Home › Who We R

Who We R

A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® — the largest trade association in the United States.

Re·al·tor

a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®

It means the broker or agent has agreed to abide by a strict Code of Ethics and to advocate for private property rights and home ownership for all.

The term is actually a trademarked brand name — not just a generic word for any real estate agent.

What sets REALTORS® apart?

Membership & ethics

The defining feature is adherence to NAR's Code of Ethics, a set of 17 articles outlining duties to clients, the public, and other REALTORS®. Members must complete ethics training and can be held accountable through a formal disciplinary process — something that doesn't apply to non-member agents.

Licensing vs. membership

All REALTORS® are licensed real estate agents or brokers, but not all licensed agents are REALTORS®. Getting a real estate license is a state requirement; joining NAR is a voluntary professional choice that comes with dues.

Local & state ties

Joining NAR means also joining a state association and a local board of REALTORS®, creating a layered membership structure with local networking and advocacy.

In short, being a REALTOR® signals a commitment to a professional standard of conduct beyond what the law requires. It's a mark of accountability within the real estate industry.

Under all is the land™

Rooted in principle

The Code of Ethics establishes the standards of honesty, fairness and professionalism that define the REALTOR® commitment to the public.

Professional standards

Have an issue with a REALTOR®?

Here is where you should report, and the deadlines that apply.

You may file an ethics complaint in any jurisdiction where a REALTOR® is a member or MLS participant. NAR's Code of Ethics, Standard of Practice 14-1 provides, in relevant part: “REALTORS® shall not be subject to disciplinary proceedings if the alleged violation is more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the conclusion of the transaction or event.”

Filing an ethics complaint

Before You File an Ethics Complaint PDF

Before you file

This form asserts a violation

NABOR's Ethics Complaint form (Form E-1) is a sworn statement. It asks the complainant to:

Name the respondent and identify the Article(s) of the Code of Ethics allegedly violated
State the facts and the dates on which the alleged violation(s) took place
State the date you became aware of the facts on which the allegation is based
Declare whether you filed, or intend to file, a similar complaint with another association

Deadlines matter: a complaint must generally be filed within 180 days of the conclusion of the transaction or event, and within 180 days of the complainant's awareness of the facts.

Also useful

Florida disclosure laws

What sellers have to share about their home. Read the guide →