What is a REALTOR®?

The term REALTORŪ identifies a licensed professional in real estate who is a member of the National Association of REALTORSŪ (NAR).

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 to over 800,000 members today. NAR is composed of REALTORSŪ who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

Not all licensed real estate brokers and salespersons are members of the National Association, and only those who are can identify themselves as REALTORSŪ.

REALTORSŪ conduct their business and activities in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics. For example, as agents in a real estate transaction, licensed brokers and salespersons are prohibited by law from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. A request from the home seller or landlord to act in a discriminatory manner in the sale, lease or rental cannot legally be fulfilled by the real estate professional.