Should I Just Call the Listing Agent? (The Myth of the "Direct Deal")If you are browsing homes on Zillow or driving through a Redlands neighborhood and see a "For Sale" sign, your first instinct
What is a Realtor? (And Why Most Californians Use One)
Dated: January 23 2026
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What is a Realtor? (And Why Most Californians Use One)
If you are browsing homes online, you see the word "Realtor" everywhere. But what does it actually mean? Many people think it’s just another name for a real estate agent. While every Realtor is a licensed agent, not every agent is a Realtor.
The Realtor Difference
A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. This means they are held to a higher standard than what the law requires. They must follow a strict Code of Ethics that puts the client's needs first, every single time.
In California, being a Realtor is about more than just a badge—it’s about being part of a professional community that advocates for homeowners.
By the Numbers: Why Realtors are the Standard
Recent data shows that homeowners overwhelmingly choose to work with a professional. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a record 91% of home sellersworked with a real estate agent to get their home sold.
In California, the trend is just as strong. While some people try to sell their homes themselves (FSBO), the data shows a significant "value gap." Nationally, agent-assisted home sales typically sell for roughly 18% more than those sold by owners alone. In a market like Redlands, where home values are high, that 18% can mean tens of thousands of dollars back in your pocket.
Patrick Edgett: A Proud Realtor Member
I don’t just carry the Realtor title; I am a proud Realtor Member who believes in the mission of protecting property owners. My involvement in our state and local associations is a core part of how I serve my clients:
TIGAR (Inland Gateway Association of Realtors): I served on the Board of Directors for two years, working to protect the rights of homeowners right here in our local Inland Empire neighborhoods.
C.A.R. (California Association of Realtors): I served on the Board of Directors for this statewide organization, representing the interests of over 200,000 real estate professionals and millions of California homeowners.
CREPAC (California Real Estate PAC): I served as a trustee for the political action committee that fights for laws that make homeownership more accessible and affordable for families like yours.
The "Girl Dad" Approach to Real Estate
When I’m not at a board meeting or helping a family close on their dream home, I’m usually spending time with my wife of 14 years and our four daughters. Being a "girl dad" has taught me that a home isn't just a building—it’s where your life happens.
Whether I’m on the golf course or enjoying a glass of wine at a local Redlands spot, I am always thinking about how I can better serve this community.
The Verdict A Realtor is your advocate, your negotiator, and your expert guide. When 91% of sellers choose to use a professional, they do it because the stakes are too high to go it alone.
Ready to work with a Realtor who has a seat at the table?
Contact Patrick Edgett today to see how my experience at the state and local levels can give you a competitive edge in the Redlands market.
Patrick Edgett
Hi I'm Patrick Edgett, I live in Southern California, I am a realtor. I am a #girldad to four amazing humans!In my past life I have worked on marketing campaigns for the governor, prod....
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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of September 23, 2026 1:00 PM UTC This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property. BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g.square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional. You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further. All uses except for personal, non-commercial use in accordance with
The information being provided by Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of REALTORS ® ("CSMAR") is for the visitor's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to a property referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange ("IDX") program of CSMAR. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or
