Realtor or Real Estate Agent

Are Realtors and real estate agents the same?

The answer is yes and no. Both have to complete a mandated level of training under the requirements issued by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), and successfully pass the real estate licensing exam. Subsequently, both must complete additional classes in order to renew their licenses every four years. The difference lies in that a Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors and an affiliated local board. As such the Realtor agrees to a Code of Ethics which holds them accountable to a higher standard of care. Unfortunately the designation of Realtor does not weed out all of the “bad actors”, nor does the lack of the designation mean that an agent is unethical. Do your homework and research the individual you select to help you through the maze of home buying and selling.