What is the Difference in an Agent, Broker and Realtor®

The terms agent, broker and Realtor® are often used interchangeably, but have very different meanings. For example, not all real estate agents (also called salespersons) or brokers are Realtors®. As a prerequisite to selling real estate, a person must be licensed by the state in which they work, either as an agent / salesperson or as a broker. Before a license is issued, minimum standards for education, examinations and experience, which are determined on a state-by-state basis, must be met.

After receiving a real estate license, most agents go on to join their local board or association of Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors®, the world's largest professional trade association. They can then call themselves REALTORS®. The term "Realtor®" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics (which in many cases goes beyond state law). In most areas, it is the Realtor® who shares information on the homes they are marketing, through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Working with a Realtor® who belongs to a MLS will give you access to the greatest number of homes.