| Not all licensed real estate agents are
Realtors. A Realtor is an agent who is licensed as a
real estate broker. All other licenses are called Realtor Associates or RA's and must work under a
Broker/Realtor.
It is quite common to hear references to all real estate agents as
Realtors. The truth of the matter is that the status of caring the title of
Realtor is an earned privilege. Less than a third of all licenses are really licensed
Realtors.
It is tough to get a Brokers license because it requires a higher level of experience with strict professional standards, which are established by the Hawaii Real Estate Commission.
Full-time experience, a minimum of 10 different
transactions, and passing a certified course are just some of the prerequisites before being allowed to even take the Broker's license exam! Then you must pass the estate brokers license exam which is a very intense! For instance, in 1996 only 46% of the people taking the brokers exam passed. In 1995, of those taking the brokers test only 37% passed. Needless to say, some people will never be able to get a Brokers license necessary to obtain the true
Realtor status.
In conclusion, to display the
Realtor symbol, as a designation, serves notice to the public that the Broker follows a prescribed set of ethics and business standards. Since it doesn't cost the Buyer or Seller any more to work with a
Realtor/Broker, why not take advantage of the experience and expertise this professional can provide!
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