What is the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®? This is one of the most common questions our team fields from prospective clients. While both help clients buy and sell homes, some differences are worth noting as you start your search for a new home or to ask one of our real estate agents to sell your current property.

Whether a REALTOR® or real estate agent, both are required to obtain and maintain state licensure to purchase, sell, or rent a property. Each state has a different curriculum and requirements in this regard. States such as Alabama require 60 hours of formal education, while states like California require 135 hours or more. This coursework covers all the ins and outs of the real estate industry that agents need to know to represent their clients properly. 

REALTORS® take their training a step further. Members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) belong to an organization that has trained agents across the country since 1908. NAR training includes a heavy focus on ethics, and everyone who earns the title of REALTOR® is required to adhere to the organization's code of ethics. The bottom line is Realtors® maintain a high degree of professionalism, strives to protect their client's rights and best interests, and adhere to the "golden rule" in everything they do. 

There are seventeen articles that REALTORS® promise to adhere to at all times. These include:

• The interests of buyers and sellers are paramount, and all parties shall be treated honestly and with respect.
• REALTORS® will not exaggerate, misrepresent, or conceal material facts regarding real property.
• Cooperate with other brokers and real estate agents to preserve the best interests of clients.
• Disclose whether they are a principal in a real estate deal.
• Inform the seller of all commissions and fees, and not to accept fees or commissions from 3rd parties without the consent of the seller.
• Maintain separate accounts for agent and client funds. 
• Provide equal treatment to all clients, regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.
• Strive to ensure that all written documents are as easy to understand as possible, to answer all client questions, and to provide all parties copies of signed documents. 
• Refuse to offer or provide services beyond their skills and experience for which they are unqualified to provide.

REALTORS® must maintain their membership certification through the payment of annual dues and online refresher courses. And, REALTORS® can lose their certification if they violate the organization's code of ethics. The bottom line is that when you work with a REALTOR®, you can rest assured that you are working with someone who is always going to represent your interests above their own. 

Does this mean that it is always better to work with a REALTOR® than a real estate agent? Not necessarily. Experience still counts, and there are many highly skilled real estate agents and real estate brokers who specialize in rental properties, commercial properties, etc. The same is true for REALTORS®, and while the title is worth noting, you still want someone who has the knowledge, skills, and experience that are best related to your needs.  

We invite you to contact us to discuss the many beautiful Tuscaloosa homes for sale this spring. Our team of REALTORS® is always ready to answer your questions and demonstrate the reasons why our team is renowned throughout the state for the superior service we provide clients.