What Is a REALTOR®?

REALTORS^® aren’t simply real estate licensees. Instead, REALTORS^® are real estate licensees who take things up a notch, by subscribing to a Code of Ethics with an enhanced level of professionalism, to help clients navigate through one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there’s a key distinction between a real estate licensee and a REALTOR^®.

A real estate licensee is someone who has passed the state exam and holds a valid license from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). This license allows them to assist clients in buying and selling real estate.

A REALTOR^® isn’t simply a real estate licensee. REALTORS^® are real estate licensees who have joined the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR) and are committed to following a strict Code of Ethics that promotes higher standards of professionalism, integrity and service. The term "REALTOR^®" is a registered trademark of NAR and identifies a real estate professional who is a member of NAR and subscribes to the REALTOR^®.

All REALTORS^® are real estate licensees, however, not all real estate licensees are REALTORS^®.

You must:

• Have a valid and active real estate license.
• Be actively engaged in the real estate business.
• Not have a record of official sanctions involving unprofessional conduct.
• Not have filed for any recent or pending bankruptcy.

1. Obtain a real estate license

The first step to becoming a REALTOR^® is to obtain a real estate license and then connect with a brokerage in your area.

2. Join a local REALTOR^® association

Next, you must join one of the National Association of REALTORS^®' (NAR) local real estate associations. If you are a member of a brokerage as mentioned above, the branch office manager, sole proprietor, firm partner, corporate officer or majority shareholder must first join an association before any you or other employees can join. 

3. Pay a one-time application fee

After you and/or your brokerage’s membership has been approved by your local association, you must pay a one-time application fee. Application fees vary for each association.

4. Pay annual membership dues

Once you become a REALTOR^®, you pay annual dues to remain an active member of your local association. These dues are prorated for your first year of membership. See NAR's membership dues information.