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Real estate attorney vs realtor

The differences between real estate attorneys and realtors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a real estate attorney has an average salary of $98,016, which is higher than the $38,290 average annual salary of a realtor.

The top three skills for a real estate attorney include law firm, litigation and legal advice. The most important skills for a realtor are residential real estate, open houses, and purchase agreements.

Real estate attorney vs realtor overview

Real Estate AttorneyRealtor
Yearly salary$98,016$38,290
Hourly rate$47.12$18.41
Growth rate7%5%
Number of jobs22,4447,482
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4949
Years of experience--

What does a real estate attorney do?

Real estate account executives manage the logistics of commercial or residential real estate accounts. Responsibilities include understanding prospective deals, as well as presenting them to the investment committee, and negotiating and closing transactions. They typically have a solid background in math and computer skills and a good sense of integrity.

What does a realtor do?

A realtor is responsible for processing real estate transactions and assisting clients with their concerns and inquiries about a specific property. A realtor should always work for their clients' best interests, ensuring that proposals work within the client's specified budget and property goals. A realtor will also consider the security of a property location before a recommendation to ensure the client's safety and comfort. Realtors must finalize records of cost estimates and purchase agreements, which are essential in choosing the best property.

Real estate attorney vs realtor salary

Real estate attorneys and realtors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Real Estate AttorneyRealtor
Average salary$98,016$38,290
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $143,000Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Antonio, TX
Highest paying stateWashingtonConnecticut
Best paying companySullivan & WorcesterBerkshire Hathaway Homeservices Alliance Real Estate
Best paying industryEnergyReal Estate

Differences between real estate attorney and realtor education

There are a few differences between a real estate attorney and a realtor in terms of educational background:

Real Estate AttorneyRealtor
Most common degreeDoctoral Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorLawBusiness
Most common collegeStanford University-

Real estate attorney vs realtor demographics

Here are the differences between real estate attorneys' and realtors' demographics:

Real Estate AttorneyRealtor
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 51.1% Female, 48.9%Male, 40.2% Female, 59.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 2.9% White, 81.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 5.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 6.9% White, 69.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage8%13%

Differences between real estate attorney and realtor duties and responsibilities

Real estate attorney example responsibilities.

  • Manage sales staff inside of the branch to proper real estate loanorigination, servicing, cross-selling and follow-ups.
  • Manage outside counsel for representation and litigation on various matters including leasehold disputes.
  • Prepare probate documents including filing necessary appointments, notice and assents, and powers of sale.
  • Prepare construction loan status reports, develop new business opportunities, and engage in cross-selling of products.
  • Present at seminars to local professionals on foreclosure and short sale topics
  • Negotiate alternatives to foreclosure with bank lenders on behalf of low-income persons facing foreclosure.
  • Show more

Realtor example responsibilities.

  • Process funds and manage accounts through QuickBooks.
  • Manage scheduling and develop computer reports and MLS listings, create PowerPoint presentations, marketing materials and handle advertising.
  • Place and remove signs & lockboxes.
  • Make entries into QuickBooks; reconcile monthly bank statements.
  • Install yard signs, directional signs and lockboxes on each listing.
  • Coordinate social media advertisements by posting updates to Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest accounts.
  • Show more

Real estate attorney vs realtor skills

Common real estate attorney skills
  • Law Firm, 15%
  • Litigation, 11%
  • Legal Advice, 6%
  • Due Diligence, 6%
  • Legal Research, 5%
  • Sale Agreements, 5%
Common realtor skills
  • Residential Real Estate, 22%
  • Open Houses, 9%
  • Purchase Agreements, 6%
  • Comparative Market Analysis, 5%
  • Real Estate Sales, 4%
  • Real Estate Contracts, 4%

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