REALTOR® vs Real Estate Agent: same-same, but different?

Often used interchangeably, the two terms are not, in fact, referring to the same things! Although all REALTOR®s are Real Estate Agents, not all Real Estate Agents are REALTOR®s; keep

reading to learn the difference.

By definition, “[t]he trademark REALTOR® identifies only those real estate professionals who are members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and, as such, subscribe to a high standard of professional service and a strict Code of Ethics”.*

Conversely, a real estate agent can be defined as an individual who has taken the time to write the real estate exam and passed, but that does not automatically mean that they are a member of CREA or of a real estate board.

To further highlight the difference here, consider the distinction between a lawyer and a notary; both are legal professionals, however, only the lawyer has undergone the full gamut of legal education and certification that allows them to deal with both non-litigious and litigious matters whereas a notary is limited to non-litigious matters only.

Why does this differentiation even matter? What affect does it have on you as a home buyer or seller?

A REALTOR® is a professional who can offer you a holistic, full service experience that comes with security, integrity and an accompanying fiduciary duty that

is imparted to all those who are a member of a governing body such as the CREA. Members of CREA are guided by rules, regulations and mandates that we must follow as certified members and these guides raise the bar on the services we offer and hold us accountable when it comes to providing our clients and the public with professionalism in the real estate world. This is not to say that agents who are not CREA members perform at a lesser level, however, they are not obligated to uphold the same standards, expectations and liabilities for their actions as those individuals who have decided to join the largest Canadian real estate association.

When determining who your real estate professional is going to be for one of the largest purchases you plan to make, I encourage you to choose someone who has voluntarily raised their hand to join a professional organization with a high standard of expectation. Finding someone who you know is held to the utmost measure of quality and service in their work with you as a valued client gives peace of mind to the whole process.

If you’re wondering what the specific services offered to you SHOULD look like when you are a buyer or a seller, feel free to reach out to me today and I’d be happy to let you know what it is that I do for my clients to make sure their experience is professional, informed and as smooth as possible.