His fortune shrank by an estimated $1.5 billion. While Ross' wealth declined, it's been a good year for Orange County, California-based Donald Bren, who remains the wealthiest real estate billionaire in the U.S. Bren's net worth is now estimated at $18 billion, up from $17.4 billion in 2022.

The principal is the individual who is selling the real estate property, while the agent is the licensed broker who has been contracted to represent the seller. In a complex market, it's a responsible choice for a seller to hire an agent to handle the intricate processes that come along with selling real estate.

Estate agents don't have to be licensed, although it helps them stand out to potential home sellers or buyers. However, real estate agents are required to be licensed. However, real estate agents are required to have a valid real estate license.