What is a Realtor®?
A real estate agent can be called a Realtor® only after he or she becomes a member of the National Association of Realtors®.
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 abides by its strict Code of Ethics which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. Look for the Realtor ® logo when choosing your real estate agent.
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime.
Many consumers consider selling their home directly but eventually turn to Realtors®. Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise in pricing their home, making connections with Realtors® who are working with buyers, arranging and staffing open house showings, and coordinating with other professionals in the sales process.
Only about half of all real estate agents are Realtors® -- Our Realtors® work independently, for small agencies or for large brokerages. They help people buy and sell residential or commercial properties, vacation homes, and land; they conduct appraisals; they operate in the United States and in other countries; some specialize in auctions; and others are buyer’s representatives.
Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise of a real estate agent in the sales process. And only real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors® follow a time-tested Code of Ethics, where other real estate licensees may not.
Why use a Realtor®?
Realtor® Designations
The National Association of Realtors® has a variety of affiliates that provide designations acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors. They offer designations and certifiaction programs to its members, including the ABR and GRi designations, and the e-PRO certifications program.
Consumer demand for buyer representation has changed the relationship between buyers and real estate professionals. REBAC ( Real estate buyers agent council ) awards the ABR designation to Realtors® who meet education and experience requirements to better prepare them to represent buyers.
A Realtor® with the Graduate Realtor® Instiute designation is trained in many areas, including legal and regularoty issues, professional standards, the sales process and technology. A minimum of 90 hours of training is required to achieve the GRI designation.
e-PRO - certification indicates that a Realtor® has been trained on Internet business principles and the technologies required throughout the real estate transaction.
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