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

Smiling man in a suit holding a red folder, standing in a bright office lobby with a vase of flowers on a counter.

The profession of real estate agent is often confused with that of real estate broker. This is usually because certain areas of responsibility overlap. But in terms of the daily structure, the exact role during a real estate brokerage and last but not least the different salary models, some differences can be identified. We will describe both job profiles here so that you can compare them and weigh up the respective advantages.

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.

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 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". The real estate agent, on the other hand, can undergo three years of paid training. Depending on the licence partner, you can also work as a real estate agent under different contractual models.

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.