What is the main difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker?
In simple terms, a real estate broker (or brokerage) is the *company* that holds the official license to operate. A real estate agent is the individual professional who works *under* that broker's license. You cannot be an agent without being part of a brokerage.
In Dubai, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) licenses the company as a 'Real Estate Broker' (with an ORN - Office Registration Number). The individual real estate agent then gets their own 'Broker Card' which is tied to that real estate broker's license.
- RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency)
📝 What does a Real Estate Agent do?
A real estate agent is the on-the-ground professional you work with directly. Their job is to represent you (as a buyer, seller, or tenant). They handle finding properties, scheduling viewings, providing market advice, negotiating prices, and preparing all the paperwork (like the MOU/Form F). They are your main point of contact and advisor.
- Represents buyers, sellers, or tenants.
- Finds properties and conducts viewings.
- Negotiates price and terms on your behalf.
- Handles contracts and paperwork.
🏢 What does a Real Estate Broker do?
The real estate broker is the *company* (the 'brokerage') that provides the legal and operational umbrella. The 'Principal Broker' (often the owner) is legally responsible for all the agents working for them. The real estate broker manages the company's RERA license, holds the escrow account for client funds (if applicable), ensures all transactions are compliant, and provides their agents with training and resources.
Legal Responsibility
When you sign a contract (like a Form A for sellers or Form B for buyers), you are signing with the brokerage (the real estate broker), not just the individual real estate agent. The broker is the entity legally responsible for the transaction.
- RERA Contractual Guidelines🤝 So, who do I hire: a Real Estate Agent or a Real Estate Broker?
You hire both! You will *choose* a real estate agent to work with you personally based on their expertise and professionalism. But the *contract* you sign will be with the real estate broker (the company) they work for. Your focus should be on finding a great agent who is part of a reputable, licensed brokerage. You cannot legally hire an agent who is 'freelance'—they must be licensed under a real estate broker.
A Team Effort
You get the personal service of a real estate agent, backed by the legal and financial security of a real estate broker. It's a team effort designed to protect you.
- Hayy.AI Advisory🔍 How to check if my real estate agent and real estate broker are licensed?
This is essential. A good real estate agent and real estate broker will be transparent about their licensing. You can verify both using the official DLD 'Dubai REST' app.
| Who | What to Check | How to Check |
|---|---|---|
| The Company (Broker) | ORN (Office Registration Number) | On the 'Dubai REST' app or RERA website. |
| The Individual (Agent) | BRN (Broker Registration Number) / Broker Card | Ask to see their card, then verify the number on the 'Dubai REST' app. |
