real estate agent

Meaning

1. 1nouncountableAmerican

   A person whose job is to help people buy, sell or rent houses, apartments, and other property.

   Grammar: Can be written realtor in the US, but Realtor is a registered term for members of a trade body.

   Patterns

   • a real estate agent for something
   • work as a real estate agent

   Our real estate agent showed us six houses on Saturday.

   She works as a real estate agent in Denver.

   A good real estate agent knows the local market well.

Word forms

Common combinations

hire a real estate agent

We hired a real estate agent to sell the house.

a licensed real estate agent

Only a licensed real estate agent may list homes.

contact a real estate agent

Contact a real estate agent before making an offer.

a local real estate agent

A local real estate agent knew the best streets.

real estate agent's commission

The real estate agent's commission is paid by the seller.

Synonyms and how they differ

realtor

Realtor is American and strictly names a member of a particular association, though many use it for any agent.

estate agent

Estate agent is the British equivalent and is the normal term in the UK.

broker

A broker usually has a higher license level and may run an agency, so it is not identical.

property agent

Property agent is common in international English, especially Asia, as a neutral alternative.

Word family

real estate noun

land and buildings

agent noun

a person who acts for others

agency noun

a business that provides a service

realty noun

property, as used in business names

Commonly confused: real estate agent or landlord?

Practice

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