Whether you’re selling or buying a home, you will likely need to use some type of professional real estate service to ensure the transaction is successful. But which should you choose: a real estate broker or a real estate agent? Selecting the right professional is actually more important to the outcome of your endeavor than you may think, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

The residents of the Mountain Home, AR, area look to the expertise of the professionals at Gilbert Realty when it comes to navigating the process of buying or selling property. Below, the staff will explain the differences between a real estate broker and an agent to help you decide which one you need.

Real Estate Broker

Unlike a real estate agent, a broker is required to be licensed by their state to manage their own business and agents and to act as a liaison between the buyer and the seller. A broker can work independently, or they can hire real estate agents. If they don’t have agents working for them, they will create listings, show homes, and deal with paperwork themselves. In terms of education, it is more difficult to become a broker: The exam is more difficult than the real estate agent test, and thus, brokers are held to higher standards.

Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is essentially a salesperson with a license. They cannot work as an independent and therefore must work for a real estate broker. The requirements to become an agent vary depending on the state: Arkansas requires the applicant to be at least 18 years old and to have successfully completed 60 hours of real estate education. However, most states require all real estate agents to be licensed for quality control purposes.

If you need help buying or selling a property in the Mountain Home area, a real estate agent at Gilbert Realty will be there to share their expertise and guide you through the process. Visit their website to browse their real estate selection, including foreclosed homes, or call (870) 425-6282 to speak with an experienced agent.