Realtor: What They Do and How to Choose One

A realtor is a real estate agent or broker who is also a member of a national or regional realtor association and has agreed to follow its code of ethics. In everyday speech people use the word for any property agent, but strictly it is a membership title, not a licence, and what protects you in India is the agent’s RERA registration.

This guide explains what a realtor does, how the title differs from “real estate agent” and “broker”, how commissions work, and what an NRI buying property in India from abroad should check before signing anything.

What does a realtor do?

A realtor represents a buyer or a seller in a property deal. The exact duties depend on the country and on who the agent works for, but the core work is similar everywhere:

• Market advice: pricing a home, comparing nearby listings and explaining what is realistic in a given locality.
• Search and shortlisting: finding properties that fit a budget, purpose (self-use, rental, investment) and timeline.
• Viewings and negotiation: arranging site visits, carrying offers and counter-offers between the two sides.
• Paperwork coordination: helping the parties reach the sale agreement stage, and working with lawyers, banks and surveyors. An agent does not replace your lawyer.
• Marketing: for sellers, photographing, listing and advertising the property.

Realtor vs real estate agent vs broker

The three words overlap, which is why buyers get confused. In the United States the word “Realtor” is a trademark of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and is meant for its members, who may be agents or brokers. Canada has a similar arrangement through the Canadian Real Estate Association. You can read about the association on the National Association of Realtors website, and the history of the term on Wikipedia. In India there is no single body that owns the word, so a person who calls themselves a realtor may simply be a local agent.

Term	What it usually means	What to ask for
Realtor	An agent or broker who belongs to a realtor association and follows its code of ethics (strict meaning in the US and Canada).	Membership number and the association’s complaint process.
Real estate agent	A person licensed or registered to help buyers or sellers, usually working under a broker or agency.	Licence or, in India, the state RERA agent registration number.
Broker	A more senior licensed professional who may run an agency and hold client money or contracts. Requirements vary by country.	Licence, agency name and written terms of service.

The rules differ by country and by state, so check the local regulator rather than relying on the job title.

How a realtor gets paid

Most agents are paid a commission, usually a percentage of the sale price, and only when a deal closes. Who pays, and how much, varies by country, by city and by deal. Commissions are generally negotiable. In India, brokerage on resale property is commonly a small percentage of the price and is often paid by the buyer, the seller or split between them, but this is a market practice, not a fixed rate. Do not accept a figure just because the agent says it is “standard”.

Before you agree to anything, get these points in writing:

• The commission rate or amount, and what it is calculated on.
• Who pays it and when it falls due (for example, only after the sale deed is registered).
• Whether you are signing an exclusive agreement, and for how long.
• Whether any other fee, such as a “token”, “registration help” or “documentation” charge, applies.

How to choose a realtor

1. Verify the credentials first

Ask for the licence, registration or membership number and check it with the issuing body. In India, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) requires real estate agents who facilitate sales in registered projects to register with the state RERA authority and to quote that registration number. See the overview of the RERA Act, then confirm the agent’s number on your state’s RERA website.

2. Look for local, recent experience

A realtor who has closed deals in the exact locality in the last year will know realistic prices, the reputation of builders and the common title problems. Ask for two or three recent references and contact them.

3. Check how they communicate

For an overseas buyer this matters as much as price. Good signs are written replies within a working day, honest answers about downsides, and a willingness to put things in an email rather than only on WhatsApp calls.

4. Compare at least two or three agents

Interview more than one. Compare their price opinion, their plan, and their fee. A very high price estimate meant to win your listing is a warning sign for sellers, and a rush to close for buyers.

Questions to ask a realtor before you hire one

• What is your licence or RERA registration number, and where can I verify it?
• How many deals have you closed in this area in the last 12 months?
• Do you represent me, the seller, or both? How do you handle that conflict?
• What is your commission, who pays it, and when?
• Can I see the title documents and approvals for this property before paying anything?
• Which lawyer, bank or surveyor do you work with, and am I free to use my own?
• What happens if the deal falls through?

Tips for NRIs buying property in India from abroad

Buying from another country adds distance, time zones and currency questions. These points come up most often on this site; our own guides cover them in more depth.

• Know what you may buy. Under foreign exchange rules, NRIs and PIOs can generally buy residential and commercial property in India, but not agricultural land, plantation property or a farmhouse. Rules can change, so read our guide on buying immovable property by NRIs and PIOs and the Reserve Bank of India’s current FAQ on acquisition and transfer of immovable property.
• Pay through banking channels only. Payments are normally made from an NRE, NRO or FCNR account or by inward remittance. Never hand cash to an agent.
• Use a power of attorney carefully. If you must authorise someone to sign on your behalf, limit its scope, name a trusted person and have it properly executed. Do not give it to a realtor you met a week ago.
• Hire your own lawyer. The realtor’s lawyer works for the deal. Yours works for you. Our overview of property laws for NRIs explains what a lawyer should check.
• Verify the project. For under-construction homes, confirm the project’s RERA registration, the builder’s track record and the approved plan.
• Visit or send someone you trust. Photos and video calls are not a substitute for seeing the site and its neighbourhood.

For common problems and how others solved them, see our FAQs on NRIs buying residential or commercial property in India.

Red flags to walk away from

• Pressure to pay a large advance or “token” before seeing documents.
• No registration number, or one that does not check out.
• Promises of guaranteed returns, guaranteed price rises or “this price ends today”.
• Reluctance to put fees and terms in writing.
• Requests to pay in cash or into a personal account.
• Unwillingness to let your lawyer see the documents.
• Negative or no reviews, and no recent clients willing to talk to you.

Frequently asked questions

Is a realtor the same as a real estate agent?

Not strictly. Every realtor is an agent or broker, but not every agent is a realtor. In the US and Canada the word is reserved for members of the realtor associations; elsewhere it is used loosely.

Do I need a realtor to buy property in India?

No, but an agent can save time, especially if you live abroad. If you use one, choose a RERA-registered agent and keep your own lawyer for the legal checks.

How much does a realtor charge?

It varies by country, city and deal, and it is usually a percentage of the price. Ask for the rate in writing and negotiate it before work starts.

Can an NRI hire a realtor remotely?

Yes, many deals are handled by email and video calls. Verify credentials, avoid large advance payments and consider a site visit by a trusted relative or lawyer.

Where can I complain about a realtor?

In India, complaints about registered agents can go to the state RERA authority. Realtor association members may also be subject to the association’s ethics process; check the association in your country.

Next step

Shortlist two or three agents, ask each the questions above and compare their answers in writing. For more on buying from overseas, browse the real estate and property services for NRIs section on this site. This article is general information, not legal or financial advice; confirm current rules with a qualified lawyer and the relevant regulator before you commit.