Realtor
A Realtor is a real estate professional who is an active, dues-paying member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The term is a registered trademark — it means an NAR member specifically, not any licensed agent, broker or appraiser.
By Yas Rajah ·
“Realtor” is one of the most misused words in real estate. It does not mean “real estate agent” — it means a member of the National Association of Realtors, the largest US trade association in the industry. Agents, brokers and even appraisers can be Realtors if they join and keep their membership current.
A few specifics people ask about
- It’s a trademark. NAR owns “REALTOR®” as a registered collective membership mark, which is why the organization writes it in capitals with the ® symbol. In everyday writing, “Realtor” is fine.
- Pronunciation. Two syllables: REAL-tor, not “REAL-a-tor.”
- Who can use it. Only current NAR members. An agent who lets their membership lapse isn’t a Realtor anymore, even though they’re still a licensed agent.
- It’s not a license. You become an agent or broker by getting a state license; you become a Realtor by joining NAR on top of that.
Why it exists
Membership binds a Realtor to NAR’s Code of Ethics — the main practical thing the label signals to a client. It’s a mark of association, not a measure of ability, so treat it as one data point alongside an agent’s actual experience and results.
See the full breakdown in Realtor vs. real estate agent.
Related terms
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