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Realtor vs real estate sales associate

The differences between realtors and real estate sales associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a real estate sales associate has an average salary of $92,941, which is higher than the $38,290 average annual salary of a realtor.

The top three skills for a realtor include residential real estate, open houses and purchase agreements. The most important skills for a real estate sales associate are lead generation, real estate market, and commercial property.

Realtor vs real estate sales associate overview

RealtorReal Estate Sales Associate
Yearly salary$38,290$92,941
Hourly rate$18.41$44.68
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs7,482148,646
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age4949
Years of experience--

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.

What does a real estate sales associate do?

A Real Estate Associate helps clients rent, buy, and sell properties. They also advertise clients properties to other realtors and potential buyers, as well as negotiate contracts with buyers and agents by acting on their behalf.

Realtor vs real estate sales associate salary

Realtors and real estate sales associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

RealtorReal Estate Sales Associate
Average salary$38,290$92,941
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $53,000Between $62,000 And $139,000
Highest paying CitySan Antonio, TXNew York, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutMassachusetts
Best paying companyBerkshire Hathaway Homeservices Alliance Real EstateGreenberg Traurig
Best paying industryReal EstateProfessional

Differences between realtor and real estate sales associate education

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

RealtorReal Estate Sales Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Realtor vs real estate sales associate demographics

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

RealtorReal Estate Sales Associate
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 40.2% Female, 59.8%Male, 47.1% Female, 52.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 6.8% White, 70.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage13%13%

Differences between realtor and real estate sales associate duties and responsibilities

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 sales associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage REO listings, complete BPOs, property checks, negotiate offers and manage closings.
  • Manage all accounting, cash management, budgeting and financing for individual LLC's and for corporate entity.
  • Prepare legal documents such as HUD-1 settlement statement, sales contracts, leasing agreements, etc.
  • Perform foreclosure inspections and price opinions on REO properties.
  • Prepare real estate closing documents to include HUD settlement statement and RESPA documents.
  • Provide notary services as needed for legal documentation (notary license still current).
  • Show more

Realtor vs real estate sales associate skills

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%
Common real estate sales associate skills
  • Lead Generation, 24%
  • Real Estate Market, 12%
  • Commercial Property, 11%
  • Open Houses, 10%
  • Residential Real Estate, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%