In Omaha what is the difference between a Realtor^® and a real estate licensee?

You often times hear the term "Realtor^®," "real estate agent," and "real estate licensee" used interchangeable and you wonder what is the difference. In Omaha the difference is huge.

First a real estate licensee is anyone that holds a Nebraska Real Estate license. The requirements for obtaining a real estate license in as established by the Nebraska Real Estate Commission are:

1. High school diploma or GED

2. 60 hours of approved pre-license courses

3. At least 19 years old

4. Criminal background check performed by the Nebraska State Patrol

5. Pass the state real estate exam

A real estate license gives the licensee the ability to represent others in the sale of their property. Anyone can represent themselves when selling their own property (such as for-sale-by-owners) but in order to represent someone else you must have a real estate license. For more information on types of real estate licenses check out David Matney's blog.

A Realtor^® on the other hand, is someone that not only holds a Nebraska real estate license but is also a member of the Omaha Area Board of Realtors^®, the Nebraska Realtors^® Association, and the National Association of Realtors^®. As a Realtor^®, one is bound to abide by the Realtors^® Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics outlines a Realtor^®'s ethical responsibilities to the public, clients (people that a Realtor^® represents), customers (people that a Realtor^® does not represent), and other Realtors^®. Note that Realtor^® is a registered trademark of the National Association of Realtors^®.

Stay tuned for Part Two.

Troy Trumm

Trumm Team

Omaha Homes Currently Represented

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