Just what is a REALTOR®

After showing the now infamous clip from Modern Family, our daughter asked “But Mom what is the difference?” We realized that maybe even our good friends and family did not know why we are REALTORS® and not just a real estate agents. 

Real estate agents have passed the state licensing test but to be a REALTOR® you must belong to the National Association of Realtors® a 1 million member strong trade association. We happen to be the largest trade association in the country.  But it is our strict code of ethics that holds us to a higher standard of conduct and the amazing support of private property rights that make us so proud to be REALTORS®.  17 articles in our strict code of ethics hold us accountable to other REALTORS® and our clients. Below is an exerp from the preamble to our code of ethics… As silly as Modern Family is, we as REALTORS® take our jobs to support the foundation of our communities and protect and promote land ownership very seriously.

“Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. RealtoRs® should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.

Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which Realtors® should dedicate themselves…”
— National Association of Realtors® Code of Ethics

I hope this sheds a little light on the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR® and I hope when you do need someone for a real estate transaction that you hire a REALTOR®! We know 2 really dedicated ones!