REALTOR vs Real Estate Agent

Q - I often hear the term Realtor. Is there any difference between the term Realtor and real estate agent?


A - Yes, technically there is a difference but practically not so much.

The terms REALTOR, MLS, Multiple Listing Service and the associated logos are trademarks owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).  These trademarks are intended to identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA.  This membership allows members to have access to the most complete and powerful listing service - the MLS System which is also financially supported by the membership.

It does not follow that all real estate agents are REALTORS.  If they do not belong to a real estate board that is a member of CREA, they are simply real estate agents and not REALTORS.  As such, they do not have access to the MLS Services.

In the United States, the comparable association is called The  National Association of Realtors (NAR) and operates in a similar manner.  NAR also has other well known designations which they sponsor.

There have been some challenges in both countries regarding this kind of exclusivity held by CREA and NAR.  The issues have not yet been totally resolved and continue to be addressed in courts of law.  Both CREA and NAR are highly involved in lobbying their respective governments on behalf of their agents and brokers.

Real Estate Websites

Q - On which website will I be able to find all real estate properties that are for sale? Do real estate company websites provide information on all properties?

A - All real estate properties listed by agents who belong to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) can be found on Realtor.ca  -- formerly identified as mls.ca. 

The majority of real estate companies and real estate agents belong to CREA. In fact the terms REALTOR, MLS, Multiple Listing Service and others are trademarks owned by CREA.  It is this membership that supports the Multiple Listing Service and permits its members to list properties for sale onto the site.  The end result is that these properties listed for sale can be found on this website -- Realtor.ca

Individual company websites, on the other hand, display only the properties listed by the company.  The intent of the website is to promote the company listed properties.

If you are a buyer,  you get the largest selection of properties available for sale by searching Realtor.ca.  This provides you with listings by all real estate companies who are members of CREA.  It incorporates all major franchise companies and many local firms as well.

The US is similar to Canada in this respect.  To view the largest selection of US listed properties go to Realtor.com