What is the Difference Between a Realtor(R) and a Real Estate Agent?

I want to start by stating that I have a knowledge of Florida license law regarding real estate. I am not proficient in license law in other states. In Florida a real estate license is "Active" only when it is carried under a licensed Broker. We generally refer to the license as being "Hung" with a broker as state law requires the licenses of each agent be displayed and hung up somewhere in the physical real estate office. Real estate agents who do not join the National Association of Realtors(R) and the Florida Association of Realtors(R) and their local Board of Realtors are classified as real estate licensees. They have a license and they can practice real estate. However they are not Realtors(R) and Do Not Have Access to the MLS system under their own name.  These licensees are usually "referral agents" of the Broker to whom their license is hung and are most likely part-time agents or slowing down in business in an effort to transition into retirement.

Keep in mind that most large Brokerage firms, including Florida Luxury Realty require their agents to be Realtors(R). 

What Is a Realtor(R)?

• A real estate licensee who joins the National, State and Local Board of Relators(R)
• A licensee who attends Realtor(R) Code of Ethics Training
• A licensee who takes an oath to Follow and Uphold the Realtor(R) Code of Ethics

Realtors(R) are not only held to a higher ethical standard than those who possess a license and are not Realtors(R) we are also better educated and trained. Generally the licensees local board of Realtors(R) offers classes and training that is not available to those who are not Realtors(R) we meet with city and county officials, we meet with county property appraisers, senators and other professionals in our industry so we can be better informed about our local and state laws and policies.

Only a Realtor(R) can use the Realtor(R) logo or call themselves a Realtor(R). You may see email addresses or website domain names that have a ".Realtor" exchange. This domain exchange and email can only be used by a Realtor(R) member. I am happy to display my domain and email as it shows people that I am a highly skilled professional in the real estate industry and I hold myself to a higher ethical standard of business than those who are simply license holders. 

If you are speaking with real estate agents to assist you in selling or buying a home, I urge you to ask if they are a Realtor(R) or not. You may decide that you want a better trained agent or a full time agent and you might not know that if you don't ask. 

written by Michael J. Gallo all images are property of the author.