Real Estate Agent vs Realtor: What’s the Real Difference?

If you’ve been researching how to sell your home, chances are you’ve come across the term ‘realtor’ and wondered what it actually means. It’s a word that pops up in a lot of online property content, especially from the US, but here in Australia, we don’t use it. Instead, we rely on the term ‘real estate agent’, a licensed professional who’s qualified to sell, lease or manage property. So, what’s the difference, and why is it so confusing?

We’ll clear things up quickly, and more importantly, show you how to skip through the endless research and connect with the right expert using Agent Choice, Australia’s free service that matches you with top local real estate agents, fast.

What Is a Realtor?

Firstly, to clear things up, a realtor is a real estate professional in the United States. It’s a trademarked title that doesn’t apply outside the US. While the term pops up frequently in online content that we consume, especially from overseas, it has no legal or professional meaning here in Australia. That’s why it can cause confusion when Australians are doing their own property research and trying to understand who they should actually work with. Here in Australia, we use a different title entirely.

What Is a Real Estate Agent in Australia?

In Australia, a real estate agent is a licensed professional who is legally qualified to sell, lease, or manage property on behalf of clients. Unlike the term ‘realtor’, which doesn’t apply here, real estate agent is the recognised title backed by industry standards and formal regulation.

Each state and territory has its own licensing authority, and agents must complete formal training and comply with strict conduct requirements. Nationally, the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) supports the professionalism and education of agents across the country.

Choosing a real estate agent means working with someone who understands your local market and is qualified to guide your property decisions with confidence.

Why the Confusion Matters 

If you’re googling ‘realtor vs real estate agent’, you’re likely not just browsing out of curiosity. You’re deep into researching how to sell or manage property and you’re being hit with a flood of information. With access to global content from every corner of the internet, especially from the US, you’re bound to get confused with unfamiliar terms like ‘realtor’ that simply don’t apply here in Australia.

But don’t worry, this confusion can actually be a good sign. You’re already on the path to finding a real estate agent, you just need help navigating it. That’s exactly where Agent Choice comes in. 

Instead of spending hours on research, second-guessing which agent is right, or trying to figure out what information is relevant, Agent Choice does the hard work for you. We analyse local data, filter the best-performing agents in your area, and deliver a personalised shortlist straight to you. So if you’ve found yourself Googling unfamiliar terms, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not off-track. You’re in the right place to stop the confusion and start taking action.

How Agent Choice Helps You Choose Smarter 

That’s exactly why Agent Choice makes it easier for everyday Australians to find the right real estate agent without spending hours buried in research or second-guessing who to trust.

Here’s how it works: We analyse real, up-to-date property data to identify the top-performing agents in your area. We look at recent sales, suburb trends, and property types so you’re not relying on who paid the most for an ad or just happens to rank on Google. Then, we deliver a personalised shortlist of high-performing agents straight to your inbox. It’s completely free, unbiased, and tailored to your property and location.

But that’s not all, we also reward you for choosing smart. When you connect with a real estate agent through our platform and go on to sell your home, you’ll receive a cashback of up to $5,000 after settlement. It’s our way of saying thanks for trusting us to guide your property journey.

Whether you’re selling your home or managing an investment, Agent Choice gives you clarity, confidence, and a little something back in your pocket. Try Agent Choice today, get your agent shortlist and your cashback of up to $5,000 in under 60 seconds.

Ready to Move Forward?

While ‘realtor’ might be a term you’ve come across during your property research, it simply doesn’t apply here in Australia. What matters is choosing a trusted, local real estate agent who understands your market and can get you the best result.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, Agent Choice is here to make the process simple. We match you with top-performing agents in your area and even reward you with a cashback of up to $5,000 when your home sells.

Stop second-guessing and start smart. Use Agent Choice today to find the right agent and get rewarded for it.