What’s the difference ? Or is it one?

Question

What’s the difference between a real estate agent and realtor? Or is it a difference

Nick C. · Answer

No difference in the functions they can perform, but a Realtor belongs to the National Association of Realtors. Not very exciting...

Sharon Powell · Answer

In my area, you have to be a Realtor to access MLS, but this isn’t the case everywhere.

Aside from that, to me the answer is that although both are licensed to do transactions, working with a Realtor offers a layer of protection for the investor beyond that of an agent.

First, you can infer that someone who goes the extra mile and expense to become a Realtor is serious about his or her business.

Second, in principle there’s a level of trust associated with the name. Realtors are vetted for certain types of convictions and bankruptcies before they can join. We have to commit to a higher code of ethics than an agent, to treat all parties fairly and honestly, and to place our clients interests higher than our own. This may seem like a no brainer, but nonetheless, it’s part of the requirement, and if a Realtor acts against the client’s best interests, the client can take action against them, beginning with the local or state Realtor association.

If you’re asking from the perspective of becoming one, then the biggest advantage of being one is that it can give you some credibility right out of the starting gate.

Bryan Scott · Answer

@ Tenisha Walker:  There are a number of differences between the two.  I am no cheerleader for the NAR, but Realtor designation can be advantageous to both agent and client for a number of reasons.  For specific differences that may benefit you as client, Google "Realtor vs. Non-Realtor; What's the difference?" and you will be presented with a mountain of information that will answer your question in gruesome detail.  Then, you can decide for yourself whether this designation is important to your next transaction.  Having been on both sides of the equation, I can assure you that this status by itself would not be my only deciding factor, but it would definitely be on the list.

Tenisha Walker · Answer

@Sharon Powell thank you makes sense

What’s the difference ? Or is it one?

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