by Gerard van den Berg 
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, having the right help makes all the difference. But with so many titles—real estate agent, broker, Realtor®—who should you turn to?
Although these titles are often used interchangeably, they represent different qualifications and responsibilities. Let’s break it down.
Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent is a licensed professional who assists clients in buying, selling, or renting homes and properties. Agents must complete state-mandated pre-licensing education and pass an exam to receive their license.
Real Estate Broker
A real estate broker has pursued additional education and passed a higher-level licensing exam. Brokers typically have deeper knowledge of contracts, real estate law, property management, and investments.
There are different types of brokers:
- Principal Broker: Supervises agents and ensures legal compliance.
- Managing Broker: Oversees daily operations and staff.
- Associate Broker: Licensed but not in a supervisory role.
Realtor®
A Realtor® is a member of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and adheres to a strict Code of Ethics. Membership grants access to exclusive tools and data and signals a higher standard of professionalism.
Listing Agent vs. Buyer’s Agent
A listing agent represents sellers and handles marketing, pricing, and negotiations.
A buyer’s agent works with homebuyers to find the right property, make offers, and navigate closing. Their fee is generally covered by the seller.
Rental Agent
Rental agents assist with finding rentals or tenants. Services vary by region, and agents may represent landlords or tenants. Fees may be paid by either party depending on the market.
A Word of Caution – Especially on Aruba
On Aruba, the real estate landscape is unique—and not always in a good way.
More than 95% of individuals working in real estate on the island have no formal training or education in the field. Over 80% treat it as a side job, often while working full-time in the hospitality industry. These individuals typically have no knowledge of real estate laws, contracts, negotiation, or market valuation—yet they assign themselves professional-sounding titles like “agent” or “advisor.”
Some even claim to be certified, having attended a few Saturday morning sessions and taken a so-called “exam.” They then present themselves as qualified professionals.
Even affiliation with local real estate “clubs” means very little. Many of these clubs were founded by untrained individuals to give an illusion of credibility. Don’t be fooled—membership in such a group is not a guarantee of expertise or professionalism.
Choose Wisely: Work With a Trained and Trustworthy Agent
When it comes to one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, don’t settle. Choose a reliable, educated, and qualified real estate professional—like the team at Bluefin Realtors.
We don’t just claim to be professionals—we are. With certified training, deep market knowledge, and a commitment to honest, ethical practices, we deliver the expertise you deserve.
Don’t take risks with untrained amateurs. Insist on Bluefin. Accept nothing less.
