Are real estate agents Realtors?

A real estate agent and a REALTOR are both professionals who work in the real estate industry, but there is a distinction between the two based on their membership in a professional organization and their adherence to a code of ethics. Real Estate Agent: A real estate agent is a licensed professional who helps individuals buy, sell, or rent real estate properties. They are typically required to complete specific education and training, pass a state licensing exam, and meet other local or state requirements to obtain their real estate license. Real estate agents work for a real estate brokerage and are often considered salespeople. They represent clients in real estate transactions and earn commissions on the sale or purchase of properties. While real estate agents are regulated by state real estate commissions, they may not necessarily be members of a professional organization like the National Association of Realtors (NAR). REALTOR: A REALTOR is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a prominent professional organization in the real estate industry. To become a REALTOR, a real estate agent must join their local association of REALTORS and subscribe to the NAR's strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The NAR's Code of Ethics sets a higher standard of conduct for REALTORS and promotes professionalism and ethical behavior in real estate transactions. REALTORS have access to additional resources and benefits through NAR membership, such as legal support, education, and networking opportunities. They also have the right to use the registered trademark "REALTOR" when identifying themselves as a member of NAR.In summary, the key difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR is the membership in the National Association of Realtors and adherence to its Code of Ethics. While both real estate agents and REALTORS can help clients buy and sell properties, REALTORS commit to a higher level of professionalism and ethical standards through their association with NAR. However, it's important to note that the terms "real estate agent" and "REALTOR" are often used interchangeably, leading to some confusion in the real estate industry.

Hello Keneatha, it's a great question!. While both agents and Realtors have been licensed in their respective state, they're not the same. In Houston, both real estate agent and a Realtor have a TX license to service the state. However Realtors have a clear distinction - We belong (and pay membership dues) to different boards - NAR, TAR and HAR. A Realtor has to have good standing in NAR. We must abide by NARs Code of Ethics & Professional Standards, which outlines duties to clients and customers, the public and other Realtors. That's the biggest difference. You're dealing with someone at a higher standard when you work with a Realtor. Realtors cooperate with each other to further the best interests of consumers and their clients. Realtor is a trademarked name by NAR so you have to be a member to use it.

Hey Keneatha, You have raised a very informative question. Yes, there is a difference between a Real Estate agent and a Realtor. License is required for a real estate agent while for being a Realtor you need to be a member of a paid member of Houston Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors or Texas Association of Realtors.

No.

A licensee is a real estate agent.
A paid member of HAR/TAR/NAR is designated a Realtor.

Both have passed same state licensing requirments.

Hi Keneatha!

Excellent question! The answer is real estate agents may or may not be realtors. What makes a real estate agent a realtor is whether or not they belong (and pay membership dues) to an association of realtors. In our area, a real estate agent may belong to HAR (Houston Association of Realtors), the TAR (Texas Association of Realtors), and the NAR (National Association of Realtors). I will add that MOST Houston area real estate agents belong to all three, but there are a small few that do not. Only a member of one or all of these groups can claim to be a realtor.

Hope this helps!