What Is a Realtor® and Why Working With One Matters

Realtor®, you've probably seen that word on yard signs or online listings, but what does it actually mean? If you've ever been confused by the difference between a Realtor® and a regular real estate agent, you're not alone. We’re here to clear that up in a friendly, no-nonsense way. In this article, we'll explain exactly what a Realtor® is, how a Realtor® differs from any other licensed real estate agent, and why working with a Realtor® can benefit you when buying or selling a home.

What Does “Realtor®” Mean (and Who Is the NAR)?

A Realtor® is a licensed real estate professional who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the largest trade association in the United States, with over 1.5 million members. In other words, all Realtors are real estate agents or brokers, but not all real estate agents are Realtors. The title “Realtor” is a trademarked designation, coined by NAR, which means only those who join NAR and agree to follow its strict Code of Ethics can legally call themselves Realtors. (That’s why you’ll often see “Realtor” capitalized and with an ® symbol. It’s a special title that indicates NAR membership.)

National Association of Realtors (NAR): Founded in 1908, NAR has grown into a respected organization that stands for professionalism and integrity in the real estate industry. When an agent becomes a Realtor, they are aligning themselves with a network that prides itself on high ethical standards and ongoing education.

Realtor® vs. Real Estate Agent: What’s the Difference?

So, how is a Realtor® different from any other real estate agent? The key distinctions come down to membership, ethics, and accountability. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Real Estate Agent: This is anyone who has obtained a state real estate license to help people buy, sell, or rent property. They’ve completed the required coursework and passed a state exam to earn the license. Real estate agents legally facilitate transactions – marketing homes, negotiating deals, guiding clients through paperwork, and they typically work under a licensed broker. However, the term “real estate agent” by itself doesn’t imply any particular affiliation beyond the state licensing requirements.

• Realtor®: A Realtor is a licensed agent or broker who is a member of NAR. Realtors must uphold additional responsibilities and standards that set them apart. For one, they pledge to adhere to NAR’s Code of Ethics, a set of rules guiding professional conduct. They also have access to extra resources and tools provided by the Realtor organization, for example, many Realtors gain membership to their local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a powerful database of property listings, as part of being in NAR. Importantly, only NAR members can use the title “Realtor®”. If an agent isn’t in NAR, they might simply be called a real estate agent or broker, but not a Realtor.

In short, the Realtor vs. real estate agent question comes down to NAR membership and the higher standards that Realtors commit to. All Realtors are licensed agents, but they’ve taken an extra step by joining a professional association that demands ethical conduct beyond the norm.

The Realtor® Code of Ethics and Ongoing Education

One of the biggest things that makes Realtors special is their Code of Ethics. NAR’s Code of Ethics is essentially the “golden rule” of real estate professionalism, and it’s what truly distinguishes a Realtor from a run-of-the-mill agent. First adopted in 1913, this code has evolved over time but its core purpose remains the same: to ensure fair, honest treatment for all parties in a real estate transaction.

What’s in the Code? It’s a comprehensive set of 17 articles laying out how Realtors should behave in all sorts of situations. These articles are grouped into three main categories: duties to clients and customers, duties to the public, and duties to other Realtors. In essence, the Code requires Realtors to put their clients’ interests first and act with integrity, competence, and transparency at all times. For example, a Realtor promises to be truthful in advertising, to treat all parties honestly, and to cooperate with other agents to best serve their client.. going above and beyond basic legal requirements.

Higher Standards and Accountability: Realtors take this ethical pledge seriously, and it’s not just lip service. Every Realtor must regularly complete ethics training to stay familiar with the Code’s principles. In fact, NAR requires members to take a refresher Code of Ethics course every three years. This continuing education helps ensure Realtors remain up-to-date on best practices and ethical guidelines. If a Realtor fails to uphold the Code, there are systems in place to hold them accountable. They could face disciplinary action, fines, or even lose their NAR membership for serious violations. This level of accountability is a safety net for consumers; it means when you work with a Realtor, you know they have more to lose than just their license if they don’t do right by you.

Why Working with a Realtor® Benefits You

Choosing a Realtor® isn’t just about titles or logos – it can have a real impact on your home buying or selling experience. Here are some of the key benefits of working with a Realtor:

• Trust and Professionalism: Realtors are aligned with a respected organization known for upholding high ethical standards. For you as a consumer, working with a Realtor can offer an extra layer of confidence and trust – you know your agent has pledged to be honest and to put your interests first. This commitment can give you peace of mind during what is often one of life’s biggest financial transactions.

• Extra Knowledge and Training: Because of NAR’s emphasis on education, Realtors tend to stay up-to-date on industry trends, laws, and best practices. NAR provides a wealth of resources from workshops and market research to networking events that help Realtors continually sharpen their skills. A Realtor who is constantly learning can better advise you on pricing, marketing strategies, negotiation tactics, and more. In short, they have a competitive edge that can benefit you, the client.

• Wider Network & Resources: Most Realtors are part of their local real estate board and Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a huge database where Realtors list properties and find homes for buyers. Working with a Realtor means greater access to the market if you’re selling, your home will be listed on the MLS (and visible to all other Realtors and their clients), and if you’re buying, your Realtor can search the MLS to find all properties that meet your criteria. This broad exposure can lead to faster sales and more options to choose from. Realtors also often have a network of colleagues (and may cooperate with each other through the NAR network) which can help in finding buyers or properties through word-of-mouth.

• Advocacy and Consumer Protection: Realtors are not only bound to do right by you, but there’s also a formal process to address issues if something goes wrong. NAR’s ethical standards mean that Realtors have an image and membership to uphold. If a Realtor seriously violates your trust or the code, you can report them to their local Realtor association which can impose consequences. This is an added layer of protection for you that you wouldn’t necessarily have with a non-Realtor agent. Moreover, NAR as an organization advocates for homeownership rights and fair housing, which ultimately benefits consumers at large.

In summary, a Realtor brings professionalism, accountability, and expertise to the table. They’ve voluntarily gone the extra mile to certify their commitment to ethical practice and to stay educated in their field all of which works to your advantage as a home buyer or seller.

Our Commitment at Buy Georgia Realty 

At Buy Georgia Realty, we believe so strongly in the value of the Realtor® difference that we invest in being Realtors ourselves. Becoming a Realtor isn’t automatic or free, our agents pay annual dues to be part of the NAR and fulfill ongoing training requirements to maintain that status. We willingly do this because we know it helps us deliver professional excellence and peace of mind to our clients.

When you work with Buy Georgia Realty, you’re not just getting a licensed real estate agent – you’re getting a Realtor® dedicated to upholding a higher standard of service and ethics. We’ve made a commitment to the Realtor organization as part of our promise to protect your interests as a consumer. In practical terms, that means you can expect knowledgeable guidance, honest communication, and a partner in your real estate journey who is accountable to both you and a code of honor.

Bottom line: Realtors® like us don’t just help you buy or sell a house.. we are advocates for your goals and guardians of your trust. That’s a difference you can feel confident about the next time you see that Realtor® “R” logo on a business card or yard sign. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, working with a Realtor® (and specifically, a Buy Georgia Realty Realtor!) is a smart choice to ensure you’re getting expertise, ethical service, and someone who truly has your back in the real estate process.