What Does a Realtor Do?

What Does A REALTOR® Do?

Realtors®

What does a Realtor do? While many people think a Realtor’s role begins and ends with showing homes or putting up a sign, the reality is far more involved. Realtors® are trained professionals who guide clients through complex legal, financial, and emotional decisions while protecting their best interests every step of the way.

In markets like Auburn, Opelika and East Alabama, where local knowledge, timing, and regulations matter, having proper representation can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of a transaction.

REALTOR® vs. Real Estate Agent

A Realtor is a licensed real estate professional who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. While all Realtors are real estate agents, not all real estate agents are Realtors.

This distinction matters because Realtors agree to follow a strict Code of Ethics that emphasizes honesty, fairness, transparency, and fiduciary responsibility to their clients. These standards go beyond basic state licensing requirements and are designed to protect consumers throughout the transaction process.

In addition to holding an active real estate license, Realtors commit to ongoing education and professional development, ensuring they stay informed about changing laws, market conditions, and best practices within the industry.

What Does A Realtor Do For Buyers?

When working with buyers, a Realtor serves as an advocate, educator, and guide throughout the entire process.

This includes:

Helping buyers understand the local market and pricing trends
Identifying properties that match both goals and budget
Explaining contracts, contingencies, and timelines
Coordinating inspections, appraisals, and negotiations
Protecting the buyer’s interests through closing

Because buying a home involves more than choosing a property, Realtors help clients navigate decisions that impact financing, resale value, and long-term ownership.

→ To view our Buyers Guide: Click Here

What Does a Realtor Do for Sellers?

For sellers, a Realtor’s role begins long before a home goes on the market and continues after a contract is signed.

A Realtor helps sellers:

Determine an appropriate pricing strategy
Prepare a home for market presentation
Market the property across multiple platforms
Manage showings, offers, and negotiations
Guide the transaction through inspections, appraisals and closing

In competitive or shifting markets, strategic guidance and local insight can significantly influence timing and results.

→ To View Our Seller's Guide: Click Here

Why Local Representation Matters in Auburn & Opelika

Understanding what does a Realtor do becomes especially important in local markets like Auburn and Opelika, where neighborhood dynamics, zoning considerations, and seasonal trends play a role in real estate decisions.

Local Realtors understand:

University-driven market patterns
Game day impacts on access and scheduling
HOA and COA regulations
Zoning and land-use considerations
Neighborhood-specific pricing nuances

This local expertise allows clients to make informed decisions rather than relying on generalized online data.

Common Misconceptions About Realtors®

I Can Just Call the Number on the Sign

You can, but it’s important to understand representation. The listing agent’s primary responsibility is to represent the seller’s interests. Having your own Realtor provides dedicated guidance, negotiation support, and advocacy focused on your goals throughout the process.

Online Platforms Show Me Everything I Need

Online platforms are a helpful starting point, but they don’t always show the full picture. A Realtor helps interpret pricing, condition, location factors, and contract terms, and can identify issues or opportunities that aren’t obvious in online listings.

Realtors Only Open Doors

Showing homes is only one small part of the job. Realtors also help with pricing strategy, market analysis, contract guidance, negotiations, inspection coordination, timeline management, and problem-solving from start to finish.

The Realtor Gets the ENTIRE Commission Check

In most transactions, commission is shared among multiple parties, often including the listing brokerage, the buyer’s brokerage, and the agents involved. Individual Realtors typically receive only a portion of the total amount after brokerage splits and business expenses. If the agent is on a team, it gets split again before they get paid.

All Real Estate Agents Are Realtors®

Not always. A Realtor is a licensed real estate professional who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and agrees to follow a Code of Ethics. While all Realtors are real estate agents, not all real estate agents are Realtors.

Still have questions? We’re happy to explain the process in plain language and help you feel confident in your next step.

Choosing A Realtor®

Not all Realtors approach their role the same way. Choosing the right professional means finding someone who prioritizes education, transparency, and communication — not pressure.

The right Realtor should:

Explain the process clearly
Answer questions honestly
Advocate for your goals
Understand the local market deeply

Alabama REALTORS® gathered at the State Capitol for Realtor Day advocating for property owners

Alabama REALTORS® meeting with state leaders to discuss property rights and real estate legislation

What Realtors Do Beyond the Transaction

A Realtor’s role doesn’t end at the closing table. Beyond individual transactions, Realtors actively work to protect property rights, promote responsible homeownership, and advocate for policies that support strong communities.

At the local and state level, Realtors engage in advocacy efforts that help shape laws and regulations impacting homeowners, buyers, sellers, and investors. This includes working with legislators and industry partners on issues such as:

Property rights and land use policies
Homeownership accessibility and affordability
Property taxes and assessments
Real estate-related legislation and consumer protections

Through organizations like state and local REALTOR® associations, Realtors help ensure that decisions affecting housing are informed by real-world experience and an understanding of how policies impact everyday people.

This advocacy work helps protect not only individual clients, but also the long-term health of neighborhoods, communities, and local real estate markets.

While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it plays an important role in protecting the ability to buy, own, and transfer property...now and in the future.

→ To Visit the Alabama Association of Realtors Page: Click Here

Understanding "What Does a Realtor Do" includes recognizing the advocacy and education work that supports homeowners long after a transaction is complete.