What Is a Realtor in Real Estate?
A Realtor® is a licensed real estate professional who belongs to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and follows its official Code of Ethics. While all Realtors are licensed real estate agents, not all agents are Realtors. This membership grants access to local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) and sets professional standards for conduct, transparency, and client representation.
đź’ˇ Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent
The term “real estate agent” refers to anyone who holds a state-issued real estate license. A Realtor®, on the other hand, is an agent who has joined the National Association of Realtors and abides by its strict ethical guidelines. This distinction is important when you’re selling or buying a home, as many people use the words interchangeably.
- Real Estate Agent: Licensed to assist buyers and sellers in real estate transactions.
- Realtor®: An agent who’s a member of NAR and subscribes to the organization’s Code of Ethics.
- Broker: A higher-level license that allows managing agents and handling client funds independently.
🏠Do You Need a Realtor to List on the MLS?
No. While most Realtors use the MLS to market properties, you don’t have to hire one to gain MLS access. With a Flat Fee MLS listing through Brokerless, homeowners can post their property on the local MLS legally and reach buyers on Realtor.com, Zillow, and hundreds of other sites—without paying a 6% commission.
This approach gives you the same professional exposure Realtors rely on while keeping full control over pricing, showings, and negotiations.
📋 Why Understanding “Realtor®” Matters for FSBO Sellers
Knowing what a Realtor is helps FSBO sellers understand what services they can legally perform on their own and what access they can get through a flat fee MLS broker. You can market your property on the MLS and major real estate websites—just like a Realtor would—while saving thousands in listing commissions.