Warminster, PA– What’s the difference between a Realtor® and a real estate agent? While they share similarities, a key distinction is that Realtors® go the extra mile.
“Real estate agents and Realtors® are both licensed professionals who facilitate property transactions between buyers and sellers,” explained Bucks County Association of Realtors® President Frank Blumenthal. “However, Realtors® are members of the National Association of Realtors®, and they adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and high standards of conduct.”
In addition to earning their professional licenses, Realtors® have taken the extra step to join NAR and dedicate themselves to professionalism and ethical practices in the industry. All Realtors® pledge to uphold integrity, honesty and client interests through the Code of Ethics, and they commit to completing ethics training every three years.
“Every Realtor® is a licensed real estate professional, but not every licensed professional is a Realtor®,” Blumenthal added. “The title of ‘Realtor®’ signifies a special dedication to serving clients, guiding them towards their homebuying and selling goals and helping them build lasting wealth.”
Realtors® also pride themselves on being industry experts. They have access to educational opportunities and professional designations and certifications – like NAR’s Commitment to Excellence and At Home with Diversity – that allow them to offer their clients an elevated level of service. Many Realtors® earn these designations and certifications to broaden their knowledge, develop their professional skills and better understand their clients’ unique needs.
In addition to upholding the Code of Ethics and expanding their industry knowledge through specialized credentials, Realtors® have access to various multiple listing services (MLSs), which are private databases that are created, maintained and paid for by real estate professionals to help their clients buy and sell property. Through MLSs, sellers gain increased exposure to their properties, and buyers can obtain information about all MLS-listed properties while working with only one broker.
Realtors® also care about their communities. In fact, 69% of them volunteer on a monthly basis, according to NAR research.
“As Realtors®, we truly are more than just real estate agents,” Blumenthal concluded. “Our commitment to our clients and our communities through everything we do is what sets us apart in this industry.”