Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor: Key Differences Explained

Are you looking to buy or sell a home and heard the terms “real estate agent” and “Realtor”? While many people use the two terms interchangeably, not every real estate agent is a Realtor. Understanding the difference is essential, whether you’re hiring a professional or considering a career in real estate. This guide provides a detailed comparison to help you make informed decisions during your property journey.

Introduction to Real Estate Professionals

When stepping into the real estate market, one of the first choices you face is selecting the right professional to guide you. The industry features licensed real estate agents and Realtors, but these titles are not synonymous.

Both play pivotal roles in property transactions, but key distinctions set them apart. Let's break down what each designation means and why it matters to buyers, sellers, and aspiring professionals alike.

What is a Real Estate Agent?

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who is authorized to facilitate the buying, selling, leasing, or renting of real estate properties. Each state has its own licensing requirements, often involving pre-licensing courses, a final exam, and ongoing education.

Agents work under a licensed real estate broker and help clients navigate contracts, property listings, negotiations, and closings. Their duties can vary depending on whether they represent the buyer, seller, or both, but all must act in the client’s best interest.

As of today, there are nearly 2 million active real estate licensees in the United States, making real estate agency a competitive and highly regulated field.

What is a Realtor?

While every Realtor is a real estate agent, not all agents are Realtors. The term “Realtor” is a trademarked title for members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), America’s largest trade association for the real estate industry.

Realtors must hold an active real estate license and abide by the NAR’s strict Code of Ethics. Membership offers additional benefits, access to exclusive market data, networking opportunities, and continued training that goes beyond basic licensure requirements.

This distinction goes beyond title—signaling a commitment to higher standards of professionalism, education, and ethical conduct.

Education and Licensing Requirements

The path to becoming a real estate agent or Realtor starts with education. Prospective agents must complete a state-approved pre-licensing course and pass a comprehensive exam. The specifics, such as the number of hours required, vary by state.

Realtors must meet these same requirements and take an extra step: joining their local, state, and national associations. They also pledge to uphold the NAR Code of Ethics and complete periodic ethics training to maintain their membership.

This commitment to education equips Realtors to better serve their clients and stay ahead of market changes.

Duties, Roles, and Representation

Both real estate agents and Realtors serve as intermediaries in property transactions, but some differences in their practices exist. Agents, whether or not they are Realtors, can represent buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants depending on their licensing and brokerage.

Realtors enjoy the same roles, but their association membership requires them to deliver a higher standard of client care. This includes obligations to all parties involved in a transaction—even those they don’t directly represent.

Choosing a Realtor often means benefitting from a professional who is continually educated and accountable to an external code of conduct.

The Realtor Code of Ethics

The NAR Code of Ethics is one of the most defining features that separates Realtors from non-member real estate agents. Established in 1913, this code outlines duties to clients, the public, and other Realtors.

Key themes include honesty, integrity, loyalty, and transparency. For example, it forbids Realtors from misrepresenting facts about a property and requires them to put clients’ interests ahead of their own.

Disciplinary actions, including fines or loss of membership, can be taken against Realtors who violate the code. This enforcement mechanism provides an extra layer of consumer protection.

Benefits of Working with a Realtor

Realtors offer various advantages that go beyond basic licensing. Their NAR membership grants access to exclusive tools, resources, and market data, helping clients discover the latest listings and market trends.

Realtors also participate in ongoing education, keeping their skills and knowledge updated. For clients, this means working with a professional who understands current market conditions and can navigate increasingly complex transactions.

Perhaps most importantly, the Realtor Code of Ethics holds members accountable, offering added peace of mind that your interests are being protected.

When to Choose a Real Estate Agent vs. a Realtor

In many cases, both agents and Realtors can handle your transaction successfully. If professional ethics, continuing education, and access to the latest resources matter most to you, working with a Realtor might be the best choice.

However, real estate agents who are not Realtors may also be experienced, knowledgeable, and effective. It’s always a good idea to interview multiple professionals, ask about their credentials, and check references before making your decision.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Many clients mistakenly believe all agents are Realtors, or that there’s no difference in the services they offer. In reality, the distinctions can impact your buying or selling experience.

The Realtor designation signals a higher level of accountability, which could make a difference if issues arise during transactions. Ensuring you know who you’re working with prevents surprises later on.

How to Verify an Agent or Realtor

Before hiring, ask the professional directly if they are a Realtor and request their NAR member number or check on the NAR website. Always verify licensure status through your state’s real estate regulatory agency.

This simple due diligence step can protect you from working with unlicensed or unqualified professionals and give you peace of mind throughout the process.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Understanding the difference between real estate agents and Realtors empowers you to select the professional best suited to guide your transaction. While both must be licensed, Realtors offer added assurance of ethical conduct, education, and market expertise thanks to their association with the National Association of Realtors.

By knowing these distinctions, you can confidently choose the real estate expert who aligns with your goals, values, and expectations. Whether you opt for a dedicated agent or a committed Realtor, doing your homework up front helps ensure a smooth and successful real estate experience.