Real Estate Advisor vs. Agent: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
A career in real estate can be very rewarding, both financially and personally. If you’re interested in helping people buy and sell property, you may be wondering whether you should become a real estate advisor or agent. Both of these positions have their own set of responsibilities and requirements. In this article, we compare the job titles real estate advisor and agent, and we discuss the key differences between them.
What is a Real Estate Advisor?
A real estate advisor is a professional who helps people buy, sell, or lease properties. They work with clients to figure out what kind of property they need and then help them find the perfect property. Once a property is found, the advisor helps the client negotiate the price and terms of the sale or lease. They also help the client with any paperwork that needs to be filled out. Real estate advisors typically work for real estate companies, but some may also work independently.
What is an Agent?
A real estate agent is a professional who helps people buy, sell, or rent property. They work with their clients to determine their needs and wants, and then help them find the right property. Once a client has found a property they like, the agent will help them negotiate a fair price and complete all the necessary paperwork. They will also continue to provide support and advice during the closing process and after the sale is complete.
Real Estate Advisor vs. Agent
Here are the main differences between a real estate advisor and an agent.
Job Duties
A real estate advisor performs many of the same tasks as a real estate agent, but their job duties are more limited. A real estate advisor only has to perform certain actions for clients based on the type of service they provide. For example, if a client asks them to list their property, an advisor may help them with creating a listing and advising them on how to improve it before submitting it to market.
A real estate agent also performs many of the same tasks, but agents have more responsibilities because they’re licensed professionals. Agents must show properties to interested buyers or sellers, negotiate on behalf of their clients and adhere to local regulations regarding real estate transactions. They can also refer clients to other services, such as mortgage lenders or title companies, if their clients need additional assistance completing a transaction.
Job Requirements
To become a real estate advisor or agent, you need to have a high school diploma. You will also need to complete some coursework and pass a state-specific exam. Once you have your license, you can start working in the field. Some states require that you take continuing education courses to renew your license.
Work Environment
Real estate advisors work in an office setting, where they meet with clients and discuss real estate options. They may also travel to visit properties or attend meetings with other professionals. Real estate agents typically work in a field environment, meeting with clients at their homes or workplaces to discuss needs and goals. Agents often spend time outdoors showing properties to clients and traveling between locations.
Skills
Real estate advisors and agents both need to have excellent communication skills. They will use these skills when they are negotiating with clients, writing reports and presenting information. Real estate advisors also need to be able to build relationships with their clients as they typically work with them over a longer period of time.
Real estate agents need to have strong marketing skills as they are responsible for promoting their properties. They also need to be knowledgeable about the real estate market and trends so that they can advise their clients accordingly. Real estate advisors need to have analytical skills so that they can evaluate a property and its potential value. They also need to be able to provide advice on financial matters to their clients.
Salary
Real estate advisors earn an average salary of $88,386 per year, while real estate agents earn an average salary of $57,493 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the location of the job, the size of the company and the level of experience the professional has.