Real Estate Agent vs. REALTOR® in Ohio: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Not all Ohio real estate agents are REALTOR®s. Learn the key differences between agents, brokers, and REALTORS®—and why working with a REALTOR® gives you an ethical advantage in today’s market.

Introduction

If you’re buying or selling a home in Ohio, you’ve likely heard the terms real estate agent, REALTOR®, and broker used interchangeably. While they all work in the world of real estate, the truth is—there are important differences.

Understanding who you’re 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

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 instruction in civil rights, housing discrimination and desegregation problems (40 hours)                                                    .            Real Estate Appraisal (10 hours)
               Real Estate Finance (10 hours)
  
  This content is copyright 2025 Ohio REALTORS. Read more at: https://www.ohiorealtors.org/get-your-ohio-real-estate-license/

• 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 their license alone doesn’t guarantee membership in professional organizations like NAR.

REALTOR®

A REALTOR® is more than just a licensed real estate agent. The difference? 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 Lancaster Board of REALTORS®).

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

Broker in Ohio

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.

When you choose a REALTOR®, you’re choosing more than a license—you’re choosing someone who is committed to integrity, advocacy, and your best interests.

Brokers in Ohio can still be a REALTOR®.

In Ohio, every 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 typically include compliance, escrow management, license administration, insurance oversight, and legal liability—not active sales. In larger brokerages, it’s rare for a Broker of Record to actively show homes or manage transactions.

At The Heilman Group, brokered by eXp Realty, Team Lead Christopher Heilman is a Broker Associate, not the Broker of Record. He is the only broker-level licensee on the team, with all other members licensed as salespersons. In Ohio, license numbers reflect these roles:

• BRKA = Broker Associate

• S = Salesperson

• REC = Brokerage

Clients should note there is no functional advantage to working with a Broker of Record instead of a Broker Associate or Salesperson. The Broker of Record focuses on oversight and compliance, while our REALTORS® focus on delivering excellent service and results in each transaction.

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. By educating their clients and setting expectations up front, buyer’s agents empower homebuyers to make informed decisions with confidence throughout their journey.

On the other side, a seller’s agent (commonly called a listing agent) represents the seller exclusively. In Ohio, 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 navigate everything from the listing agreement to the final closing table.

⚖️ Dual Agency in Ohio

While buyer’s and seller’s agents usually represent separate parties, 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.

• In this scenario, the agent must remain neutral—they can facilitate the transaction but cannot favor one party over the other in negotiations.

• Full disclosure and transparency are key, and clients must understand the potential limitations of dual agency before agreeing.

✅ Why it matters for you: Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding the distinctions between representation—and how Ohio law regulates compensation and dual agency—ensures you’re protected and fully informed every step of the way.

At The Heilman Group, brokered by eXp Realty, every agent on our team is a proud REALTOR®. That means we’re not only licensed to guide you through Ohio real estate—we’re also committed to the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and professionalism.

In our experience, the best place to find a full-time, ethical, and highly skilled real estate professional is with a local team that knows the community inside and out. At a dedicated, relationship-driven team like ours, clients benefit from close collaboration, direct support, and a commitment to service that can sometimes get lost. We are LOCAL. We are LANCASTER.

Because our team is deeply rooted here in Central Ohio, we’re able to offer more personalized guidance, focused expertise, and an extra level of care that makes a difference in one of life’s biggest decisions.

Did we just describe The Heilman Group, brokered by eXp Realty? Yes, we did. Are we proud to represent buyers, sellers, and future agents with integrity and passion across Central Ohio and beyond? Absolutely. We love serving our community—and our clients love the results.

Let’s move forward together.

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

📲 Let’s connect: dot.cards/thechrisheilman