Why Use A REALTOR® Instead Of A Real Estate Agent When Buying Or Selling Property?

Buying or selling a home is a significant event in almost everyone’s life. It is vital to your financial piece of mind to hire the right person with the highest personal standards of conduct to help you through the confusing process. Did you know there is a significant difference between a REALTOR® and a licensed real estate agent? Most people I visit with assume all real estate agents are Realtors®. This is not true however.

All states require real estate agents to be licensed in their state in order to assist the public when performing the duties of real estate brokerage. But, states nor local governments require their licensed real estate agents to be Realtors®.

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the world's largest professional association. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to today's 720,000 members. NAR is composed of REALTORS® who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

A REALTOR® has taken a significant step that can benefit you whenever you are buying, selling or renting a property. In order for an agent to become a Realtor®, the agent must take additional classes to learn the Code of Ethics and the Professional Standards of Conduct that have been developed by the National Association of Realtors®. Realtors® must then agree to conduct themselves under NAR's strict rules of conduct. Realtors® also become subject to discipline if they should violate any of the Codes of Ethics rules. State licensed real estate agents are not bound by the strict Code of Ethics that Realtors are. So, which type of professional do you want representing you during your next real estate transaction?

The next time you decide to purchase or sell a property, be sure to verify that you are working with an individual who has taken the professional steps to become a National Association Realtor®. It will cost you nothing, but can save you money and result in a much smoother real estate transaction.