The difference is you only use a realtor when you are buying (or selling) a home. Realtors don't talk to you 6 months after buying a home and suggest putting in a pool or a sun room to add future value to the home. As a manager/agent during your entire career and not just during job searches, that would be info you would get (how to improve your asset, your marketability, a promotion or raise). An agent may show the most obvious value during a negotiation, but the guidance provided between job searches will help maximize future earnings.