If you are buying or selling a home in Ohio, you have likely heard the terms real estate agent, REALTOR®, and broker used interchangeably. They all work in real estate, but there are important differences.

Understanding who you are working with can give you peace of mind and help you make the best decision for one of the biggest investments of your life.

Real estate agent

In Ohio, a real estate agent is a licensed professional who can represent buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants in real estate transactions. To earn a license, they must:

  • Complete 100 hours of approved real estate coursework: Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours); Ohio Real Estate Law, including civil rights, housing discrimination, and desegregation (40 hours); Real Estate Appraisal (10 hours); and Real Estate Finance (10 hours).
  • Pass both the state and national licensing exams.
  • Be sponsored to work under the supervision of a licensed Ohio broker.

Agents are legally qualified to guide clients through property transactions, but a license alone does not make someone a member of professional organizations like the National Association of REALTORS®.

REALTOR®

A REALTOR® is more than a licensed real estate agent. The difference is membership. To be a REALTOR® in Ohio, an agent or broker must:

  • Join the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
  • Commit to the NAR Code of Ethics, a strict set of standards that go above state law.
  • Maintain membership in Ohio REALTORS® and a local board of REALTORS®, such as Columbus REALTORS® or the Lancaster Board of REALTORS®.

When you work with a REALTOR®, you are working with someone who has committed to fairness, honesty, and professionalism at a level higher than what the law requires.

Broker

A broker is an agent who has taken their education and licensing further. In Ohio, brokers must:

  • Have at least two years of active experience as a licensed salesperson in the past five years, and complete 20 transactions.
  • Complete an additional 120 hours of broker-specific coursework.
  • Pass the Ohio broker licensing exam.

Brokers can work independently, manage offices, and supervise other agents. Every Ohio real estate agent must operate under a broker's oversight.

Why it matters to you

  • Agents are licensed to help with buying, selling, or renting property.
  • REALTORS® are agents or brokers who hold themselves accountable to a higher ethical standard.
  • Brokers ensure compliance, provide leadership, and safeguard professionalism across Ohio real estate offices.

A broker in Ohio can also be a REALTOR®.

The Broker of Record

Every Ohio real estate brokerage must designate a Broker of Record. This person is responsible for establishing the company's policies and procedures. If the brokerage is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, then all agents licensed under that brokerage are considered REALTORS® as well.

The Broker of Record's experience, values, and commitment to ethics directly shape the standards and business practices of the agents they supervise. Their responsibilities include compliance, escrow management, license administration, insurance oversight, and legal liability.

At The Local Brokerage, Christopher Heilman is the Broker of Record. He also still works directly with buyers and sellers. In Ohio, license numbers reflect these roles: BRKP for a principal broker, SAL for a salesperson, and REC for the brokerage itself. Updated from the Heilman Group version. Chris to confirm

Buyer's agent vs. seller's agent in Ohio

A buyer's agent in Ohio is a licensed real estate professional who represents only the buyer's best interests in a transaction. Their duties include searching for homes, scheduling and hosting showings, advising on market value, negotiating purchase terms, and guiding buyers through contracts and the closing process.

A seller's agent, commonly called a listing agent, represents the seller exclusively. Their role is to recommend a pricing strategy, prepare and market the property to attract qualified buyers, present offers, and negotiate terms that align with the seller's goals. They also help the seller through everything from the listing agreement to the closing table.

Dual agency in Ohio

Buyer's and seller's agents usually represent separate parties, but Ohio law does allow for dual agency, where a single agent or brokerage represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction.

  • Ohio requires that both parties give informed written consent before dual agency can occur.
  • The agent must remain neutral. They can facilitate the transaction but cannot favor one party over the other in negotiations.
  • Full disclosure is key, and clients must understand the limitations of dual agency before agreeing.

Working with us

Every agent at The Local Brokerage is a REALTOR®. That means we are licensed to guide you through Ohio real estate, and we are also committed to the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We are local. We are Lancaster. Updated from the Heilman Group version. Chris to confirm

Whether you are buying your first home, selling a property, or exploring a career in real estate, we are here to help.