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REALTOR® vs. Licensee
Holding a real estate agent's or real estate broker's license does not make someone a
REALTOR®. Membership in the National Association of REALTORS® entitles licensees
to use the term "REALTOR®" on their business cards and in their marketing materials.
Hiring a REALTOR® means you've retained someone who is committed to continuing
education, professionalism, and integrity. The vast majority of REALTORS® participate
in a local multiple listing service (MLS), which gives you a distinct advantage whether
you're selling your home or looking for that special property.
But the main thing that distinguishes a REALTOR® from someone who's merely
licensed by the state to sell real estate is the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which
requires REALTORS® to put their clients' interests first at all times.
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics was first adopted in 1913 as a voluntary document
outlining the professional duties of membership. The code became mandatory in 1924,
four years after the Texas Association of REALTORS® was formed. This was an era
before licensing was required in many states. Today, the Texas Real Estate
Commission is the licensing authority for agents and brokers in Texas.
What if there's a problem?
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is enforced through professional standards committees
that are maintained by local boards.The public, as well as members of the board, can
bring complaints before the committee. Disciplinary action can consist of suspension or
expulsion from membership. A real estate broker or agent who is not a REALTOR® is
governed only by state licensing laws.
In Texas, 50,000 real estate licensees are REALTORS®, and hold active membership
in both the National Association of REALTORS® and the statewide organization, Texas
Association of REALTORS®.
Why use a REALTOR® when you buy new construction?
Cost to You
Nothing! Any compensation given to a REALTOR® is recognized by the builder as a
marketing fee and has no impact on the final cost of the home. Builders desire, expect
and encourage REALTOR participation.
Savings to You
Are you getting what you're entitle to have ... both in quality and value? Your
experienced agent knows what you should receive and what "extras" might be available.
Resale...Appreciation & Profit
Give your investment the best opportunity for appreciation at resale. Questions
concerning site location, builder, design and decor are important. Your agent knows
you are building not only for today ... but for tomorrow.
Make sure YOU are represented! Your agent's experience, knowledge, and
reputation represents strength and leverage on your behalf.
Holding a real estate agent's or real estate broker's license does not make someone a
REALTOR®. Membership in the National Association of REALTORS® entitles licensees
to use the term "REALTOR®" on their business cards and in their marketing materials.
Hiring a REALTOR® means you've retained someone who is committed to continuing
education, professionalism, and integrity. The vast majority of REALTORS® participate
in a local multiple listing service (MLS), which gives you a distinct advantage whether
you're selling your home or looking for that special property.
But the main thing that distinguishes a REALTOR® from someone who's merely
licensed by the state to sell real estate is the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which
requires REALTORS® to put their clients' interests first at all times.
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics was first adopted in 1913 as a voluntary document
outlining the professional duties of membership. The code became mandatory in 1924,
four years after the Texas Association of REALTORS® was formed. This was an era
before licensing was required in many states. Today, the Texas Real Estate
Commission is the licensing authority for agents and brokers in Texas.
What if there's a problem?
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is enforced through professional standards committees
that are maintained by local boards.The public, as well as members of the board, can
bring complaints before the committee. Disciplinary action can consist of suspension or
expulsion from membership. A real estate broker or agent who is not a REALTOR® is
governed only by state licensing laws.
In Texas, 50,000 real estate licensees are REALTORS®, and hold active membership
in both the National Association of REALTORS® and the statewide organization, Texas
Association of REALTORS®.
Why use a REALTOR® when you buy new construction?
Cost to You
Nothing! Any compensation given to a REALTOR® is recognized by the builder as a
marketing fee and has no impact on the final cost of the home. Builders desire, expect
and encourage REALTOR participation.
Savings to You
Are you getting what you're entitle to have ... both in quality and value? Your
experienced agent knows what you should receive and what "extras" might be available.
Resale...Appreciation & Profit
Give your investment the best opportunity for appreciation at resale. Questions
concerning site location, builder, design and decor are important. Your agent knows
you are building not only for today ... but for tomorrow.
Make sure YOU are represented! Your agent's experience, knowledge, and
reputation represents strength and leverage on your behalf.
