What is the difference btwn realtor and real estate agent?

Every REALTOR is a real estate agent, but not every real estate agent is a REALTOR. The difference is membership and a code of ethics. A real estate agent is anyone who holds a state license to help people buy, sell, or rent property. That's the baseline requirement to practice real estate in any state. A REALTOR is a real estate agent who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS. Membership requires adherence to a strict code of ethics that goes beyond what state licensing requires, including standards around honesty, transparency, and fiduciary duty to clients. REALTORS also have access to the MLS, additional training resources, and professional designations. For selling your house, either one can do the job. What matters more than the title is the agent's experience, their marketing plan, their track record in your market, and how well they communicate. Whether they're a REALTOR or a licensed agent, interview them the same way and choose based on who gives you the most confidence that they'll get the job done.

Both are licensed to represent you. Most agents are REALTORS which means that they are members of the National Association of REALTORS and members of a local board of REALTORS. Realtors subscribe to a strict code of ethics. REALTOR is a two syllable word pronounced REAL-TOR, and not REAL-A-TOR.

Hi Oneida, its a bit of a technical difference; the realtor is a member of an organization for real estate agents. A real estate agent is just that and licensed by their local governance. Most multiple listing services, where agents share information on properties for sale, require that real estate agents be realtors to access the information. That is why in the residential field, almost all real estate agents are realtors.

Tim, The only real difference is that a Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and must comply with at code of ethics and take ethics training periodically. All real estate agents do not have to be members of NAR, but most are members.

Good question Tim! A realtor and real estate agent both have equivalent licensing and are essentially identical for all intensive purposes. The differentiating factor is that a Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors and is held to the National Association of Realtors code of ethics. Disclaimer: Most real estate agents are realtors.

Good questions as I get this question more often than people think. A realtor is no different than a real estate agent. Both are the same just a different way to say them. I am happy to answer any other questions you may have!