“Realtor” is the symbol of a professional in the real estate business. Many people use the term Realtor synonymously with ‘real estate agent’ or ‘salesperson’. This assumption is incorrect. Not every real estate agent is a Realtor. Realtor is a designation that applies to one who pursues continuing education, abides by a strict Code of Ethics, stands for private property rights, and opposes discrimination in housing. You may be aware that Realtors are required to hold a state real estate license, but there are many other designations that a well-educated Realtor can hold. To become a licensed real estate agent, one must meet minimum requirements outlined by state statutes. To renew a real estate license, the state’s real estate commission requires that an active agent take a required number of continuing education courses every three years. A Realtor organization is based upon a Code of Ethics to which each member agrees to adhere. Within the Code are provisions that govern fair housing, professional conduct, and advertising. Realtors also work as “watchdogs’ for legislation that negatively affects private property, property taxation, and real property rights in relation to buying and selling land and homes. Realtors are the true professionals in real estate.