The proper usage of the term Realtor seems to be a confusing subject for a lot of real estate professionals, in addition to the public. Is just a real estate agent a Realtor or is a Realtor a real estate agent. The terms be seemingly used interchangeably by everyone. However, these terms aren't interchangeable and do not need exactly the same meaning.

Simply put, the term Realtor is to be used solely to indicate that anyone using the term is a membe, in good standing of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and who strictly adheres to its Standards and Code of Ethics. The term  real estate agent or broker identifies the profession itself.

When can it be proper to make use of REALTOR®, REALTORS® or REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® on your own website, business cards and other marketing materials?



To point that the real estate professional is a Member or Member-affiliate of the National Association of Realtors(R) in good standing
To convey to the public that the real estate professional is a Member in good standing of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
To convey to the public that as a Member, he/she adheres to the best professional standards and a strict Code of Ethics


Why the fuss? If you do not promote and protect the appropriate usage of REALTOR®, REALTORS® or REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, then you definitely can become another box of Kleenex. Kleenex is a brand, not just a product and yet everyone identifies nearly all facial tissue products as Kleenex. The National Association of Realtors, wants one to stick out that beats all others; not as an over-all product but as a proud member of an elite organization.

The National Association of Realtors(R) was founded in 1908. In 1913, a strict code of ethics was adopted by the Association with the Golden Rule as its central core. The term Realtor(R) was coined in 1916 with the sole purpose of identifying members of the real estate profession, have been members of the Association of Real Estate Boards and subscribed to its Code of Ethics; that purpose has not changed.

Proper Usage For Your Marketing Materials and Website:



Does the term "REALTOR®" convey membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
If the term member can be substituted for the term "REALTOR®", you've used the term correctly.
If the meaning is changed by any means, which doesn't solely convey membership, then your term has not been used correctly.
Never utilize the terms as part of an expression such as "Any-town's #1 Realtor" or "the best Realtor in Any-town"


Proper Form:



Capitalize every letter of the term used: REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, and REALTORS®
Whenever possible, you may use boldface print, or use italicized lettering.
The "®" registration mark can be omitted, but only once the utilization of the registration mark is not possible.
Use separating punctuation whenever feasible
Whenever possible use separating punctuation: Jane Doe, REALTOR® or Jane Doe and Team, REALTOR®


Proper Internet Usage of REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, and REALTORS®:



Never use the terms as part of a domain name or URLs which point to website pages.
Each time a term is used in an email capitalization and separating punctuation is not required.
Do not hyper link the Block "R" logo, if you don't are linking to Realtor.com or to a Realtor.com web-page.


This article written to simply help to clarify the appropriate usage of the terms, REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, and REALTORS®, if you still have questions or need more in depth information visit the Realtor website, then click Membership Marks Manual link.

If you need further assistance call the association, they have a great staff and will gladly guide you in the appropriate usage of the National Association logo in addition to how and when to utilize the terms: REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, and REALTORS® in your marketing materials and on the Internet.

Pamela Cendejas is a Certified Real Estate Support Specialist and owner of Second Self Virtual Assistance, dealing with real estate agents that are challenged with finding sufficient time to keep up their online presence, marketing their business and other administrative needs while also selling real estate Realtor.

What makes Pamela's service unique and creates an effective outcome on her behalf clients is her years of experience and knowledge, helping her create customized programs and services that bridge the gap between the sales part of the real estate business and the administrative and support needs of the real estate agent.