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Realtor or Real Estate Agent ? Which One Are You?

The other day I commented on a blog that led me to write this Blog.

Do you think that the general public know that there is a difference? I don't think so. Do you think they really care what the difference is? The only difference that I am aware of is a Realtor is a member of NAR and thus subject to the code of Ethics. Whereas a Real Estate Agent is not a member of NAR and thus not subject to the code of ethics.

Being one or the other doesn't make you more ethical or less ethical. Your personality, up bringing and the people you choose to associate with determine whether you are going to treat people with honesty, fairly and a respect that they deserve whether they are customers or other realtors you are doing business with.

I realize there are many benefits of being a member of NAR other than the code of Ethics and so I belong but don't get all bent out of shape when you run across a Real Estate Agent I don't think the public even know or care as long as they feel like they are being treated honestly thats all they care about. www.MontroseHomeConnection.com

Posted by Alan Brown on 07/17/2008 05:03 PM

Comments (9)

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9 Comments on Realtor or Real Estate Agent ? Which One Are You?

good point, I agree and don't think the public knows either...although I know NAR has done some commertials to try to inform the public. Personally, I like being able to say Realtor.

07/17/2008 05:07 PM

by Raylene Lewis (Century 21 Beal, Inc.)

I don't think so; a real estate agent is usually referred to as a REALTOR.

07/17/2008 05:07 PM

by Atlanta GA Georgia New Homes, Incentives, Discounts, Buyer Bonus (Realty Professionals)

Alan, I agree! I too am a Realtor, but I will be honest, in my life I have been called much worse than a real estate agent! I agree that the Realtor designation won't make anyone more ethical or honest, you are correct when you said that it a number of factors including choice that determines whether or not a Realtor or Real Estate Agent is ethical.

07/17/2008 05:09 PM

by Tony & Darcy Cannon - The C Team (ERA Realty Center)

I know you're right about your individual code of ethics being the real issue here, but I have to tell you that the sneakiest, most conniving agent I've ever worked with (as you can tell, this deal was a real pain) wasn't a Realtor, but rather a real estate agent. It did cross my mind briefly whether she was being so misprepresentative about her clients' true position because she didn't have a formal code of ethics she was bound to adhere to, but I guess the truth is that she's just the way she is because that's how she was brought up and probably would have behaved in the same manner even if she were a Realtor.

07/17/2008 05:10 PM

by Sharon Roark A Home Staging Realtor in Lexington KY (Remax Premier)

Great points Alan. I should use this more often when introducing myself to potential clients.

07/17/2008 05:21 PM

by Mike Jackson (Realty World Global)

In Hawaii ...even in different counties (islands) we use different designations....here on Oahu (Honolulu county) we use Realtor-Associate® and if a Broker they use Realtor® ...on my Real Estate License it says 'Real Estate Salesperson'. Bottom line the little ® after our designation means we're members of NAR, HBR, HAR.

And there are good and bad in all industries...regardless of their designations anyway. I have come across MANY with the ® who didn't follow their COE....so no matter what...it comes down to integrity...which should be a given in our profession :)

07/17/2008 09:45 PM

by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)

Good Point. The general public I've cross across pretty much calls everyone Realtors.

07/18/2008 02:43 AM

by Trunda Rogers-Dallas County (Summit Realty & Mortgage)

Yes, friend; I am a REALTOR, too -- but I cannot recall anyone from the public knowing the difference.

Best!

07/18/2008 08:18 AM

by Atlanta GA Georgia New Homes, Incentives, Discounts, Buyer Bonus (Realty Professionals)

I am a REALTOR and I know in my area educated homeowners know the difference between REALTORS and real estate license holders.

07/28/2008 12:36 AM

by Tina Maraj Shah Fullerton Realtor (RE/MAX North Orange County)

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