Difference Between an Agent and a REALTOR®

You may not realize it, but there are some subtle differences between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent. Both can help you buy or sell a home, but it’s important you understand the differences when you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.19315677

  • Only REALTORS® abide by a strict Code of Ethics, ensuring you get honest, professional service when you buy a home.

  • Only REALTORS® can earn designations (like CRS and GRI) that allow them to provide you with an even greater level of service and professionalism.

  • Only REALTORS® must complete a 4-hour course on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics every four years to make sure they are up to date on all changes taking place in the real estate business. 

  • Only REALTORS® have at their disposal the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® real estate library and information that keeps a REALTOR® updated on all the changes in marketing and the laws for selling real estate.

  • Only REALTORS® have access to the Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service.  The Multiple Listing Service is a means by which authorized participants correlate and disseminate property listing information so participants may better serve their clients and the public.

  • Only REALTORS® have access to the State and National Multiple Listing Service, which are online listing Web sites, through their membership in both the Iowa Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.
  • HomeBuyer and HomeSeller Mediation Program.