The word "REALTOR®" (with two syllables) patented in 1948, 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.
Not sure who or when the "ah" was placed in the middle of REAL"ah" TOR®, but it's time to stop mispronouncing who we, collectively as a professional affiliation are!
Recently, I attended a video conference for real estate professionals in Los Angeles. Dawn Wells, perhaps better known as Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island was one of the guest speakers, who eloquently delivered a presentation on camera presence. In the course of her talk, she professed her love of real estate - having owned 11 properties at one time. During her talk on stage, she described her experience with "Real-ah-tors." After her talk, she very graciously took a photo with me, at which time I asked her if I could give her a tip. Upon sharing the correct pronunciation of "REALTOR®" with her, she immediately felt that all the real estate professionals in the room must not have believed her credible! When I told her that many in our industry pronounce it that way, she thanked me with a big smile and a hug. That's right, Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island! 
So the next time you're at a video conference, the office or stranded on a desert island, and a co-worker, friend or celebrity mispronounces your professional affiliation, kindly let them know, it's pronounced REALTOR® (with two syllables!) But, don't always count on getting a big hug, cause you might just end up with a big "huh" instead.
Can you guess this REALTORS® answer to the question, "Mary Ann or Ginger?"
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