The difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent

All Realtors are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors. State governments are in charge of licensing real estate agents. In California, becoming an agent requires some college courses and a test. To keep a license in California, agents have to participate in continuing education and show proof to renew their license. Realtor, however, is a trademark name, used to describe a real estate agent who has joined the National Association of Realtors and receives advanced training in ethics. There’s a 17-point Code of Ethics that Realtors promise to uphold. Some of these standards are: pledging to put the interests of buyers and sellers ahead of their own and treat all parties honestly and to refrain from exaggerating or concealing material facts. This doesn’t mean that real estate agents aren’t following these guidelines, but a Realtor will be subject to disciplinary action if the agent violates the strict code. In addition to ethics, the National Association of Realtors charges dues that allows them to compile important information and statistics to help Realtors market your home. Now, when you’re looking for a Realtor, understand that you are choosing an agent who has gone beyond the requirements of state licensing and is following a higher standard of practice and receiving more valuable resources.

Shower versus tub: what’s better for resale?

I should know, right? It’s my job following people around as they look at homes with both showers and bathtubs. Which is more profitable when it comes to resale?
Well, I don’t really know. I know which of my clients like baths and which like showers (isn’t that a weird thing to know about someone doing business with you?) I know that sometimes a bathtub or shower is so important to someone that they might not buy a house/condo if what they want isn’t right.

I know water pressure is important because I’ve had three different buyers let that influence their property choice.
But professionally what would I say based on my own experience? I rely on builders and home designers…I figure they do a lot of surveying and focus groups on how create the home environment. In new homes I’m seeing over-sized tubs and separate showers. Which says to me, they don’t know either–better have both, just in case.
If I absolutely have to have an answer I would say — don’t remove the only tub…or get a tub if there isn’t at least one. Then just make the house something comfortable because you need to live there until you sell.