Month: August 2018

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Agent vs REALTOR®

When Is a Real Estate Agent a REALTOR®?

A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when he or she becomes a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, The Voice for Real Estate®, the world’s largest professional association. The term “REALTOR®” is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abides by its strict Code of Ethics.

Founded in 1908, NAR has grown from its original nucleus of 120 members to more than 1 million today. NAR is composed of REALTORS® who are involved in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others who are engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

Members belong to one or more of 1,700 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS® and can join one of our many institutes, societies, and councils. Additionally, NAR offers members the opportunity to be active in our appraisal and international real estate specialty sections. REALTORS® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Working for America’s property owners, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® provides a facility for professional development, research, and exchange of information among its members. From their voluntary adherence to a Code of Ethics to their incomparable knowledge of real estate processes, REALTORS® are the experts of residential and commercial property transactions.

This information is from the National Association of REALTORS® website and has been edited for use in our site. The original may be found here: Who Is a REALTOR?

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Careers in Real Estate

Real estate remains one of the best career opportunities available.  The potential earnings in  relation to the startup costs is hard to beat, yet those considering a career in real estate must not underestimate the challenges they will face in getting started.  A significant learning curve and the need for a high degree of self-motivation are just two of the many hurdles new agents face.  Although startup costs are relatively small compared to other careers offering similar returns, new agents should expect a significant period of spending before seeing any serious income.  Dropout rates after the first year are pretty high.  Even after agents become established and start seeing success, the industry tends to cycle through periods of boom and bust that test the skills of even the most experienced veterans.  Don’t expect to rest on your laurels!

But many people do thrive in real estate, even in the weakest markets, and the Western Maryland area continues to offer a dynamic sales environment where success can be earned. The Garrett County Board of REALTORS® is ready to assist you as you begin your real estate career. 
     ♦ We can refer you to the classes you’ll need to get started and, for those who make the wise choice to become REALTORS®, we offer tools and resources to support your career once you start selling.
      ♦ Our staff provides support for the widely varied needs our members face each day. From providing the most advanced electronic lock box services or resolving disputes through mediation, GCBR stands ready to assist.
      ♦ Our committees produce the forms and contracts that protect your interests and enable your success while our education program allows for significant personal career enhancement and the opportunity to branch out into new areas of growth. 
      ♦ The many events GCBR offers provide excellent networking opportunities to meet not only fellow REALTORS®, but also the many affiliates who support and enhance your business with their own professional services. 
      ♦ Our Government Affairs Director spends countless hours monitoring state, local and national legislative efforts affecting private property rights and works tirelessly to protect the industry and keep you informed.

Backed by the equally significant support of MR and NAR, GCBR is an important ally to have as you embark on your career in real estate.