What is the difference between real estate agent and real estate salesperson?

What does an estate agent do?

An estate agent is responsible for the brokerage of real estate. They look after customers who want to sell or buy a property. The day-to-day work is varied: as an estate agent you analyse the property market in order to be able to make the best offer to interested parties. Real estate agents usually do not have a fixed salary, which varies depending on the number of contracts concluded. Their earnings are therefore made up of the commission they receive.

Part of the business of real estate agents is also brokerage. Apart from that, they often act as buyers or owners themselves. They act as landlords of certain properties, take care of their maintenance and are the contact person for the residents. Salaries vary much less, as rents, for example, remain fairly constant. Additional income can usually only arise if the role of a real estate agent also involves dealing in real estate.

In the training to become a real estate agent, the focus is on general business and social studies in order to be able to understand the real estate industry in context. Real estate and housing management as well as real estate trade are also important components in order to be able to successfully conduct business later in one's professional life, especially in legal terms, and to enter into brokerage business. Last but not least, taxation also plays a role.

What exactly is the difference between the two professions?

The real estate agent does not own any real estate, but receives a commission from the buyer or seller for successful brokerage. He/she markets the property and supports his/her clients in making the right choice. The real estate agent, on the other hand, owns real estate and rents it out. He/she is therefore in a position to generate a "passive income". He/she therefore has a regular salary. The real estate agent is different: he/she must always try to find new orders. Conversely, however, this means that their income is more easily scalable than that of a businessman/woman, since the broker can, for example, concentrate on more profitable property groups depending on the market situation.

The training path of the respective professions is also different: As a real estate agent, this is much more concrete than that of an estate agent. Every real estate agent may call himself/herself such as soon as he/she has a trade licence. However, there is, for example, a seminar at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), at the end of which an examination is taken, the passing of which makes you a "real estate agent IHK". In contrast, at Engel & Völkers' own academy you have the opportunity to receive continuous further training in addition to comprehensive preparation for your work as an estate agent. The real estate agent, on the other hand, can undergo three years of paid training.

At Engel & Völkers, you have the opportunity to complete a three-year apprenticeship as a real estate agent or to become a real estate agent and start your own business.

Apply now at Engel & Völkers and take the first step towards becoming a successful real estate agent or real estate clerk.