What’s the Difference Between an Agent and a Realtor?

Alright, let’s clear something up because this question pops up all the time: What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor? A lot of people use the terms interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. If you’re getting into the real estate game, or just trying to understand how the industry works, it’s important to know the difference. It’s not just a matter of semantics—it affects how these professionals work and what they’re held accountable to.

Let’s break it down.

What’s a Real Estate Agent?

A real estate agent is someone who’s licensed to help people buy, sell, or rent property. They’ve gone through some required courses, passed an exam, and now they can officially represent clients in real estate transactions. They know the ins and outs of the market, handle contracts, negotiate deals—you get the idea.

But here’s the thing: not all agents are Realtors.

There are two types of agents:

• Sales agents: They can work with buyers and sellers to close deals, but they must do so under a broker (more on that later).

• Brokers: They’re like the top tier of real estate professionals. They’ve done extra education, passed a tougher exam, and can run their own brokerage. They can hire agents to work under them and handle their own deals without needing oversight.

Bottom line: If you have a license to practice real estate, you’re an agent. But that’s just step one.

What’s a Realtor®?

A Realtor is a real estate agent or broker who’s a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). It’s a trademarked term, so not everyone who’s an agent gets to call themselves a Realtor.

To be a Realtor, you’ve got to do two things:

1. Join the NAR: Pay your dues and sign up.

2. Follow the Realtor Code of Ethics: This is the big one. Realtors aren’t just bound by state laws, they also follow a strict code of ethics that holds them to a higher standard. The NAR has 17 articles in its code that cover things like honesty, transparency, and protecting the client’s interests above all else.

Think of it this way: All Realtors are real estate agents, but not all agents are Realtors. If you see someone using “Realtor” in their title, they’re signaling that they’ve gone the extra mile to be part of a professional organization that demands more from them.

The Realtor Code of Ethics

Let’s zoom in on that ethics thing for a second, because it’s the main difference between an agent and a Realtor. The Realtor Code of Ethics is all about professionalism and protecting the public. Realtors have to adhere to this code, which covers:

• Honesty in advertising and dealings with clients.

• Fiduciary duty, meaning Realtors must act in the best interest of their clients at all times, even if it’s not in their own interest.

• Disclosure, like making sure all known defects in a property are made clear to potential buyers.

• No discrimination—they must treat all clients and potential clients equally, regardless of race, religion, or other protected statuses.

If a Realtor violates this code, they can be disciplined, fined, or even lose their NAR membership. For clients, this provides an extra layer of protection and confidence that their Realtor will follow a higher set of rules than a typical agent.

Does Being a Realtor Matter for You?

So, should you care if your agent is a Realtor? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. Realtors are held to higher standards, which can give you peace of mind. If they break the rules, there are real consequences, and the NAR’s enforcement of the code is no joke.

But does that mean non-Realtor agents are bad? Not at all. There are tons of great agents who don’t have that title but still hustle hard and take care of their clients like pros. What matters more than the title is how well an agent or Realtor serves your specific needs.

Here’s where it might make a difference:

• If you’re selling your home, having a Realtor means you’re working with someone who’s bound to market your property according to ethical guidelines, fully disclose information, and prioritize your interests over their commission.

• If you’re buying, a Realtor’s access to the MLS, combined with their ethical obligations, can give you a smoother, more transparent process.

The Difference in a Nutshell

So, to sum it up:

• A real estate agent is anyone with a license to practice real estate. They help people buy, sell, or rent homes.

• A Realtor is an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and they follow a strict code of ethics that holds them to higher standards.

You can work with either, but knowing the distinction helps you understand what extra protections and guidelines a Realtor follows. At the end of the day, it’s not about the title—it’s about finding someone who knows their stuff, understands your goals, and has your back throughout the transaction.

That’s the game.

Want to level up even more?
For answers to common real estate questions, check out our Agent Articles.
Want expert insights? Hit up our Agent Bookshelf.
Looking to streamline your game? Check out our Agent Resources.
Not subscribed to our newsletter yet? Do that here.