The difference between Realtors and real estate licensees

What is exactly the difference between a Realtor and real estate licensees?

One of the many benefits of our country is our ability to vote and buy and sell real estate. It has been stated that the housing sector has been keeping our economy going when other areas were waning.

As a property owner it is important to understand some of the basics of real estate. Over the years I've encouraged friends to take real estate courses, even to get their real estate license. It's a good way to get the basics. But that's all it does.

Some people have said some real estate courses have focused so much on getting the students to pass the state licensing tests that they are out of touch with the real world. But, it's still a great way to get some basics on real estate. Things such as the ways in which you can take title to property, leveraging property and basic terms are just a few of the things to learn.

But having a license only means you get a minimum understanding of real estate and can provide minimum protection to a consumer. Most companies have apprentice programs to pair up new licensees with an experienced licensee. It's a great way to learn.

More importantly, if a licensee wants to be a professional in real estate, they need to become a Realtor. That is a term used for members of the National Association of Realtors. It means that a licensee has met certain requirements to become a member and that they hold themselves accountable to a standard of ethics.

In fact, the National Association of Realtors has mandated that all Realtors take periodic ethics classes beyond what they took when they first became a Realtor. There is a whole system set up for consumers to use to register issues and complaints about Realtors. Likewise, Realtors also use this system if there are issues between Realtors. It's much like the legal profession and the Bar Association.

Realtors become members of the National Association of Realtors through joining their state real estate association and local Board of Realtors. So, not only do you have what the national organization has set up for standards but also the state and local boards. Each level is separate and each has input on its membership standards.

Also the state license needs to be renewed periodically. To get that renewal requires additional educational courses to be brought up-to-date on the many issues that are constantly changing in real estate. Courses are accredited by the state and are offered locally.

In addition, there are many professional Realtors that take advantage of additional educational programs offering certification. Some of the certification programs include the G.R.I., Graduate of Realtor Institute, C.R.S., Certified Residential Specialist, ePro and several other specialty programs. These are only available to Realtor members.

When you're looking for real estate services, trust your Naples Florida Realtor professional. They have more extensive training and experience than someone that just has a license. They also hold themselves accountable to higher ethical standards.