It’s common to use the terms “Realtor” and “real estate agent” interchangeably. However, there is a meaningful distinction between the two, and understanding the difference is important as you build your career.
Choosing whether to operate as a real estate agent or pursue the Realtor designation is more than semantics. It’s a strategic decision that can influence how you position your business and the standards you commit to.
In this guide, we will clearly outline the distinction between a Realtor and a real estate agent. Additionally, we will review the roles, requirements, and practical differences between each path. By the end, you will have the clarity you need to decide which direction best supports your long-term goals in the real estate industry.
What’s the Difference Between Realtor and Real Estate Agent?
One principle to keep in mind: not all real estate agents are Realtors—but all Realtors are licensed real estate professionals. The distinction is not about licensing. Instead, it’s about professional membership and the standards that come with it.
When comparing a Realtor vs. a real estate agent, the difference lies in obligations and affiliation. Both must complete the same pre-licensing education, pass the same state license exam, and operate under the same laws. However, Realtors take an additional step.
Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This membership requires adherence to a formal, strict Code of Ethics and ongoing professional standards beyond basic state requirements. It also grants the right to use the Realtor designation in marketing and professional branding.
Below, we will break down each role in clear terms. When you understand the responsibilities and expectations tied to each path, you can make a confident decision about which direction aligns best with your career goals.
Unlike many brokers, at Charles Rutenberg Realty, we are proud to work with both Realtors and real estate agents. Moreover, we leave the decision on whether to pursue a Realtor designation to our agents. Irrespective of that decision, we provide the support, tools, and training necessary for every professional to succeed.
What Is a Real Estate Agent?
Real estate agents are licensed professionals who represent buyers and sellers in property transactions. They obtain their license from the state in which they operate and are required to comply with all applicable state laws and regulations. Additionally, their authority comes from state licensure—not from a national professional association.
To activate their license, agents must affiliate with a licensed real estate broker. This allows them to legally facilitate transactions and earn commission.
Some brokerages mandate Realtor membership. Others do not. At Charles Rutenberg Realty, that decision is entirely yours. We believe agents should have the flexibility to structure their careers to align with their goals.
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?
When you become a licensed real estate agent, your core responsibilities center around representing clients. Both current and future clients expect you to successfully guide transactions with ease from start to finish.
Your duties typically include:
- Listing homes for sellers
- Showing properties to buyers
- Marketing listings across appropriate platforms
- Scheduling and coordinating showings
- Negotiating contracts and terms
- Writing and submitting offers
- Coordinating inspections and appraisals
- Guiding clients through the closing process
- Assisting with rental properties, when applicable
These responsibilities are the transactional side of the business. However, building a successful real estate career requires more than facilitating contracts. Lead generation, relationship management, marketing strategy, and personal branding are equally critical to sustain long-term growth.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent
Complete the state-required pre-licensing course.
Anyone pursuing a career as a real estate agent is required to complete a state-approved pre-licensing course. In Florida, that requirement is a 63-hour program offered through a FREC-approved real estate school. These courses are available both online and in person, allowing participants to select the format that best aligns with their schedule and learning preferences.
Throughout the program, you will learn the foundational principles of real estate, including contracts, property law, financing, and state regulations. The course is specifically designed to prepare you for the licensing exam.
Pass the real estate licensing exam.
After completing the pre-licensing course, you have two years to sit for the state licensing exam. In Florida, Pearson VUE administers the exam at an approved testing center. Additionally, the test will contain 100 multiple-choice questions divided into national and state-specific sections.
To pass, you must score at least 75%. Because you will take the exam on a testing center-approved computer, you will receive results immediately upon completion. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the exam as many times as necessary.
However, it’s important to note that in Florida, you must wait an additional 24 hours to retake the test. Moreover, there is no limit on the number of attempts, but you will have to pay the fee each time.
Affiliate with a licensed broker.
After passing your exam, you are not quite ready to begin facilitating transactions. To have an active real estate license, you must affiliate with a licensed real estate broker.
Choosing the right broker is one of the most important decisions you will make at the start of your career. The brokerage you align with will directly impact your training, support system, commission structure, and long-term growth.
If you are unsure of how to evaluate your options, we recommend reviewing our guide “Real Estate Recruiting.” It will help you approach this decision strategically and with confidence.
Maintain your license through continuing education and renewals.
Once your license is active, maintaining it is part of operating as a true professional. In Florida, new agents must complete a 45-hour post-licensing course within the first two years of receiving their license. Failing to complete this requirement can result in your license becoming null and void.
After that initial period, you will complete continuing education every two years to renew your license. These courses ensure you remain current on laws, regulations, and industry standards.
What Is a Realtor?
A Realtor is a licensed real estate agent who has chosen to join the National Association of Realtors (NAR). With more than 1.5 million members nationwide, NAR is one of the largest professional trade organizations in the country.
However, becoming a Realtor involves more than submitting an application and paying annual dues. You must first hold an active license, formally commit to NAR’s Code of Ethics, complete ethics training, and adhere to established professional standards.
In practical terms, Realtors perform the same core duties as real estate agents—listing homes, negotiating contracts, and guiding clients through transactions. The distinction lies in accountability. Realtors agree to operate under a nationally recognized ethical framework, and failure to uphold those standards can result in disciplinary action.
In short, a Realtor is a licensed agent who has committed to a higher professional standard in how they conduct business and serve their clients.
What Does a Realtor Do?
Realtors carry the same core transactional responsibilities as licensed real estate agents. However, as members of NAR, there is an added layer of professional accountability. In addition to complying with state laws, Realtors must adhere to the NAR Code of Ethics. This includes:
- Placing clients’ interests above their own
- Disclosing conflicts of interest transparently
- Avoiding misrepresentation or misleading statements
- Cooperating professionally with other brokers
- Following stricter advertising and marketing standards
In other words, Realtors operate under both state regulations and nationally recognized ethical standards. This dual responsibility reinforces professionalism and provides clients with an added level of confidence when working with a Realtor.
How to Become a Realtor
Become a licensed real estate agent.
The first step to becoming a Realtor is earning your real estate license. Before you can legally represent buyers and sellers, you must complete the same foundational steps required of every real estate agent. Only after your license is active can you move forward with joining the NAR and officially use the Realtor designation.
If you’re wondering how long the full process takes, review our guide, “How Long Does It Take to Become a Realtor?”
Join a local Realtor association and the National Association of Realtors.
To officially use the term Realtor, a licensed agent must join the NAR through a local Realtor association.
In practice, this is a streamlined process. When you apply to your local Realtor board, you are automatically enrolled at three levels: the local association, the state Realtor association, and the national association. One application gives you access to all three.
Agree to follow the Code of Ethics.
All Realtors are required to follow NAR’s strict Code of Ethics. This is not a one-time commitment. Members must complete Ethics training every 3 years to ensure they remain current with professional standards and expectations.
Failure to complete the required training—or failure to comply with the code—can result in suspension or even expulsion from the association. Maintaining the Realtor designation requires ongoing accountability and professionalism.
Pay annual membership dues and maintain good standing.
To join and maintain membership in the NAR, agents must pay annual dues, which typically average around $600. In return, Realtors gain access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), professional programs, industry tools at discounted rates, and valuable networking events. For many agents, the return on that investment outweighs the cost.
Realtors must also remain in good standing. This means consistently adhering to the NAR Code of Ethics while maintaining full compliance with state licensing laws. Violations can result in disciplinary action, including suspension of membership, or, in more serious cases, loss of licensure.
For a full breakdown of the investment to start a career in real estate, review our guide “How Much Does It Cost to Get a Realtor License?”
Is a Realtor Better Than a Real Estate Agent?
Whether a Realtor is “better” than a real estate agent ultimately depends on how you serve your clients. Both professionals perform the same core duties. The difference is that Realtors voluntarily commit to a higher professional standard through the NAR Code of Ethics.
For some clients, that additional ethical commitment carries weight. They may feel more comfortable working with someone who holds the Realtor designation. That said, many real estate agents deliver exceptional service without joining NAR. At the end of the day, your professionalism, responsiveness, and expertise are what truly define your reputation.
If you are deciding whether to pursue Realtor membership, consider the broader picture. Reports suggest, for example, that Realtors earn 15% to 25% more annually than non-Realtor agents. This may be a result of advanced training, networking opportunities, and the credibility that comes with using the term Realtor in branding. However, it’s a significant difference that influences many professionals’ decisions.
Ultimately, a Realtor is not automatically better than a real estate agent. What matters most is how you operate your business, uphold your standards, and serve your clients consistently.
Start your real estate career—as a Realtor or a real estate agent—with Charles Rutenberg Realty.
As you begin your real estate career, you are faced with two pivotal decisions. First, you must decide whether to pursue the Realtor designation. Second, it’s essential to determine which brokerage you will align with to build and maintain your business.
At Charles Rutenberg Realty, we simplify that process. Our agents have the flexibility to remain licensed real estate agents or join the NAR. Regardless of the path you choose, you will have access to comprehensive training programs, advanced technology, and full administrative and transactional support.
And there is more. Our agents keep 100% of their commission—no brokerage splits, ever. From your very first transaction, you retain more of what you earn. You have greater freedom to reinvest in your business, marketing, or professional memberships.
If you are ready to explore what your career could look like at Charles Rutenberg Realty, schedule a call with our broker today.