Realtor vs. realtor vs. agent

Over the past year, our writers have been called on the carpet for using the word “realtor.” Not using the word so much as spelling it incorrectly. As many are quick to point out, realtor should have a capital “R,” as in Realtor. Why you ask? Because not all agents are the same, and if you’ve earned the “R” designation, then you want it used right.

In a nutshell, an agent is a person who has studied and passed the state exam and activated their real estate license. (That is agent with a lower case “a.”) However, you can join the National Assocation of Realtors (NAR) and by virtue of your membership, you can change that “a” to an “R.” According to Realtor.com:

“Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR “®” logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate.”

The NAR, also known as The Voice for Real Estate®, touts itself as the largest professional association in the world, and is a whole business in and of itself, with marketing tools, education, financial services, and offering insurance and warranties, as well as other benefits.

Because not all agents are Realtors, we at Sweet Digs will endeavor to use the word “agent” in all of our posts, so as not to offend or accidentally bestow the honor on one not worthy. And our sincere apologies for past offenses.