What is a REALTOR®?
A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate -- the world's largest professional association.
The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to more than 1.3 million members. NAR is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,200 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS®. They can join one of our many institutes, societies, and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections.
Learn more about the Benefits of Home Ownership from the National Association of REALTORS®
Why you should use a REALTOR®!
REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Working for America's property owners, the National Association provides a facility for professional development, research, and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.
Ever wonder what those letters mean after a real estate agent's name?
Here's a list of the various real estate designations agents can get.
Additional articles.
Six reasons you should never buy or sell a home without an agent by Rachel Stults
Real estate professionals explained: Agent, Broker, REALTOR by Michele Lerner