For most consumers, real estate agents are a dime a dozen.  If you asked the average Joe what the difference was between an agent, a Realtor, and a real estate consultant they would probably have no idea.  Recently I asked an acquaintance of mine if they knew the difference and I was answered with "There's a difference?  Anyone that can help me find or sell a home I guess!".  I find that the average consumer usually lumps them all together.  I believe that there are even people that call themselves realtors, consultants, or agents that don't know the difference themselves.  I explained to my friend that although he believes he is getting the same services, there can be vast differences in what you get.  Depending on an individuals needs it could cost them in the short and long term. 

In my humble opinion these are the general differences that I see.  

THE REAL ESTATE AGENT

This professional took his real estate classes and obtained their license to practice real estate.  They can l offer real estate advice and can fill out real estate contracts.  Real estate agents can negotiate on your behalf and coordinate transactions until completion.  Most part-time people in our profession will fall into this category.  A real estate agent may or may not have your long term goals in mind, but most are focused on the deal at hand.

THE REALTOR (NOT RE-LA-TOR!)

Realtors provide everything for you that an agent provides and more.  Realtors have spent the time and money to join an association that lobbies on their behalf for them and the consumer.  They generally have more real estate education and take more classes to stay up to date as to the latest trends and activities in the marketplace.  Realtors have to adhere to a higher standard of codes and ethics than a normal agent or risk having their designation revoked.  Most people that take the time and expense for the realtor designation are full timers in the biz and plan to be for a long time.

THE REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT

A true consultant does everything that an agent and realtor do and can provide for even more.  Consultants usually have a team of professionals on hand to plan with you the best course of action for your personal situation.  Most agents can put you in contact with a lender to see what you can get approved for.  Consultants will do that, but also provide you access to other professionals like a financial planner.  The planners will sit with you and map out your goals to see what you can really afford or if it is even the right time for you to buy or sell.  You will also have access to people like insurance professionals who can let you know what your extra costs for that property will be before hand.  Many real estate consultants will also have attorneys and tax professionals on their team to provide clients with all of the tools to make the most informed decisions possible.  Almost all real estate consultants are full time professionals and have your long term well being in mind before doing any type of real estate transaction.

Like I said these are my general opinions of the differences between professionals.  I'm sure all of you out there can add to it and I encourage you to do so.  Some people fall into more than one category and not all consumers necessarily need the full service consultant.  My goal here today was to provide some type of distinction since I believe that we are all not the same!

What do you folks think?  Are we all the same?  Are there huge differences between designations and service?  Open forum so go for it!