Ask yourself:

Do you know real estate law?

Can you price or preview a home?

You O.K. with shaking up high-stakes negotiations?

If yes, go for it. If not, don’t bet the biggest investment of your life.

Quick Snapshot:

Task	With Realtor	Without Realtor
Pricing Advice	✅ Expert Help	❌ Guesswork
Listing/Marketing	✅ Covered	❌ DIY Everything
Negotiations	✅ Skilled Pro	❌ You vs. Pros
Legal Paperwork	✅ Guided	❌ Risky on Your Own

Yes, you can do it alone. But it’s like skydiving without an instructor—you might land safely… or end up in a tree. Choose wisely.

9. How Technology Is Changing the Realtor’s Role in 2024

I mean, let’s be honest — tech has turned the real estate game on its head. No longer are the days when you’d depend on a thick binder and a “For Sale” sign to buy a house. Now? You can sip your morning chai as you scroll through hundreds of homes. But here’s the million-dollar question: Do realtors even matter in 2025? Oh yeah. Big time.

🧠 The Tech Is Smart — but Not Human

Yes, apps like Zillow and Redfin let you look at homes. You get filters, price trends, and even virtual tours. It feels like magic. But you know what they cannot do? Smell that strange mustiness in the basement, or read that something seems out of place about a business opportunity. A virtual tour isn’t going to pick up a noisy neighbor or tell you how the house feels when you walk into it.

I recall helping my cousin last summer. She had discovered her “dream home” on the internet. Gorgeous pics, great price. But when we visited, it was right on a railway track. The photos didn’t show that. The realtor did. Perhaps that heads-up saved her an embarrassing mistake.

🤖 How Realtors Are Leveraging Tech With Heart

The top real estate agents in 2024 aren’t afraid of AI — they’re joining forces with it.

They keep an eye on follow-ups using CRM (Customer Relationship Tools) systems, and ensure that your dream house does not escape through the cracks.

They rely on AI (such as ChatGPT for realtors) to help write killer listings that are sure to get eyeballs.

They are running 3D digital tours of properties and booking showings with a few taps.

They dissect market trends with tools that would make your math teacher proud.

But the magic? It’s in how they continue to read people, as much as data.

🚪 So, Will Realtors Soon Be Out of a Job?

Not a chance. Tech makes the job a little easier, but not redundant. So think of it this way — Google Maps gets you pretty close, but you still need a friend to remind you to “turn left at the big mango tree.” That’s your realtor.

Call them the human GPS in a digital world. And in 2024, that combo? Unbeatable.

10. Conclusion: Do You Really Need a Realtor? (Yes, and Here’s Why)

So, do you really need an agent? Short answer—yeah, probably. Unless you have endless time to spend trawling through online ads, solving contract puzzles, conducting negotiations and dodging legal booby traps, a great realtor is a game changer.

Consider it this way: are you going to repair your brakes after maybe watching a couple of YouTube videos? Maybe. But it’s risky. Same with real estate. A real estate agent doesn’t just open doors — they open the door to life’s dreams. They understand the market, the paperwork, the pressure points — and they’ve witnessed enough messy deals to steer you off of red flags you didn’t even know were waving.

Certainly, if you’re selling your own home, and you’ve done it before, or you’re buying one from your best friend, there’s a chance you might be able to omit the process. But for the vast majority of people — in particular people who are first-timers or who are juggling full-time jobs with friends, family, and projects — a realtor makes the whole thing run more smoothly, more quickly, and a whole lot less painfully.

I recall buying my first home—my realtor spotted a crack in the foundation that I walked right past. That one detail? Saved me thousands.

Bottom line: Is it worth it to use a realtor? Yep. They more than pay for themselves tenfold.

Got questions? Not sure you really need one for your next move? Leave your thoughts in the comments or ask the local pro — they are usually more useful than you might think.

🧩 FAQs: Real Questions People Ask About Realtors (No Jargon, Just Real Talk)

Fact: We’ve all been on Google asking, “Wait… exactly how much money do realtors make?” or ‘Can they, in fact, work both sides?’ You’re not alone. These are the kind of questions one asks past midnight when they’re half-considering buying a house and half-considering pizza. If you were kneeling beside one of my sisters or brother, and you had compassion, you’d realize: You are not the opposite of my mother, and that woman is not the opposite of my sister, nor is that man the opposite of me — we are not opposites! Period. So let’s break ‘em down — plain and simple.

🤔 What is the average realtor salary?

There’s no finalized shot, but the God’s honest truth: Most realtors do not receive a clocked-in, set salary. They are paid commission, typically 5 percent to 6 percent of a home’s sale price, to be split evenly between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent. Per NAR (that’s the National Association of Realtors), median income in 2023 was approximately $56,400. Some of them do kill it and earn a six-figure income. Others? Still grinding. It’s as if you were on commission-only sales — no sale, no paycheck.

🧍‍♂️🧍‍♀️ Can a real estate agent represent both seller and buyer?

They can, but should they? That’s known as dual agency, and it is legal in some states (and not in others). “Can you imagine one person trying to coach both teams at a soccer game? See the issue? It’s a catch-22 problem, as the real estate agent has to be neutral—the real estate agent can have no favorites. If you’re considering going in that direction, ask a lot of questions and read the fine print.”

⚖️ What is dual agency?

Short version: A single agent acts on behalf of both the buyer and the seller in the same deal. It sounds efficient, right? But it gets complicated fast. The agent can’t really help broker too hard for either party. It’s like a referee trying to hawk popcorn and act as a goalie at the same time. Some states allow it, while others prohibit it entirely. Make sure you ask before you sign anything.

⏳ How long does it take to be a realtor?

If you’re motivated? A few months. Here’s the quick path:

First, you have to take a prelicensing course (anywhere from 40 to 180 hours, depending on your state)
Pass the state exam (you’ll need to study hard)
Apply for your license
Join a brokerage (You need to be with a brokerage to work legally)

Start to finish, 2–6 months if you hustle. Just don’t count on selling million-dollar homes on day one. Everyone starts somewhere. Usually something modest, like a condo or Aunt Patty’s fixer-upper.

Need more answers? Leave your questions in the comments — we’ve all Googled weird stuff at 2 a.m. No judgment here.