Wait... isn't my agent a REALTOR®?

Not necessarily. While "realtor" pops up as a synonym for agent all over Reddit and in casual conversation, REALTORS® are dues-paying members of the National Association of REALTORS®, Washington REALTORS®, and the local chapter - the Whatcom County Association of REALTORS®.

For many years in Whatcom County, it's been common for brokerages to be members of NAR and thus, by default, all new licensees who joined any of these large reputable firms would be required to become a REALTOR®.

Signing up was a default part of the onboarding process for most of us, an industry norm, not a purposeful, intentional choice by that broker to operate at a higher standard of ethics.

Recently, some firms have been readdressing this almost-default membership practice and have chosen to nonrenew membership. Our firm is one of them.

That means that every agent on our team and in our brokerage is no longer a REALTOR®, no matter how long we have been.

One of the core value propositions NAR has offered its members has been the Code of Ethics. Many REALTORS® market themselves as being "held to a higher standard of ethics" via this membership. And that's a fair point.

However, all of us are governed by our statutory duties as outlined in RCW 18.86.030, which includes "to deal honestly and in good faith". We're also subject to guidelines from the Northwest MLS, which provide corrections before they become larger issues.

As you see individual firms deciding whether they will remain with NAR, consider:

  • Do you think our standards of business ethics have changed simply because we've nonrenewed membership with a specific professional association?
  • Or do you think we as professionals would continue to offer the same level of service with integrity as we have for our past 400 transactions?

It's important to interview multiple reputable agents and make a selection based on their integrity, track record, involvement in the community, and professional experience.

Quick definitions

  • Licensee - someone who holds a real estate license
  • Broker - the word used in state law and in the everyday world of our industry
  • Agent - a broker who is contracted to work with a specific client
  • REALTOR® - a member of the national professional association
  • Managing Broker - allows a broker to train other brokers, provide contract advice, and manage a branch office
  • Designated Broker - the responsible broker in a firm; this person is responsible for all brokers working at that firm