Real Estate Agents VS REALTORS®

The terms real estate agent and REALTOR® are often used interchangeably. However there is a significant difference. While both are licensed to sell real estate, the main difference is that a REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and  must subscribe to the  REALTORS® code of ethics whereas this is not a requirement for a real estate agent. Some real estate companies such as Coldwell Banker make it a requirement that all of their agents become members of the association in order to be affiliated with the company.

So what does this mean to the you?

As previously stated REALTORS® must subscribe to a strict code of ethics that is composed of 17 Articles and various underlying Standards of Practice. These standards are much more restrictive and confining pertaining to conduct than those required of agents who simply hold a real estate license. By becoming a REALTOR® an agent is in essence going the extra mile to ensure their brand and level of service to you is upheld to the highest industry standards. Also by doing so they have allowed themselves to be held accountable for their actions on all levels.

You may ask yourself why would anyone holding a real estate license not make the commitment to becoming a REALTOR®? The next time you are considering the purchase or sale of a home and are interviewing agents be sure to have this question near the top of your list.