You’ll frequently hear the terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor” used interchangeably, but they are not the same. While the distinction may seem minor, it makes a significant difference in training, ethics, accountability and service, especially in today’s evolving marketplace.
Whether you’re a consumer navigating a home sale or a professional building a career, it’s important to understand the distinction between agents and Realtors and why it matters.
The basics: license vs. membership
Let’s start with the basics. A real estate agent is an individual who holds a state-issued license to assist clients in buying, selling or renting property.
A Realtor, on the other hand, is a licensed real estate professional who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This membership is offered through a local Realtor association and includes automatic membership in both the state and national associations.
All Realtors are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are Realtors.
