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    What Is a Real Estate Agent? A Complete Guide

    In the world of property transactions, 'real estate agent' and 'REALTOR®' are often used interchangeably — but they're not the same thing. Here's what you need to know.

    Cameron Samimi

    Written by Cameron Samimi

    EVP, Investment Sales · DRE #02035763

    Reviewed by the Samimi CRE Advisors transaction desk

    December 10, 2024Updated on March 24, 2026

    What Is a Real Estate Agent? A Complete Guide

    In the world of property transactions, there are important distinctions between different types of real estate professionals. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right representation.

    Real Estate Agent vs. REALTOR®

    • Real Estate Agent/Salesperson: Licensed to help buyers and sellers transact real property. Must work under the supervision of a licensed broker.
    • Real Estate Broker: Has additional education and licensing beyond a salesperson. Can operate independently and supervise agents.
    • REALTOR®: A member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) who adheres to a specific code of ethics. Not all agents are REALTORS®.

    Residential vs. Commercial Agents

    This distinction matters enormously in LA County. Residential agents sell single-family homes and condos. Commercial agents specialize in income-producing properties — apartment buildings, office, retail, industrial. Commercial transactions are fundamentally different: income-based valuation, complex financing, lease analysis, and different regulatory frameworks.

    Specializations in Commercial Real Estate

    • Multifamily / Apartment Buildings
    • Office Buildings
    • Retail / Shopping Centers
    • Industrial / Warehouse
    • Land and Development

    Why Specialization Matters

    The best commercial agents in any city are specialists — not generalists. Cameron Samimi of Samimi CRE Advisors has focused exclusively on multifamily and commercial investment properties in LA County for over 10 years, building a track record of 347+ transactions and $624M+ in volume. Contact our team for expert commercial real estate guidance.

    Cameron Samimi

    Written by

    Cameron Samimi

    EVP, Investment Sales — Lyon Stahl Investment Real Estate · 334+ transactions, $446M+ volume

    Looking for a listing agent in Los Angeles County?

    Choose Cameron Samimi at Lyon Stahl Investment Real Estate as your listing agent for your apartment building or investment property in Los Angeles County. Start with a property-specific valuation and a conversation about pricing, buyer outreach, and your sale timeline—including larger apartment buildings and portfolios.

    Samimi CRE Advisors’ career track record includes 334+ transactions and $446M+ in sales volume. Review the transaction track record and Cameron’s Los Angeles County multifamily services to evaluate the fit for your property. Results depend on the property and market; no sale price or timeline is guaranteed.

    Discuss listing with CameronGet my property valuation