What Does a Realtor Do?
A realtor is a licensed real estate professional who helps clients buy, sell, and rent properties while adhering to the ethical standards set by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). They guide clients through every step of a real estate transaction, from initial consultation and property searches to negotiations, contracts, and closing.
Realtors combine sales expertise with market knowledge to provide clients with tailored advice and exceptional service. They analyze property values, market trends, and financing options to help buyers make informed decisions and sellers maximize their property value. Their role requires strong interpersonal skills, local expertise, and a commitment to customer service.
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Realtor Core Responsibilities
- Assist clients with buying, selling, or renting residential and commercial properties
- Conduct property showings, open houses, and market evaluations
- Negotiate purchase agreements, rental terms, and contracts
- Research market conditions, comparable properties, and pricing strategies
- Guide clients through financing, inspection, and closing processes
- Maintain knowledge of zoning laws, local regulations, and real estate trends
- Develop and maintain client relationships through networking and referrals
- Market properties using MLS listings, digital platforms, and print media
- Uphold NAR’s Code of Ethics and comply with state licensing requirements
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Knowledge of real estate sales processes and documentation
- Ability to conduct comparative market analysis (CMA)
- Proficiency with MLS systems and real estate software tools
- Understanding of real estate contracts, appraisals, and financing options
- Marketing and property staging knowledge
Soft skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Customer service orientation with a client-first mindset
- Strong networking and relationship-building abilities
- Organizational skills to manage multiple transactions simultaneously
Education
- High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or real estate preferred
Certifications
- State-issued real estate license required
- Membership in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) required to use the title Realtor
- Additional certifications recommended:
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
- ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative)
- SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist)
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or real estate
- Proven track record in sales or customer service
- Familiarity with digital marketing and social media platforms
- Bilingual communication skills to serve diverse client bases
- Advanced real estate certifications in specialized areas such as luxury or commercial sales
National Average Salary
Realtor salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Realtor is:
$58,076
Sample Job Description Templates for Realtors
Junior/Associate Realtor
Position Overview
We are hiring a junior realtor to join our real estate team and assist clients with buying, selling, and renting properties. This entry-level position is designed for licensed professionals who are eager to gain hands-on experience in real estate transactions while building their client base under the mentorship of senior agents.
Responsibilities
- Assist with property showings, open houses, and client consultations
- Research market data to prepare comparative market analyses (CMAs)
- Support senior Realtors in drafting contracts and paperwork
- Respond to client inquiries and schedule appointments
- Market properties through MLS listings and social media platforms
- Learn and follow brokerage policies and NAR ethical standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of real estate contracts and documentation
- Familiarity with MLS databases and property research tools
- Understanding of property staging and marketing basics
Soft skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
- Eagerness to learn and build a professional network
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Client-focused mindset
Education
- High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business or real estate preferred
Certifications
- Active state real estate license required
- Membership in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or prior experience in sales or customer service
- Bilingual communication skills
Mid-Level Realtor
Position Overview
Our brokerage is seeking a mid-level realtor to manage client relationships, negotiate contracts, and guide buyers and sellers through real estate transactions. The ideal candidate has proven experience handling deals independently and the ability to grow their own portfolio of clients.
Responsibilities
- Conduct property showings, open houses, and client consultations
- Negotiate offers, contracts, and terms on behalf of clients
- Perform market research and pricing strategies for listings
- Maintain client relationships and generate leads through networking
- Collaborate with lenders, inspectors, and attorneys throughout transactions
- Ensure compliance with NAR ethics and state regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in real estate contracts and closing processes
- Knowledge of local market trends and pricing strategies
- Ability to conduct CMAs and prepare detailed client reports
- Familiarity with CRM systems and real estate software
Soft skills
- Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills
- Excellent time management and multitasking abilities
- Effective communication with diverse client bases
- Customer service-driven approach
Education
- High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or real estate preferred
Certifications
- Active state real estate license required
- NAR membership required
Preferred Qualifications
- Track record of successful sales and closed deals
- ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) certification recommended
Senior Realtor
Position Overview
We are looking for a senior realtor to lead high-value transactions, mentor junior agents, and represent clients in complex real estate negotiations. This role requires significant industry experience, advanced market knowledge, and the ability to consistently meet sales goals.
Responsibilities
- Manage high-volume and luxury property transactions
- Mentor junior and associate Realtors on sales strategies and compliance
- Develop marketing campaigns for premium listings
- Lead negotiations for purchase agreements and closing terms
- Provide expert advice on real estate investments and market opportunities
- Maintain a strong network of clients, lenders, and community partners
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of real estate sales, contracts, and negotiations
- Experience with high-value or specialized property types
- Proficiency in real estate CRM systems and marketing tools
- Strong market analysis and investment advisory skills
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong interpersonal and client relationship skills
- Strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, finance, or real estate
Certifications
- Active state real estate license required
- NAR membership required
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) strongly recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- History of exceeding sales goals in luxury or commercial markets
- SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) certification valued
Lead Realtor
Position Overview
As a lead realtor, you will oversee a team of agents while managing your own client portfolio. This role combines leadership responsibilities with direct client engagement, requiring strong sales expertise, mentoring abilities, and business development skills.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and guide a team of Realtors to achieve sales goals
- Assign leads, review contracts, and ensure compliance with regulations
- Develop and manage marketing strategies for the brokerage
- Handle complex or high-profile real estate transactions
- Provide coaching and career development to team members
- Report performance metrics to brokerage leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in real estate contracts, negotiations, and compliance
- Strong knowledge of CRM systems and team management tools
- Proven ability to generate leads and close high-value deals
- Familiarity with digital marketing strategies
Soft skills
- Leadership and team management skills
- Strong networking and relationship-building abilities
- Effective communication with stakeholders and clients
- Strategic planning and organizational skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, marketing, or real estate
Certifications
- Active state real estate license required
- NAR membership required
- CRS or ABR certifications recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in team leadership or management
- Track record of building and growing real estate teams
Broker/Owner
Position Overview
We are seeking a broker/owner to lead and grow a real estate brokerage. This role requires entrepreneurial drive, extensive industry experience, and the ability to oversee business operations while ensuring agents deliver outstanding client service.
Responsibilities
- Own and operate the brokerage while managing financial performance
- Recruit, train, and mentor Realtors to build a high-performing team
- Develop company-wide sales strategies and marketing initiatives
- Oversee compliance with state regulations and NAR ethics
- Build partnerships with lenders, attorneys, and community stakeholders
- Represent the brokerage at industry events and networking functions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of real estate law, compliance, and brokerage operations
- Ability to manage budgets, staffing, and business planning
- Strong sales and business development expertise
- Familiarity with brokerage management systems
Soft skills
- Entrepreneurial leadership and vision
- Excellent negotiation and client management skills
- Ability to inspire and motivate agents
- Strategic decision-making and problem-solving abilities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, finance, or real estate
Certifications
- Broker’s license required
- NAR membership required
- Advanced certifications such as CRS or GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven success in building or scaling a brokerage
- Experience in luxury or commercial real estate markets
- Active involvement in realtor associations or community organizations