What’s the difference between a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent

Posted by admin on January 15, 2010 under Real Estate License Basics | Be the First to Comment

There’s a lot of confusion regarding this question… and the confusion isn’t new!  Here’s the bottom line… getting your real estate license and becoming a real estate agent does not make you a Realtor®. Although the term Realtor® is used quite frequently by people outside of the real estate industry to describe a real estate agent, not every real estate agent is a Realtor® and not every Realtor® is a real estate agent. Are you confused yet? There is no reason for you to be.  In this post we will break down what the difference is between a Realtor® and a real estate agent.

A real estate agent is someone licensed to perform real estate transactions. Realtor® is registered title reserved strictly for members of the National Association of Realtors®. The National Association of Realtors® is the single largest professional organization in the world, providing a network of information for its members, governmental agencies, and the public alike. Property managers, brokers, appraisers, salespeople, and any other real estate professional can become a Realtor® by becoming a member of the National Association of Realtors®.

The National Association of Realtors® is an organization networking more than 720,000 people in all aspects of the real estate industry across the nation. Since 1908 when it was first established with a grand total of 120 members, the National Association of Realtors® has been holding real estate professionals to a higher standard of practice with the Code of Ethics that those with the privilege of holding the title of Realtor®.

The way that a real estate professional can become a Realtor® is by joining any number of the more than 1700 local or more than 50 state groups and associations affiliated with the National Association of Realtors®. Realtors®, also known as The Voice For Real Estate®, are advocates for property owners nationwide. Being a Realtor® comes with a much greater ethical standard required than having a real estate license or a real estate appraiser license. Joining any of the councils, societies or institutes across the country to become a Realtor® binds you to the code of conduct that must be upheld by all members of the National Association of Realtors®.

Getting your real estate license and becoming a real estate agent can be a great move for your career, but becoming a Realtor® can help propel your career to the next level.  Joining an organization of the size and stature of the National Association of Realtors® can provide you with a tremendous network of fellow real estate professionals to help expand your knowledge base. Networking is crucial to a successful real estate career. Another element of a successful career is reputation, and there is no more reputable organization to be a part of than the National Association of Realtors®. Being a real estate agent that is also a Realtor® brings an incredible amount of credibility to your name; the kind of credibility that will attract a solid clientele.