REALTOR®, real estate agent….what does it mean? Should I care?
Does the word REALTOR® mean anything to the public or is it something that only really holds weight amongst the real estate community?
These are questions I was recently asked. Being a REALTOR®, I was a little taken aback. What do you mean you don’t understand the difference? Commercials and all of the information out there give the perception that they are one and the same.
HA! They are NOT.
Being a REALTOR® is similar to a doctor taking the Hippocratic oath or a member of the military pledging their life & body to the U.S. government. We are promising to uphold the highest ethics possible in treating you – our buyers and sellers – with dignity, respect, integrity, honesty that you deserve and have a right to experience. REALTOR® means that we follow a strict code of ethics. We take that seriously.
A real estate agent is anyone with a real estate license in their state. If you can pass the test, you’re in! Not to say that every agent who does not belong to the REALTOR® Association does not follow the code of ethics but they are not bound to it as a REALTOR® is.
Makes you wonder…..
Have you asked your agent if they’re a REALTOR® lately?
Really good information to get out to your area, Danielle. We do have a code of ethics that is important in helping us to best serve the public. Please register me for your site so I can easily comment when I see these great posts.
Thanks Leslie. Code of ethics is so important for our profession and the public.
Danielle,
I like the reference you make to a Doctor and the Military taking an oath. It’s the very same for REALTORS and we take that very seriously. Real estate (NON REALTOR) agents don’t take that same oath nor are they bound by the same code of ethics.
There is so much more to being a REALTOR than just having access to the local MLS.
HI Danielle – you have a very nice site here, and this is a great post. It is interesting that questions from people inspire posts!!
Thanks Sharon! We strive to always improve.
I do believe that as Realtor®s we are at a different level of commitment. Well worth expanding on this Jody.
You’re so right Jane! As Realtors® we have committed to a more professional level.