Are All Agents REALTORS?

A common misconception among the public is that all real estate agents are REALTORS. They are not, and the difference is very important to understand. To be a real estate agent, you must complete the coursework required by the state in which you hope to practice and pass the state test. REALTORS, on the other hand, undergo yearly ethics training and voluntarily adhere to a strict code of professionalism. In short, "When you enlist the services of a REALTOR®, you can be confident that you're being dealt with honestly. Every member of the National Association of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. The Code of Ethics is a promise—as a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years" (taken from REALTOR.org).

As a REALTOR, I must approach the real estate transaction with some basic principles in mind. I must be honest with all parties in the transaction – not just with you, as my client, but also with the other real estate practitioner and his or her clients; put your interests ahead of my own, at all times; disclose all pertinent facts regarding the property and the transaction to both buyer and seller; and be truthful in all communications with the public (taken from REALTOR.org).