The titles of a real estate agent and real estate broker can sound interchangeable, but these titles actually indicate different levels of experience and ability. As your premier real estate broker in Park City, we want to explain the difference, so you know which one is right to help you with your real estate needs.

What Is A Real Estate Agent

Simply defined, a real estate agent is a licensed salesperson. These agents are required to work under an employing real estate broker who supervises their work, and real estate agents are not legally allowed to work independently.

Requirements for becoming a licensed real estate agent will vary from state to state. To receive a real estate license in the state of Utah an agent will need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Meet statutory licensing qualification of integrity, honesty, reputation, truthfulness, and competency. Part of these requirements means the applicant can’t have a felony in the last 5 years or a misdemeanor that involved misrepresentation, fraud, theft, or dishonesty within the last 3 years
• Attend a certified Real Estate Pre-License School and take 120 hours of education
• Pass the Sales Agent exam

Once these things are done, a potential real estate agent can apply to receive their license and then work under the direction of a broker.

How A Real Estate Broker Differs From A Real Estate Agent

Real estate brokers have a higher level of responsibility, experience, and education when compared to your average real estate agent. Brokers can act as real estate agents, but they can also work independently, which real estate agents cannot.

With their greater level of trust and responsibilities, there are more requirements to become a real estate broker, which are:

• Meet statutory licensing qualification of integrity, honesty, reputation, truthfulness, and competency. Part of these requirements means the applicant can’t have a felony in the last 5 years or a misdemeanor that involved misrepresentation, fraud, theft, or dishonesty within the last 3 years
• Within the last 5 years, the potential broker needs to have 3 years of active, licensed real estate experience. They can also have 2 years of active, licensed real estate experience and 1 year of full-time professional real estate experience.
• Have accumulated at least 60 documented experience points within a 5 year period.
• Attend a certified Real Estate Pre-License School and take 120 hours of education. Brokers need to specifically take 30 hours of Utah Law, 45 hours of broker principals with 4 hours of testing, and 45 hours of broker practices with 4 hours of testing.
• Pass the Broker Exam

Brad Jensen is a real estate broker who has years of experience working in the Park City real estate market. He has developed strong connections with agents in feeder markets like New York, California, Arizona, and other key areas. If you are looking to sell your Park City property or are interested in investing in real estate in the Park City area, contact Jensen and Company for Brad’s expert advice and assistance.