Realtors and real estate licensees

What is exactly the difference between a Realtor and real estate licensees?

One of the many benefits of our country is our ability to vote and buy and sell real estate. It has been stated that the housing sector has been keeping our economy going when other areas were waning.

As a property owner it is important to understand some of the basics of real estate. Over the years I've encouraged friends to take real estate courses, even to get their real estate license. It's a good way to get the basics. But that's all it does.

Some people have said some real estate courses have focused so much on getting the students to pass the state licensing tests that they are out of touch with the real world. But, it's still a great way to get some basics on real estate. Things such as the ways in which you can take title to property, leveraging property and basic terms are just a few of the things to learn.

But having a license only means you get a minimum understanding of realestate and can provide minimum protection to a consumer. Most companies have apprentice programs to pair up new licensees with an experienced licensee. It's a great way to learn.