Part 2 of our 25-part Seller Series for UK homeowners selling Florida vacation homes.
Introduction
If you’re a UK homeowner thinking about selling your Florida holiday home, you’ll quickly come across both real estate agents and Realtors. The terms sound interchangeable — but they’re not.
Understanding the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent can help you choose the right professional to represent you and protect your interests throughout the selling process.
Watch or Read — Your Choice
In this video of our Seller Series, we explore the differences between a Realtor and a real estate agent — and what that means for you as a homeowner selling your property.
You can watch the full video above, or continue reading below for the written version — perfect if you prefer to skim through the highlights at your own pace.
1. What Is a Realtor?
Not all real estate agents are Realtors.
A Realtor is an agent who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). It’s the largest professional trade organisation in the United States and was founded in 1908.
Realtors pay annual dues and complete ongoing education to renew their licences. They must also follow a 17-article Code of Ethics designed to ensure honesty, professionalism, and client protection.
As a result, when you work with a licensed Realtor, you can feel confident knowing your interests always come first and your sale will be handled with integrity and care.
2. The Realtor’s Role in Your Sale
As your Realtors, we coordinate your sale from start to finish — from your first consultation to closing and beyond. We liaise with inspectors, appraisers, title companies, and buyers’ agents to ensure every stage of your sale runs smoothly. In addition, we keep everyone on track and handle all the details, saving you time and reducing stress.
3. Our Goal as Your Realtors
Our job is to achieve the highest possible price for your home in the shortest amount of time — while shielding you from the stress that can come with selling. We handle the communication, marketing, negotiation, and paperwork so you can focus on what matters most.
4. Guidance, Marketing, and Negotiation
We’ll review whether now is the right time to sell and calculate your expected proceeds after costs. Then, we’ll discuss the best pricing strategy for your home.
Once on the market, we’ll promote your property widely, manage enquiries, and negotiate offers to secure a strong contract. Finally, from inspections and appraisals through to closing, we’ll stay beside you the entire way.
5. Why Experience Matters
When selling a Florida property — especially from abroad — experience matters.
You need a Realtor who understands your type of home and has a trusted network of affiliates such as title companies, inspectors, appraisers, accountants, and foreign exchange advisors for UK-based sellers.
Furthermore, we invest heavily in high-quality marketing that reaches a global audience. This ensures your home receives maximum exposure and achieves the best possible result.
■ If you’d like to learn more about exchange rates and transferring funds from the US to the UK, click the links to our videos on those topics.
6. Why Choose the Aistrop Team
When you choose the Aistrop Team, you get the expertise of two generations — a mother-and-daughter partnership combining traditional relationship-based service with modern marketing technology.
Irena handles communication, negotiation, and buyer follow-up, while Suzanne manages photography, drone footage, 3D tours, and online marketing.
Together, you receive the benefit of two dedicated Realtors for the price of one.
7. Types of Properties We Handle
We can help you sell:
- Single-family homes
- Townhomes and condos
- Villas and mobile homes on owned land
- Land, multi-family, and commercial properties
(The only exception is mobile homes on rented land, as those aren’t classed as real estate.)
8. Why Not Use Your Management Company?
If your property is managed by a rental company that also holds a real estate licence, consider these points before listing your home with them:
- Conflict of interest: Your management company may prefer your property not to sell, as that would remove it from their rental inventory.
- Limited focus on sales: Their primary business is property management, not real estate sales, meaning they may lack the time, systems, and expertise to market your home effectively.
- Restricted availability: Management companies often work standard business hours and may not be available for evening or weekend viewings — when most buyers are active.
We’re full-time Realtors focused solely on property sales, ensuring that you receive responsive communication and dedicated representation from start to finish.
9. Why Not Sell on Your Own?
While avoiding commission fees may sound appealing, national data shows that sellers who use Realtors typically net more money overall. Realtors have access to wider marketing, professional negotiation, and qualified buyers.
Private sellers often end up accepting lower offers and taking on all the stress themselves — with the main benefit going to the buyer rather than the seller.
If you’re a UK homeowner thinking about selling your Florida home, feel free to reach out — we’d be happy to chat.
📞 Cell: 321-443-7535
📧 Email: TheAistropTeam@gmail.com
About the Authors
Irena and Suzanne Aistrop are a UK mother-and-daughter real estate team based in Central Florida. With over 40 years of combined experience, they specialize in helping UK homeowners sell their Florida vacation homes with ease — even while remaining abroad. Known for their hands-on service, clear communication, and deep understanding of both sides of the Atlantic, they guide clients through every step of the process with professionalism and care.
Watch the Full Seller Series
Want to dive deeper into every stage of selling your Florida home from abroad?
Watch the full Seller Series here.