The terms "real estate agent" and "Realtor" are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a meaningful difference between these two titles! All Realtors are real estate agents, but not all agents are Realtors. So, what's the difference? And how does it affect you, the client?
What is a Realtor?
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who has chosen to become a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and to abide by its strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
The NAR is composed of about 1.4 million REALTORS® located in 54 U.S. states/territories who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.
This ethical standard includes, but is not limited to:
- Recognition that it is in the best interest of the community for there to be adequate housing and a wide distribution of land ownership.
- Preservation of businesses, farms, and the environment.
- Upholding the fiduciary duties to the client, such as loyalty, confidentiality, and the disclosure of all relevant and important information. Simply put, this is like the duties owed by doctors and lawyers to their patients and clients.
Why Buy/Sell with a Realtor?
From their voluntary adherence to a Code of Ethics to their incomparable knowledge of real estate processes, REALTORS® are bound by enhanced obligations to conduct their work for this community's property owners. They are given access to exclusive tools and proprietary market data, making them the experts in the region's residential and commercial property transactions.
You can rely on the expertise and integrity of REALTORS® at Christie's International Real Estate Bluegrass (CIREBG). All our agents are REALTORS®, and they are dedicated to prioritizing your best interests.
Learn more about the NAR with That’s Who We R, a campaign to help consumers understand the benefits of working with REALTORS®.
Additional Resources
Meet Our Realtors
First-Time Buyer's Guide to Central Kentucky Real Estate
First-Time Seller's Guide to Central Kentucky Real Estate
About Us
At Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass, we believe that luxury describes an experience. With Central Kentucky’s best REALTORS® and a powerful global platform that offers world-class marketing, industry-leading technology, and international reach, the firm is focused on providing the highest level of service and professionalism to clients at every price point. Celebrating all that the Bluegrass State has to offer, we are excited to speak to you about our full range of services and more. Luxury Lives Here.
