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22935 Ventura Blvd. Los Angeles, CA

CRESTICO - Realty + Funding

Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent: What’s the difference and How to Choose one?

by | Feb 28, 2009 | Real Estate | 0 comments

Before someone can hold him or herself out as a “Real Estate Agent,” he/she must be licensed by the state in which he/she plans to work, either as an agent/salesperson or as a broker. Before a license is issued, minimum standards for education, examinations and experience, which are determined on a state by state basis, must be met. After receiving a real estate license, most agents go on to join their local board or association of REALTORS® and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the world’s largest professional trade association. They can then call themselves REALTORS®.  An agent may still practice Real Estate without being a REALTOR®, however this means that the agent has not completed the steps in becoming a REALTOR®.

As a consumer, you are not bound to choosing only REALTORS® or Agents, you may work with either.  There are many excellent agents that are not REALTORS®, however read on to discover some strategies in choosing the best REALTOR® or Agent for you.  Real Estate Agents, whether REALTORS® or not, are bound by certain legal obligations. Traditionally, Agents must consider and weigh your interests ahead of anyone else’s; maintain the confidentiality of your information; obey your lawful instructions; be responsible for reporting anything that may be useful or of consequence to you; and account for any money involved in your transaction.

A REALTOR® is held to an even higher standard of conduct under the NAR’s Code of Ethics. In recent years, state laws have been passed setting up various duties for different types of agents. As you start working with a REALTOR®, ask for a clear explanation of your state’s current regulations, so that you will know where you stand on these important matters.  The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics (which in many cases goes beyond state law). In most areas, it is the REALTOR® who shares information on the homes he or she is marketing, through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Working with a REALTOR® who belongs to an MLS will give you access to the greatest number of homes.

 

 

 

Mitra Karimi-Paydar

Crestico Realty

(310) 362 – 0828 (TEL)

(877) 881-2929 (FAX)

[email protected]

P Go Green!  Please consider the environment before printing this email 

 

 

For More Information Please Visit http://www.crestico.com – http://www.cresticorealty.com
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David F. N.
In real estate, execution is everything. Having closed numerous transactions, I know firsthand that the right capital partner can make or break a deal. Working with Houtan and the CRESTICO team on our latest LA property reinforced what top-tier lending execution looks like. From initial loan structuring to the final wire at closing, Houtan and his team ran a seamless operation. They managed the complexity behind the scenes, maintained complete transparency, and kept the timeline tight without missing a beat. Buying property in Los Angeles can easily turn into a high-friction process, but their team provided the exact clarity, speed, and diligence required to navigate it smoothly. On a personal level, having known Houtan for years as a friend made the experience even more rewarding. It’s rare to find a team that seamlessly combines deep industry expertise with genuine personal integrity. They treated this transaction with the same care and focus as if it were their own. Whether you’re securing debt for your next investment(s) or purchasing a primary residence, I can’t recommend Houtan and the CRESTICO team highly enough. They are sharp, reliable, and exceptionally dedicated. I look forward to working with them again on future transactions.
Henry D.
Marisol was extremely helpful and successful in resolving the problems associated with my loan. We are very happy with our new loan.
Maria C.
They were always available to answer my questions and made the entire process simple and straightforward. I got a great rate and the support I needed to close on time. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again or recommend them to family and friends!
Nik N.
I couldn't have had a more amazing experience with our realtor - Diane Phillips. Diane is extremely knowledgeable and personable. She got to know me and my...
Tatiana G.
Houtan and Marisol are a great team. They helped my dad with his refinance and made the process seamless. They answered every question we had and came up with solutions if we ran into any issues. Thanks again!
Wesley P.
I had an amazing experience.I received all the information, support and they were very Knowledgeable of the information that I needed.
George H.
Excellent Mortgage Broker – Highly Recommended! I had an amazing experience working with Houtan and his team at Crestico. From start to finish, not only Houtan himself but his entire team made the mortgage process smooth, stress-free, and efficient. Their knowledge and expertise were evident at every step, ensuring I got the best possible loan terms. Communication was outstanding; Houtan was always available to answer my questions, explain complex details in a way that made sense, and guide me through the entire process with confidence. They were proactive, transparent, and truly had my best interests in mind. If you’re looking for a mortgage broker who is professional, reliable, and dedicated to helping you secure the best financing, I highly recommend Houtan and his team. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Nat Z.
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive, personable, and knowledgeable. He is incredibly reliable and would answer calls or emails within minutes when I had questions. I can't recommend Houtan enough for buying a house. We had been working directly with a large bank on a loan, and all seemed fine until we had an accepted offer, then we started having issue after issue where there was just no sense of urgency. We almost had to walk away from our house, but Houtan and his team were referred to us in mid escrow, helped us explore multiple options in parallel, and close on time. Houtan was very responsive and on top of everything, presented our options very clearly, patient with all our questions, and really understands the Los Angeles housing market.
Nat Z.
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive,...
Nat Z.
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive,...
Niloofar S.
As a first time home buyer, taking out a jumbo loan could’ve been quite scary. But Houtan and his team made it a pleasant experience. An amazing team who are always one step ahead of the process.
Mohammad S.
Easy to work with ! Professional people and honest!
Jack M.
Worked with Houtan. He got our loan closed super fast and got us a rate that was lower than what our bank offered us. I'm very happy with Crestico and i recommend them to anyone.
Rebecca S.
Finally a real professional with a heart! Working with Houton makes me feel like having a friend who is on my side, rather than a businessman who is always looking out for #1. He is extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive. He was always happy to explain and strategize with me whenever I needed help. Unlike most realtors and lenders out there who don't want to use their brains and only do easy and mindless paperwork, Houtan has great analytical and investment insights to share with his clients. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who values the rare combo of both thoughtfulness and top-notch expertise.
Ramtin S.
Thank you Houtan and the entire team for going above and beyond every single time. From the onset, you guys gather whatever is necessary to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible, always keeping constant communication. My rate and fees are disclosed and never change at the time of signing.
Shayan M.
These guys were a godsend when searching for a home loan. I was first time home buyer and they helped out with the entire process. Everything from the customer service to making sure I was informed for every step of the process was handled exceptionally. I am absolutely ebullient with Houtan and his entire team have given me, and helping me transcend into the status of homeowner.
Pouyan B.
I have been working with Houtan for over 10 years. He and his office have always been great to work with. Excellent communication and great work ethic. I will definitely be back for my other mortgage needs in the near future.
Michael R.
Thank you Houtan and team for helping me secure my home loan! Great communication, customer service and rate! Look no further, call Crestico for all of your home loan needs.
Bronson M.
I want to express my gratitude to Houtan and his team. Houtan is extremely knowledgeable and really takes the time to answer any questions that you have. He wants the best for his clients and I would recommend him to anyone.
Diba P.
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for Houtan Hormozian and the exceptional service he provided in helping me secure a loan. From our very first conversation, he was attentive, understanding, and incredibly knowledgeable about the lending process. He took the time to explain all the details, answered all my questions patiently, and worked tirelessly to find the best options tailored to my needs. His professionalism and dedication made what could have been a stressful experience into one that was smooth and straightforward. Thanks to Houtan Hormozian, I was able to secure the financing I needed, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of lending services. His commitment to his clients is truly commendable!
Golnaz G.
Houtan and his team are the best. They made the whole process of buying the house so easy for me. Houtan is very professional,knowledgeable , trustworthy and caring. He wants the best for his costumers. I highly recommend him to everyone.
Cristy M.
Jason M.
Dane R.
We did a lot of research before settling on Houtan - and he has been a great find. He has helped us with our home purchase, and several refinances since then. As we look into purchasing rental properties, he is always available to answer questions and explain things in terms that non-brokers can understand. He is, and will always be a part of our investment team.
Sean L.
Houtan and His team are great. He got me a great rate and funded my loan before my escrow closing date. A ++

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David F. N.
In real estate, execution is everything. Having closed numerous transactions, I know firsthand that the right capital partner can make or break a deal. Working with Houtan and the CRESTICO team on our latest LA property reinforced what top-tier lending execution looks like. From initial loan structuring to the final wire at closing, Houtan and his team ran a seamless operation. They managed the complexity behind the scenes, maintained complete transparency, and kept the timeline tight without missing a beat. Buying property in Los Angeles can easily turn into a high-friction process, but their team provided the exact clarity, speed, and diligence required to navigate it smoothly. On a personal level, having known Houtan for years as a friend made the experience even more rewarding. It’s rare to find a team that seamlessly combines deep industry expertise with genuine personal integrity. They treated this transaction with the same care and focus as if it were their own. Whether you’re securing debt for your next investment(s) or purchasing a primary residence, I can’t recommend Houtan and the CRESTICO team highly enough. They are sharp, reliable, and exceptionally dedicated. I look forward to working with them again on future transactions.
Henry D.
Marisol was extremely helpful and successful in resolving the problems associated with my loan. We are very happy with our new loan.
Maria C.
They were always available to answer my questions and made the entire process simple and straightforward. I got a great rate and the support I needed to close on time. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again or recommend them to family and friends!
Nik N.
I couldn't have had a more amazing experience with our realtor - Diane Phillips. Diane is extremely knowledgeable and personable. She got to know me and my...
Tatiana G.
Houtan and Marisol are a great team. They helped my dad with his refinance and made the process seamless. They answered every question we had and came up with solutions if we ran into any issues. Thanks again!
Wesley P.
I had an amazing experience.I received all the information, support and they were very Knowledgeable of the information that I needed.
George H.
Excellent Mortgage Broker – Highly Recommended! I had an amazing experience working with Houtan and his team at Crestico. From start to finish, not only Houtan himself but his entire team made the mortgage process smooth, stress-free, and efficient. Their knowledge and expertise were evident at every step, ensuring I got the best possible loan terms. Communication was outstanding; Houtan was always available to answer my questions, explain complex details in a way that made sense, and guide me through the entire process with confidence. They were proactive, transparent, and truly had my best interests in mind. If you’re looking for a mortgage broker who is professional, reliable, and dedicated to helping you secure the best financing, I highly recommend Houtan and his team. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Nat Z.
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive, personable, and knowledgeable. He is incredibly reliable and would answer calls or emails within minutes when I had questions. I can't recommend Houtan enough for buying a house. We had been working directly with a large bank on a loan, and all seemed fine until we had an accepted offer, then we started having issue after issue where there was just no sense of urgency. We almost had to walk away from our house, but Houtan and his team were referred to us in mid escrow, helped us explore multiple options in parallel, and close on time. Houtan was very responsive and on top of everything, presented our options very clearly, patient with all our questions, and really understands the Los Angeles housing market.
Nat Z.
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive,...
Nat Z.
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive,...
Niloofar S.
As a first time home buyer, taking out a jumbo loan could’ve been quite scary. But Houtan and his team made it a pleasant experience. An amazing team who are always one step ahead of the process.
Mohammad S.
Easy to work with ! Professional people and honest!
Jack M.
Worked with Houtan. He got our loan closed super fast and got us a rate that was lower than what our bank offered us. I'm very happy with Crestico and i recommend them to anyone.
Rebecca S.
Finally a real professional with a heart! Working with Houton makes me feel like having a friend who is on my side, rather than a businessman who is always looking out for #1. He is extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive. He was always happy to explain and strategize with me whenever I needed help. Unlike most realtors and lenders out there who don't want to use their brains and only do easy and mindless paperwork, Houtan has great analytical and investment insights to share with his clients. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who values the rare combo of both thoughtfulness and top-notch expertise.
Ramtin S.
Thank you Houtan and the entire team for going above and beyond every single time. From the onset, you guys gather whatever is necessary to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible, always keeping constant communication. My rate and fees are disclosed and never change at the time of signing.
Shayan M.
These guys were a godsend when searching for a home loan. I was first time home buyer and they helped out with the entire process. Everything from the customer service to making sure I was informed for every step of the process was handled exceptionally. I am absolutely ebullient with Houtan and his entire team have given me, and helping me transcend into the status of homeowner.
Pouyan B.
I have been working with Houtan for over 10 years. He and his office have always been great to work with. Excellent communication and great work ethic. I will definitely be back for my other mortgage needs in the near future.
Michael R.
Thank you Houtan and team for helping me secure my home loan! Great communication, customer service and rate! Look no further, call Crestico for all of your home loan needs.
Bronson M.
I want to express my gratitude to Houtan and his team. Houtan is extremely knowledgeable and really takes the time to answer any questions that you have. He wants the best for his clients and I would recommend him to anyone.
Diba P.
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for Houtan Hormozian and the exceptional service he provided in helping me secure a loan. From our very first conversation, he was attentive, understanding, and incredibly knowledgeable about the lending process. He took the time to explain all the details, answered all my questions patiently, and worked tirelessly to find the best options tailored to my needs. His professionalism and dedication made what could have been a stressful experience into one that was smooth and straightforward. Thanks to Houtan Hormozian, I was able to secure the financing I needed, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of lending services. His commitment to his clients is truly commendable!
Golnaz G.
Houtan and his team are the best. They made the whole process of buying the house so easy for me. Houtan is very professional,knowledgeable , trustworthy and caring. He wants the best for his costumers. I highly recommend him to everyone.
Cristy M.
Jason M.
Dane R.
We did a lot of research before settling on Houtan - and he has been a great find. He has helped us with our home purchase, and several refinances since then. As we look into purchasing rental properties, he is always available to answer questions and explain things in terms that non-brokers can understand. He is, and will always be a part of our investment team.
Sean L.
Houtan and His team are great. He got me a great rate and funded my loan before my escrow closing date. A ++
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