When Is a Real Estate Broker a REALTOR®?

Only those brokers who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may call themselves REALTORS®. This term, and the distinctive logo, are registered, collective membership marks that identify members of the world's largest professional association. These members are people licensed by their state or provincial governments to conduct business in real estate-related fields and who also have pledged to uphold NAR's Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 members to more than a million members today. The association's members are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and other related professionals.

Members also must belong to at least one of some 1,700 local associations or boards. Some members also complete a variety of specialized study programs in order to qualify for membership in a variety of NAR-sanctioned institutes, societies and councils. All NAR members must adhere to certain Standards of Practice, both generally and within their respective specialties.

Through a variety of educational programs, NAR provides its members a facility for professional development, research and the exchange of information with the public and government in order to maximize private property ownership rights and the free enterprise system.