How to Become a REALTOR®

Posted On: December 5, 2024
HOW TO BECOME A REALTOR®

As you enter or consider entering the field of real estate, you’ll find there are lots of little conditions and terms that are very similar but need some distinguishing. One important example is that between a Realtor and a real estate agent. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there’s a big difference between the two. Learn more about what separates Realtors from real estate agents and how to become one below.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REAL ESTATE AGENT AND A REALTOR®️?

“REALTOR®” is a professional designation from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Real estate agents and Realtors do much of the same work, but Realtors have the added benefits that come with being part of the NAR. Along with the requirements that real estate agents must complete in order to practice in their state, Realtors, or NAR members, also agree to abide by the NAR Code of Ethics. They also complete 2.5 additional hours of ethics training every 3 years. NAR membership comes with both tangible benefits, like better access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as the benefit of the title of Realtor, which may be beneficial in acquiring clients and building relationships.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A REALTOR®️? 

The exact cost of becoming a Realtor can depend on a few different things. The costs of state licenses and local Realtor associations vary, but the national membership dues are $156 per year. This number is a good starting point, but be prepared to do some research into your state’s licensing as well as local association costs. NAR provides a list of local and state real estate boards to help you find the easiest path to joining.

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®?

The largest trade association in the U.S., the National Association of REALTORS®, represents residential and commercial real estate professionals. To support specific areas, they established 54 state and territory associations and 1,200 local boards/associations. NAR provides resources for real estate research, education, and professional development, promoting a number of conferences, trade expos, community programs, and leadership initiatives.

WHAT IS THE NAR CODE OF ETHICS?

Adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice from the NAR is the primary requirement of membership. It is the Code of Ethics that sets members apart from non-members. The NAR Code of Ethics contains 17 articles addressing REALTORS®’ duties to clients and customers, to the public, and to REALTORS®.

These articles help to establish practices that build trust, prevent miscommunication and misrepresentation, and ensure objectivity and fair practices. Customers and clients can file complaints with NAR if they believe a member violated the Articles of the Code of Ethics. Penalties may include fines, mandatory ethics education, and membership suspension or termination.

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN NAR?

Being a REALTOR® brings prestige and trustworthiness to clients and customers. The "REALTOR®" name in advertising signifies an ethical, qualified professional capable of managing transactions involving various factors and properties. NAR members enjoy numerous benefits, tools, data, and resources not available to non-members.

For example, they have a benefits program with discounts and special offers on things like insurance, technology, travel, and education. Other REALTOR® perks include:

  • NAR’s real estate library is the largest in the world and includes digital books, audiobooks, videos, journals, and books
  • Online marketing tools for listing posting and brand building
  • Property database with info on every property in the country will help you gather data to determine listing prices, and buyer offers
  • Research resources for data collection, analysis, and publication of housing market reports, presentations, and blogs

There are also many NAR-sponsored designations that are earned by completing courses and passing exams. Common designations include Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Property Manager (CPM), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and NAR’s Green Designation. 

HOW DO YOU JOIN NAR?

To join NAR, you must be licensed as a real estate agent in your state, which usually requires 60-90 hours of pre-license education, passing a licensing exam, submitting an application, and having an established broker sponsor and supervise you.

You can complete real estate pre-license courses in classrooms or online. 360training.com offers online pre-license courses for various states, allowing learners to learn at their own pace anytime and anywhere. To join, contact your local REALTOR® association, as principals in your brokerage firm must be members.

Membership applications can be found on local association websites. To join, print, complete, and submit the application, pay fees and dues, and attend an orientation within 60 days. Members must follow the association's rules, bylaws, and policies. Annual dues are $156 for the national association. New members must take an ethics course, pass an exam, and take refresher courses every four years. Only NAR members can call themselves REALTORS®.

GET STARTED WITH AGENT CAMPUS

Both Realtors and real estate agents provide vital services in the industry. If you’re looking to be either a real estate agent or a Realtor, it's important to find a training program that can help you get to know the market. We make this easy at Agent Campus by 360training with our online Real Estate License Courses. Our course includes a comprehensive review of your pre-license courses. Sign up now!

Privacy Policy  |   Terms and Conditions   

©2025 360training

©2025 360training   Privacy Policy  |   Terms and Conditions   
Let's Chat!