I got called out for improperly using "Realtor"

I recently got called out for improper use of the word Realtor.

I wasn't sure what I was doing wrong because I always capitalize it, although that is the third preferred use.

The preferred use is REALTOR®.

The second preferred use is Realtor®.

However, the National Association of Realtors, recognizing that putting registered symbols or all-caps REALTORs throughout text can easily dilute the message of the text for the general public, allows the third preferred use of Realtor, with just an initial capital letter.

In all instances, though, realtor with all lower case is not proper.

Also note that Realtor© or any other form with the copyright symbol is incorrect. Realtor is not copyrighted. It is registered (®).

Note that Realtor™ or any other form with the trademark symbol is also incorrect.

If you like the registered symbol, ®, you can easily make it on any keyboard by holding the ALT key down and then typing 174 on your keypad, the numbers at the right of your keyboard. Don't use the numbers at the top; those won't work. If 174 doesn't work in your software or browser, simply use 0174. Apple folks, you're on your own since I use PCs here.

What I did not know is that only people can be Realtors. Well, I knew that but had forgotten my grammar rules. So when I said, "Jim Frimmer, your Mission Valley Realtor," I was using Realtor improperly. Mission Valley cannot be a Realtor. Nor can California, as in "your San Diego, California, Realtor."

However, Realtor can be used by itself, as in "your Realtor in Mission Valley."

I've noticed that I'm not the only one here at ActiveRain using Realtor improperly. In fact, after being called out for improper use, I've been noticing that many other people are using it improperly. In fact, some of them are people who have been real estate agents (although perhaps not Realtors) for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 years longer than me.

I'm wondering if the rules have changed recently, which simply means that one should do an annual check on one's business to make sure that it still meets all the rules and regulations under which we operate.

If you need more information on how to properly use Realtor and its various forms, see the National Association of Realtors web site.

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If you're looking for a great San Diego Realtor, well,
let me Google one for you.

I'm available 24/7, so feel free to contact me by phone or email.

Jim Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award Mission Valley
California DRE License #01458572
619-729-5701
jimfrimmer@century21award.com
Mission Valley Condos Information

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Try RusselRayPhotos.com for inexpensive, royalty-free photos.

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