Realtors

Realtor is a term used in the United States to designate a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The word is a trademark of NAR, and only licensed real estate practitioners who join the association may legally call themselves Realtors.

Realtors provide services in residential and commercial real estate, including listing properties, marketing, showing homes, negotiating offers, and guiding clients through contracts and closing. They may work as part of a brokerage and typically have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which aids pricing, exposure, and coordination with other professionals.

Because Realtors are bound by the NAR Code of Ethics, they pledge duties to clients and customers, such as loyalty, disclosure of material facts, confidentiality, and reasonable care. They also have a responsibility to the public, including fair housing and honest dealing, and may be subject to professional discipline for ethical violations.

Licensing requirements for real estate work vary by jurisdiction, but most places require completing pre-licensing education, passing exams, and maintaining licensure through continuing education. NAR membership is voluntary and adds professional standards, ethics training, and access to resources and networking opportunities.

Compensation typically comes as a commission paid by the seller through the listing brokerage, though fee arrangements can vary. Not all real estate professionals are Realtors, and the term should not be assumed to apply to all agents; some agents belong to other associations or operate independently.

In practice, Realtors operate in many markets, with the strongest presence in the United States. The trademark and ethics framework are centered on NAR, while terminology and regulatory structures differ in other countries.