Tampa, FL - According to research done last summer by an independent Marketing firm for GTAR - the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors - the vast majority of buyers and sellers do not realize there is a difference between a REALTOR®, and a Licensed Real Estate Agent.  In fact, they're not even aware that there are local associations, such as GTAR.

So, for those who'd like to know, here's the difference: A REALTOR is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, who also belongs to the local association of REALTORS, the state association of REALTORS, and the National Association of Realtors, or NAR.  Licensing is administered by the state in which one practices, and each state has their own standards for licensing.  (Many states have standards that are overwhelmingly inadequate, so let the buyer/seller beware!)  Although there are compelling reasons for an agent to become a member of NAR and their state and local associations, like education and access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), no one is 'forced' to join.  And, while it would be difficult in residential real estate - it would be much easier for commercial brokers/agents - it is possible for a real estate business to operate without association membership or MLS access.

So, even though a person is a Licensed Real Estate Sales Associate, Broker Associate, or Broker, they may not be a REALTOR.

There are many advantages of doing business with a REALTOR, (as opposed to a licensed agent), but the 2 biggest are probably the information a REALTOR can provide (as a result of their access to the MLS and other tools) and the Code of Ethics that all REALTORS must abide (or they can be fined or even lose their license).  The code is rather extensive and strict, but if you'd like to see the actual code, here's a link: REALTOR Code of Ethics (May take a few seconds to load).