How is the United States real estate business different than in other countries? Is a Realtor like an estate agent?
A. In other countries, an Estate Agent sells only property his/her company has for sale. If you want to see a property you go to the company whose sign is on the property. In the U.S., Realtors are members of the Multiple Listing Service and there is cooperation between companies. We can help you buy any property offered by any MLS member company, which is virtually all companies. Another slight difference is in terminology. In Canada, and the UK, for example, sellers are referred to as vendors, buyers as purchasers. Closing is referred to as settlement. To our UK buyers, once you have a contract, you cannot get bumped at the last minute. A contract is binding on both parties. See a testimonial from a Brit..
