What is a REALTOR®?

There are millions of licensed real estate professionals in the United States, but only members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® can call themselves REALTORS®.

Unlike real estate practitioners who are simply licensed by their state to do business, REALTORS® are members of NAR and subscribe to the association's strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

The term REALTOR® stands for competency, fairness, high integrity, and moral conduct in business relations. REALTORS® pledge to adhere to NAR's strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Among other things, membership in NAR obligates them to be honest with all parties involved in a transaction, whether it is the buyer, seller, or cooperating agent.

The Code requires REALTORS® to identify and take steps to eliminate practices which may damage the public or which might discredit or bring dishonor to the real estate profession.

Approximately 950,000 real estate professionals have taken the additional step to join NAR, The Voice for Real Estate. When choosing a real estate professional, look for the registered trademark, REALTOR®.