**Do Real Estate Agents Really Do Anything?

The 3 Types of Realtors You Should Know**
By The 12:45 Team — Your Trusted Real Estate Advisors 🔑✨

One of the most common things we hear—from open houses to Instagram DMs—is:

“Real estate agents don’t do anything.” 😅

Is that true?

Sometimes… yes.
But the full answer is: it depends on who you hire.

In real estate, anyone with a license can call themselves an agent—but not all agents operate at the same level. Some just unlock doors. Others run full, sophisticated, high-performance businesses. And a select few serve as true advisors who protect your finances and guide you with expertise.

To help you make the smartest possible choice, here are the 3 types of Realtors you’ll find in today’s market—and how each one impacts your experience.

1. The Licensee 🎫

The starting point: licensed, but limited.

A licensee has completed their coursework and passed the real estate exam. And honestly—👏 that’s an achievement.

But many licensees stop there.

They often operate with:

• ❌ No marketing systems

• ❌ No communication systems

• ❌ No operations

• ❌ Little to no experience

• ❌ No structured business

What they can do:
✔️ Open doors
✔️ Show homes
✔️ Write basic contracts

What they cannot do well:
❌ Strategy
❌ Negotiation
❌ Market analysis
❌ Guidance through challenges

It’s not that they don’t care—they’re simply early in their development. But when you’re dealing with a six-figure transaction, this level is rarely enough.

2. The Real Estate Agent 🏡

The business builder: structured, invested, professional.

A real estate agent goes beyond holding a license. They’re running a business—with systems, tools, and real value for clients.

What sets them apart?

📊 Systems

They’ve built:

• Marketing systems

• Buyer and seller systems

• Communication processes

• Lead tracking

• Transaction management

🛠️ Programs

They may offer client-focused solutions such as:

• “Cash Now” programs

• “Renovate Now, Pay Later”

• Staging and prep services

• Concierge-style selling programs

🏢 Structure

They:

• Invest real money in marketing

• Track results

• Study the market

• Run operations

• Treat real estate like a long-term career, not a side hobby

If you ask them about strategy, they can walk you through it step-by-step.

Questions to ask an agent at this level:

• What systems do you use?

• How do you communicate?

• What marketing do you invest in?

• What’s your buying/selling strategy today?

Agents at this level answer confidently—and clearly.

3. The Advisor 💼

The highest level — where The 12:45 Team operates.

This is the kind of professional you want guiding your biggest financial decisions.

An advisor isn’t just licensed.
They aren’t just structured.
They are experts, strategists, analysts, and educators.

Here’s what makes an advisor different:

🏆 Experience

Hundreds of transactions.
They’ve navigated:

• Appraisal issues

• Negotiation standoffs

• Multiple-offer battles

• Difficult timelines

• Market shifts

When things get messy, advisors know exactly what to do.

📈 Market Mastery

They study:

• Local pricing trends

• Inventory shifts

• Days on market

• Buyer behavior

• Seasonal changes

And they adjust your strategy accordingly.

⚡ Adaptability

What wins an offer today is not what won two months ago.
Advisors know this—and guide you to win right now.

📚 Education First

Advisors have the heart of a teacher.
They help you understand:

• How to price your home

• Which repairs matter

• What upgrades bring ROI

• What to avoid wasting money on

You never feel confused—they make sure of it.

🏠 Holistic Understanding

Most advisors own or manage real estate personally.
They understand:

• Investing

• Renovating

• Managing tenants

• Long-term wealth strategies

They guide you from a place of real-world experience, not theory.

So… Do Real Estate Agents Really Do Nothing? 🤔

Some do.
But those are usually licensees, not agents—and definitely not advisors.

Your experience depends entirely on who you hire.

When you work with an advisor—especially one backed by a full support structure like The 12:45 Team—you get:

• ✔️ Systems

• ✔️ Strategy

• ✔️ Data-driven decisions

• ✔️ Expert negotiation

• ✔️ Clear communication

• ✔️ Full guidance

• ✔️ Protection for your investment

That’s real value.

How to Choose Wisely  🔍

When interviewing an agent or advisor, ask: Whether buying, s

• How long have you been in the business?

• How many homes have you sold?

• What systems do you use?

• What’s your strategy in today’s market?

• Do you personally invest in real estate?

• What makes your approach different?

The right professional will have real answers—and real results to back them up.

The 12:45 Team Promise

Whether buying, selling, downsizing, relocating or investing, our team operates at the advisor level - with the systems experience and strategy to guide you every step of the way. 

If you'd like a no-pressure consultation or market strategy session, we're here to help!

Click here to get started > https://bit.ly/4nUNCQ1

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Written By:

Shawn Derrick & Nate Johnson

📍 The 1245 Team – Keller Williams Realty

Serving Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg & Maryland 

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@1245Team on Instagram |  Facebook | 12:45 Team YouTube Channel - Starring Shawn Derrick