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Real estate developer vs realtor

The differences between real estate developers and realtors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a real estate developer has an average salary of $93,510, which is higher than the $38,290 average annual salary of a realtor.

The top three skills for a real estate developer include financial statements, property management and due diligence. The most important skills for a realtor are residential real estate, open houses, and purchase agreements.

Real estate developer vs realtor overview

Real Estate DeveloperRealtor
Yearly salary$93,510$38,290
Hourly rate$44.96$18.41
Growth rate3%5%
Number of jobs87,8657,482
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4849
Years of experience6-

What does a real estate developer do?

A real estate developer obtains and develops land, turning it into a real estate asset. Part of their job is to conduct extensive research and analyses, coordinate with experts, gather and analyze data, negotiate with land sellers, and prepare properties for development. They also oversee construction operations from planning to execution, set budgets and guidelines, establish timelines and objectives, generate leads for potential clients, and maintain an active communication line with contractors for a smooth and efficient workflow.

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 developer vs realtor salary

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

Real Estate DeveloperRealtor
Average salary$93,510$38,290
Salary rangeBetween $66,000 And $131,000Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityCatonsville, MDSan Antonio, TX
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companyRSM USBerkshire Hathaway Homeservices Alliance Real Estate
Best paying industryMediaReal Estate

Differences between real estate developer and realtor education

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

Real Estate DeveloperRealtor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern California-

Real estate developer vs realtor demographics

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

Real Estate DeveloperRealtor
Average age4849
Gender ratioMale, 66.9% Female, 33.1%Male, 40.2% Female, 59.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 5.4% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%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 Percentage12%13%

Differences between real estate developer and realtor duties and responsibilities

Real estate developer example responsibilities.

  • Manage segment's treasury function including equity forecasting and investment requests as well as lender relations in a difficult banking environment.
  • Convert FTTH's accounting to QuickBooks
  • Install windows, doors and put on metal roof.
  • Remodel entire building, add bathroom, and double glaze windows for views of mountains.
  • Assist in the preparation of GAAP, statutory, management, and other financial reporting on monthly and quarterly basis.
  • Conduct semi-annual asset valuations and pro-forma analyses using ARGUS and self-developed models.
  • 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 developer vs realtor skills

Common real estate developer skills
  • Financial Statements, 14%
  • Property Management, 10%
  • Due Diligence, 8%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Payroll, 4%
  • Real Estate Development, 4%
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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