When you're looking for help buying or selling property, it's important to remember that the term "real estate agent" and the word "REALTOR®" are not synonymous. REALTORS® can provide an extra level of service, and to be a REALTOR® you must be a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR is a non-profit trade organization that promotes high professional standards in real estate information, education and professional standards.
The National Association of REALTORS® also has earned a strong reputation for actively defending private property rights and working to make home ownership affordable and accessible.
A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), a membership organization of over 1,000,000 real estate agents in the United States. A licensed real estate agent does not have to be a member of NAR to practice real estate.
In real estate, a broker has earned a broker's license. Many brokers own their own real estate office and are "brokers of record," with other real estate agents "hanging their license" under the broker of record.