First we need to figure out: How do you become a real Estate agent? What is the job of a real estate agent? Are all real estate agents the same? Are all agents REALTORS®? What do you need from a real estate agent?  What is a real estate agent? I have heard several answers from clients, customers, friends, callers and other agents. Some say that agents are salespersons (after all we are in sales). I beg to differ on that answer. A real estate Agent is someone that: Has taken a real estate licensing course Passed both the National and State level exams Is legally permitted to fill in and modify real estate contracts in the purchase or selling of real estate. Represents someone in a real estate transaction. However, there are a quite a few stipulations as to how the job is performed and there are a few variations and requirements that vary by state. Are all agents the same? No, some agents only list homes, some only represent buyers, and others manage property rentals. There are also agents that provide a combination of the above stated roles. Are all agents REALTORS®? No, some are not. Those that do have to abide by the “Code of Ethics” of the organization and have to be professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). They also offer additional specialty designations that provide a certain assurance to clients and customers that those REALTORS® have a higher degree of knowledge and more experience in that area of real estate such as: Accredited Buyers’ Representative (ABR) or Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Please visit NARs Designation and Certification page: https://www.nar.realtor/designations-and-certifications  You may want to take a look at what kind of real estate transaction you are about to engage in and select a REALTOR® that has that particular designation. Lastly, salesperson or agent? Well a salesperson can be an agent; however, being a salesperson is only part of an agent’s job In a car dealership or a department store the salesperson is responsible to the company, but should be honest to the customer “you”. When you have an agent they have a legal fiduciary responsibility to you (here is an easy to understand explanation thebalance.com Fiduciary Duties of a Real Estate Agent and know your rights). That responsibility goes far beyond being a salesperson. Many rich and famous celebrities use agents for all sorts of things, finding a house, car, negotiating a contract, travel and the list goes on (there is a reason why they use them). Understand that the agent relationship is special and when possible always select an agent that represents you, and not the salesperson representing the other person or company. Know who is who and what their roles are, not just in real estate but in their other specialties as well.