WHAT IS A REALTOR?
A Realtor is a licensed real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, The Voice For Real Estate, and subscribes to its strict code of ethics and standards.
The term Realtor is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a licensed real estate professional who is a member of NAR.
There are approximately 2.6 million licensed real estate professionals in the United State, but only 1.3 million are REALTORS. NAR membership is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. There are more than 1,400 local associations and boards and 54 State and territory associations of REALTORS. Members join NAR through their local Realtor association.
The term “Realtor” and REALTORS” is not synonymous with “real estate agent” and “real estate agents”. The NAR code of ethics obligates REALTORS to be honest with all parties involved in a transaction, whether buyer, seller or cooperating agent. The Code requires REALTORS to identify and take steps to illuminate practices which may damage the public or which might discredit or dishonor the real estate profession.
REALTORS must take a refresher training course and pass an examination on the CODE of Ethics every four year cycle. Real Estate licensees who join NAR are required to take orientations classes on the code.
The role of REALTORS in our communities goes far beyond the real estate transaction process of buying and selling. As local business owners and residents, REALTORS are vested in building healthy and vibrant communities across the country neighborhood by neighborhood.
REALTORS across the country participate in many several NAR programs that improve our communities. The Housing Opportunity Program provides tools and recourses for promoting affordable housing at local, State and National levels. The Good Neighbor Awards honor REALTORS who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities through volunteer work.
State and local Realtor Associations also initiate community projects of their own to improve the communities in which their members work and live. Many REALTORS work with local and State Habitat for Humanity Programs, food drives, and A Day For Caring programs.
For more information about public outreach and community programs sponsored by the National, State or Southern Maryland Association of REALTORS, please contact The Rachel DeHanas Team at 301-870-1717 or 1-800-842-0190, or visit their website at www.DeHanas.com.
