What's the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

While every REALTOR is technically a licensed real estate agent, not every real estate agent holds the professional designation of a REALTOR. A real estate agent is an individual who has completed the educational requirements mandated by their state and passed the official real estate licensing examination, allowing them to legally help clients buy, sell, or rent property. A REALTOR is a specific real estate professional who has chosen to join the National Association of Realtors, binding themselves to a strict professional code of ethics, paying annual dues, and gaining access to specialized multiple listing services and continuous industry education.

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