When you're looking for help buying or selling property, it's important to remember that the terms "real estate agent" and "REALTOR®" are not synonymous. REALTORs® can provide an extra level of service, and to be a REALTOR® you must be a member of the National Association of REALTORs®. The NAR is a non-profit trade organization that promotes high professional standards in real estate information, education and professional standards.
The National Association of REALTORs® also has earned a strong reputation for actively championing private property rights and working to make home ownership affordable and accessible.
NAR and CREA members adhere to a strict code of ethics founded on the principle of providing fair and honest service to all consumers. REALTOR® business practices are monitored at local board levels. Arbitration and disciplinary systems are in place to address complaints from the public or board members.
This local oversight keeps REALTORs® directly accountable to the individual consumers they serve. Real estate licensees who are not REALTORs®, work solely under state/provincial licensing regulations.
REALTOR®:
A REALTOR® (or REALTOR®) is a licensed real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORs® (NAR) a membership organization of some 720,000 real estate agents in the United States. In Canada, the corresponding professional organization is the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). A licensed real estate agent does not have to be a member of NAR or CREA to practice real estate.
Broker:
In real estate, a broker has earned a broker's license. Many brokers own their own real estate office and are "brokers of record," with other real estate agents "hanging their license" under the broker of record.