Possibly, Ethics! See a real estate "agent" is someone who took the state license test after studying the material. They did not have to have been in real estate prior to the state test. They can simply find any real estate company that will allow them to "hang their license" and they're off and practicing real estate with buyers and sellers.
On the other hand, Realtors go a step further. We pay into an association that has operations on the national, state, and local levels. And these associations do alot more than allow agents to hang their license. They are filled with advocates that influence congress regarding issues that affect prooperty owners, buyers, and renters of real estate. Always for the best interest of the general homebuying / homeowning public, real estate agents, home builders, and developers in mind.
The National Assn of Realtors is one of the largest associations in the United States, representing a large group of individuals that has a voice in the White House, tackling issues on a legislative level that affect the general public and the industry directly.
Twice a year, at minimum, we must take Mandatory Update Continuning Education courses that keeps us up on the legislative issues, the industry on a national level, changes in our market on the state and local levels, in addition to educating us on the latest laws and trends in technology so we can better assist the public. We also have a Code of Ethics we must follow or be subjected to reprimands by the association, and possibly the real estate commission.
We, Realtors, uphold a pledge, just like oaths taken by other professionals, and it goes like this:
I am a Realtor. I pledge myself to protect the individual right of real estate ownership and to widen the opportunity to enjoy it; to be honorable and honest in all dealings; to seek better to represent my clients by building my knowledge and competence; to act fairly towards all in the spirit of the Golden Rule; to serve well my community, and through it my country; to observe the REALTORS Code of Ethics and conform my conduct to its lofty ideals.
Realtors pledge to be honest and treat everyone in the transaction fair. If you have an agent that is not a Realtor, you must ask Why have they chosen not to be a Realtor? And if they say because Realtors pay too many fees, then you should wonder - "If he wishes to save money by not being part of an organization that has him and his business in its best interest, then what else is he willing to cut back on...good customer service?" Hmmmm
If you'd like to learn more about the difference between a REALTOR and a real estate Agent and learn the steps to homeownership, feel free to contact me via email at RaineSpivey@Gmail.com or call Toll Free at (866) 99-RAINE (7-2463).
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