how are real estate agents different from realtors 
real estate agents are licensed by their state to help people buy and sell real estate realtors are real estate agents who have opted to become members of the national association of realtors the bottom linea realtor is a national association of realtors nar member professionals who may hold the title of realtor include agents who work as residential and commercial real estate brokers salespeople and property managers realtors must abide by the nar s code of ethics 