Real Estate Agents vs. REALTORS®

Are they the same?  No, there are differences between REALTORS® and real estate agents.  They are not the same.  Both are licensed to sell real estate, however the differences between a real estate agent and a REALTOR® is that a REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.  A REALTOR® must subscribe to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.  This Code of Ethics is strictly enforced.  It contains 17 Articles and various underlying Standards of Practice.  Standards are much more restrictive and confining as to conduct than those governing agents who simply hold a real estate license.  This does not mean that REALTORS® are morally and ethically better than unaffiliated real estate agents, it is an attempt by the industry to regulate and, as such, deserves recognition.