Many people confuse the terms REALTORS® and real estate agents. The truth is that a REALTOR® is not the same as a real estate agent, and the requirements for both are slightly different. A REALTOR® is a real estate agent who has earned both the title of broker and membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. This organization is regarded as the world’s largest professional association of real estate professionals. A real estate agent, on the other hand, is a person who is licensed to assist others in the purchase and sale of real estate; a person cannot become a REALTOR® without first becoming a real estate agent.
You must first become a licensed real estate agent before becoming a REALTOR®. You’ll need at least a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) diploma in most cases. You must also be at least 18 years old to participate. Then you’ll need to figure out what your state’s licensing requirements are. Before you can obtain a real estate license, you must complete certain coursework and pass an exam.
Find an approved real estate course in your area as you prepare to become a REALTOR®. You can find such courses contacting the local licensing agency for real estate agents or calling real estate agencies for information. After you’ve finished the course, you’ll have to take the real estate exam. You can apply for licensing through your state’s licensing department once you’ve passed the exam.
You should work with a REALTOR® for about two years after becoming licensed. You should take a renewal real estate course at the end of this period to prepare for the broker exam, which is the next step in the process of becoming a REALTOR®. Pass the broker exam and become a licensed broker, a real estate agent with additional broker training and experience. Then, through your state’s or region’s REALTOR® association, apply for membership. You will be able to use the REALTOR® designation and its trademark symbol next to your name if you are accepted.
As a real estate agent, you can assist others in selling and buying homes, but there are some compelling reasons to become a REALTOR®. One of the most important is the reputation you gain as a member. This designation informs others that you are affiliated with a real estate organization known for its high standards of excellence and ethics. You might also get access to data and learning opportunities that others in your field don’t have. You might even make connections with others in the industry who can assist you in achieving your career objectives.