People use “agent” and “Realtor” interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing, and the difference is worth understanding before you hire anyone.
Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor: The Actual Difference
A real estate agent is anyone who holds a state-issued real estate license, whether that’s a salesperson license or a broker license. “Realtor” is a trademarked term that specifically refers to a licensed agent or broker who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors, or NAR. Every Realtor is a licensed agent, but not every licensed agent is a Realtor, since NAR membership is optional, not automatic.
What NAR Membership Actually Means
Joining NAR requires paying dues and agreeing to abide by the organization’s Code of Ethics, a formal set of professional standards covering honesty, fair dealing, and disclosure obligations to clients and other parties in a transaction. NAR members also get access to the organization’s advocacy work, continuing education resources, and in many markets, access to local MLS systems that are tied to NAR-affiliated associations.
What the Code of Ethics Obligation Adds in Practice
The Code of Ethics goes beyond the baseline legal requirements of a real estate license. It creates a formal complaint and enforcement process through the local Realtor association, meaning a client who feels an agent violated a specific ethical duty, like disclosure or fair treatment, has a channel to file a complaint beyond just a state licensing board. It’s an additional layer of accountability, not a replacement for state law.
Does It Matter Which One You Hire
Being a Realtor isn’t a guarantee of quality, and plenty of excellent agents may not currently hold NAR membership for various reasons. That said, it’s a reasonable thing to ask about during an interview, since it tells you the agent has agreed to an additional layer of professional standards on top of their state license. As always, the agent’s actual track record and communication style matter just as much as this credential.
If you’d like to ask about Efrat’s credentials directly, get in touch.