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Real estate investor vs realtor

The differences between real estate investors and realtors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a real estate investor has an average salary of $81,345, which is higher than the $38,290 average annual salary of a realtor.

The top three skills for a real estate investor include residential real estate, real estate license and general contractors. The most important skills for a realtor are residential real estate, open houses, and purchase agreements.

Real estate investor vs realtor overview

Real Estate InvestorRealtor
Yearly salary$81,345$38,290
Hourly rate$39.11$18.41
Growth rate3%5%
Number of jobs18,7617,482
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4849
Years of experience6-

What does a real estate investor do?

Also called real estate entrepreneurs, real estate investors are professionals who invest in real estate. Real estate investors purchase a property, make some improvements or repairs. They then sell the property for profit. It is their responsibility to assess the real estate market and properties already bought to build wealth. They need to develop skills in communication, marketing, investment, and customer service. Also, they should have a significant level of knowledge about the real estate business.

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 investor vs realtor salary

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

Real Estate InvestorRealtor
Average salary$81,345$38,290
Salary rangeBetween $53,000 And $124,000Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City-San Antonio, TX
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Alliance Real Estate
Best paying industry-Real Estate

Differences between real estate investor and realtor education

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

Real Estate InvestorRealtor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern California-

Real estate investor vs realtor demographics

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

Real Estate InvestorRealtor
Average age4849
Gender ratioMale, 68.4% Female, 31.6%Male, 40.2% Female, 59.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 5.3% 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 investor and realtor duties and responsibilities

Real estate investor example responsibilities.

  • Establish and manage an LLC for real estate investment properties in the state of Florida.
  • Manage reporting requirements to senior management on status of real estate portfolio.
  • Provide administrative management of a portfolio of assign commercial real estate loans in accordance with credit policy requirements for risk management.
  • Generate valuations of IRR, NPV, and other financial ratios for investors emphasizing return on investment.
  • Review loan documents and assist in the workout process to determine an optimal workout strategy in order to maximize loan NPV.
  • Identify internal and external customer needs and addressed concerns and conflicts regarding SBA, bank policy and procedures.

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 investor vs realtor skills

Common real estate investor skills
  • Residential Real Estate, 12%
  • Real Estate License, 11%
  • General Contractors, 10%
  • Financial Analysis, 8%
  • Property Management, 5%
  • Real Estate Investments, 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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