REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE

Definition

A REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE is a licensed real estate salesperson affiliated with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) who conducts real estate business under the supervision of a designated Realtor®-Broker. The title signifies their commitment to the high standards and Code of Ethics upheld by the NAR.

Examples

Example 1: Joining an Established Brokerage
- Scenario: Sarah recently passed her state’s real estate salesperson licensing exam. She was subsequently sponsored by a reputable real estate brokerage that is associated with NAR. After completing her induction with the national and state associations, Sarah is officially a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE, utilizing the title in her professional branding.
Example 2: Utilizing Resources
- Scenario: John, a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE, takes advantage of the extensive training programs and resources offered by NAR to stay updated on industry trends and to improve his transaction skills. This professional development allows him to better serve his clientele and maintain ethical standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between a REALTOR® and a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE?

A REALTOR® can either be a licensed real estate broker or salesperson who is a member of NAR, while a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE specifically refers to a licensed salesperson who adheres to the ethical standards of NAR and operates under the supervision of a Realtor®-Broker.

Q2: Do I need to pass an additional exam to become a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE?

No additional exam is required to become a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE. However, you must pass your state’s real estate salesperson licensing exam, be sponsored by a Realtor®-Broker, and become a member of NAR.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE?

Eligible use of the REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE title equates to adhering to NAR’s Code of Ethics, access to professional development programs, comprehensive market data, industry networking opportunities, and various other member benefits.

Q4: Can a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE operate independently?

No, a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE must operate under the supervision of a licensed Realtor®-Broker according to regulatory protocols and the standards set by NAR.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR): The largest association of real estate professionals in the United States, committed to the ethical and professional standards in real estate practices.
Real Estate Broker: A licensed professional who may own a real estate firm and is responsible for supervising real estate agents affiliated with their brokerage.
Code of Ethics: A strict guideline followed by members of NAR, ensuring professionalism, fairness, and integrity in all real estate transactions.
Real Estate Salesperson: An individual licensed to perform real estate services under the supervision of a real estate broker.

Online Resources

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®: Official NAR Website
Real Estate Licensing Requirements: State-by-State Licensing Info
Professional Development: NAR Education & Training

References

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. (n.d.). NAR Code of Ethics
RealEstateU. (n.d.). Real Estate Licensing Guide
Kaplan Real Estate Education. (n.d.). Licensing Exam Preparation

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Your First Year in Real Estate” by Dirk Zeller
“The Millionaire Real Estate Agent” by Gary Keller
“The Honest Real Estate Agent” by Mario Jannatpour

Real Estate Basics: REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE Fundamentals Quiz

### To become a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE, which organization must one join? - [x] NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) - [ ] Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) - [ ] International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) - [ ] Real Estate Educators Association (REEA) > **Explanation:** To achieve the designation of REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE, one must become a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR). ### A REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE operates under the supervision of which type of professional? - [ ] Real Estate Developer - [ ] Independent Appraiser - [ ] Property Manager - [x] Realtor®-Broker > **Explanation:** A REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE is supervised by a Realtor®-Broker, adhering to their standard and ethical obligations. ### Does a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE need to pass a broker's licensing exam? - [ ] Yes - [x] No - [ ] Only in some states - [ ] Only if they own a brokerage firm > **Explanation:** A REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE is a licensed salesperson, not a broker, thus does not need to pass a broker's licensing exam. ### What ethical code must all REALTOR®-ASSOCIATES adhere to? - [ ] State Constitution - [ ] Local Real Estate Laws - [x] Code of Ethics by NAR - [ ] National Consumer Protection Act > **Explanation:** All REALTOR®-ASSOCIATES must adhere to the Code of Ethics established by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. ### Can a REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE provide real estate services independently? - [ ] Yes - [x] No - [ ] Depends on the state - [ ] Sometimes > **Explanation:** A REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE cannot operate independently and must be supervised by a designated Realtor®-Broker. ### Do the titles REALTOR® and REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE mean the same? - [ ] Yes, they are identical. - [x] No, one refers to a broker or salesperson affiliated with NAR, and the other specifically refers to a licensed salesperson under a Realtor®-Broker. - [ ] Only in certain states - [ ] Under specific circumstances > **Explanation:** REALTOR® refers broadly to both brokers and salespersons in NAR, while REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE specifically identifies a licensed salesperson under a Realtor®-Broker. ### What designation can a new real estate salesperson use upon joining NAR? - [x] REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE - [ ] Licensed Real Estate Examiner - [ ] Certified Property Manager - [ ] Authorized Sales Consultant > **Explanation:** A new real estate salesperson joining NAR can use the designation REALTOR®-ASSOCIATE. ### Who often utilizes the professional development resources provided by NAR? - [x] REALTOR®-ASSOCIATES - [ ] Independent Property Owners - [ ] Tenants - [ ] Non-licensed Contractors > **Explanation:** REALTOR®-ASSOCIATES often take advantage of the professional development resources to enhance their skills and services. ### What benefit most attracts real estate salespersons to become REALTOR®-ASSOCIATES? - [ ] Office Space - [ ] Reduced Licensing Fees - [ ] Direct Cash Incentives - [x] Access to resources, networking, and adherence to professional ethics > **Explanation:** The access to a wealth of resources, professional networking, and adherence to ethical standards attracts real estate salespersons to become REALTOR®-ASSOCIATES. ### Upon joining NAR, what must REALTOR®-ASSOCIATES promise to adhere to? - [x] NAR’s Code of Ethics - [ ] State Corporation Laws - [ ] International Housing Mission - [ ] Local Finance Legislations > **Explanation:** REALTOR®-ASSOCIATES must promise to adhere to NAR’s Code of Ethics when they join.