Only real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® may call themselves REALTORS®. All REALTORS® must subscribe to NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, which is based on honesty, professionalism and the protection of the public.

Do you know whether each real estate licensee in your transaction is or is not a REALTOR®?

While all REALTORS® have a real estate license, not all real estate licensees are REALTORS®.

Generally, under state law, one must obtain a real estate license in order to represent another in a real estate transaction. One can obtain a real estate license by taking required classes and passing a written test. However, in order to be a REALTOR®, one must not only have a real estate license but must also subscribe to the Code of Ethics published by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

The word “REALTOR®” is a trademark of the NAR and its use identifies a person who has voluntarily joined the NAR and subscribes to its Code of Ethics. REALTORS® are not just members of a national trade association. REALTORS® also are typically members of a state and local association of REALTORS®, and agree to abide by the bylaws, rules and regulations of those associations.

The distinction between REALTORS® and those who only have a real estate license is so significant that in some states a person can have his or her real estate license revoked if he or she uses the term REALTOR® without actually being a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.

REALTORS® pledge themselves to the Code of Ethics and related Standards of Practice covering duties to Clients and Customers, duties to the Public and duties to fellow REALTORS®.

REALTORS®, as a group, support housing affordability, contribute to and distribute disaster relief aid, provide scholarships, and support laws promoting homeownership and private property rights.

REALTORS® pledge themselves to fairness and integrity in pursuing business relations.

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[Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice]