What is a REALTOR?
7/7/2008There are approximately 3.8 million licensed real estate professionals in the United States, but only members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, Ohio Association of REALTORS and Toledo Board of REALTORS can call themselves REALTORS.
In Ohio, there are more than 35,000 REALTORS. When choosing a real estate professional, look for the registered trademark, REALTOR. Unlike real estate practitioners who are simply licensed by Ohio to do business, REALTORS are members of NAR, OAR and TBR and subscribe to the association's strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
The term REALTOR stands for competency, fairness, high integrity, and moral conduct in business relations. REALTORS pledge to adhere to NAR's strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Among other things, membership in NAR obligates them to be honest with all parties involved in a transaction, whether it is the buyer, seller, or cooperating agent.
All REALTORS are required to take a minimum of two and a half hours orientation on the Code of Ethics. Existing members must take a refresher training course every four years.
REALTORS enjoy advanced educational opportunities and training in real estate specialties that are not available to other licensees.
Most property transactions are complex procedures, requiring the knowledge and expertise of a real estate professional. There may come a time when you need the assistance of a real estate professional who is specially trained in a specific aspect of the business.
NAR offers advanced educational opportunities to its members that enable REALTORS to present the public with such accredited sub-specialties as buyer's representation (ABR), residential real estate expertise (CRS), or Internet readiness (e-PRO).
Through membership in NAR's affiliated institutes, societies, and councils, REALTORS devote themselves to continuous study of the most recent trends in their respective fields. The affiliates award specialty designations that recognize a member's advanced education and experiences in a particular discipline. Courses offered through the affiliates keep members abreast of developments in their specialized fields and better able to address industry issues.
REALTORS are advocates for homeowners and homeownership at the national, state and local levels.
The REALTOR organization is the only national lobbying group that looks out for the interests of homeowners. Every year, REALTORS lead the way on Capitol Hill, at the State House and in the corridors of City Hall to keep homeownership a top priority.
The industry's support for the mortgage interest deduction and other related policies helps to keep housing more affordable and makes housing a great investment; through sound housing policies, more home seekers than ever before are enabled to purchase a home of their own.
When the time comes to make the American Dream of homeownership a reality, make sure you utilize the expertise of a professional -- a REALTOR member of the Toledo Board of REALTORS.