Realtor, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Broker… these titles are more or less interchangeable right?
Wrong!
The main difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR® is that the REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® or NAR.
Both are licensed to sell real estate, but members of the NAR must take an online course on the Code of Ethics and pass an exam. Members also have access to the most up to date listing information.
This Code of Ethics contains 17 articles about the standards of practice REALTORS® must adhere to and are more restrictive than the code of conduct real estate agents learn when they get their license.
In addition to passing the initial test, current members of the NAR must take a refresher course every four years in addition to paying an annual membership fee.
That said, there is no evidence that all REALTORS® are more ethical than all real estate agents, but it is a gesture by industry professionals to self regulate, and is worthy of acknowledgement.
To qualify for the title of real estate broker in California, one must have been practicing real estate for at least 2 years or have a college degree. If a person meets these requirements then they can take the broker exam to get their license.
A broker has the power to manage multiple real estate agents, make appraisals, manage and sell properties and to own their own business. All real estate agents must work under a broker.
Like real estate agents, brokers have the option of becoming a member of the NAR.
Space has an unmatched ability to inspire mankind. Our fascination with space has led to the discovery of dozens of Earth-like planets orbiting other suns in our galaxy, enabled the development of global communications that bring the world closer together; led to a space-based position, navigation, and timing utility that has impacted the lives of billions; and created a new era in human spaceflight.