Quick Answer
Realtor is a trademarked membership title, not a job title. In Central Indiana, most agents who use it also belong to the local MIBOR Realtor Association, which grants access to the regional MLS.
- Membership in
- National Association of Realtors
- Requires
- Agreeing to the NAR Code of Ethics
- Local association
- MIBOR Realtor Association
- Not the same as
- Every licensed real estate agent
Realtor vs Real Estate Agent
Every Realtor is a licensed real estate agent, but not every licensed agent is a Realtor. The title requires paying dues to join the National Association of Realtors and formally agreeing to its code of ethics, which covers honesty, fair dealing, and cooperation with other members.
Locally, that membership runs through MIBOR, the Realtor association serving Central Indiana, which also operates the regional MLS most agents use to list and search homes.
Why the Realtor Distinction Matters
The code of ethics gives you an extra layer of accountability beyond state licensing law, including a formal process for filing a complaint if a Realtor doesn't live up to its standards.
At Your Realty Link, Principal Broker Janet Giles-Schultz and our team hold MIBOR membership, so you're working with agents who have agreed to that added standard.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Realtor
Are all real estate agents Realtors?
No. Realtor is a membership title through the National Association of Realtors, not a requirement to hold a real estate license.
What does the code of ethics actually cover?
It covers duties like honesty, fair dealing, proper handling of client funds, and cooperation with other Realtor members, with a formal complaint process if it's violated.
Do I need a Realtor or just a licensed agent?
Either can legally represent you, but Realtor membership adds an extra layer of ethical accountability many buyers and sellers value.
Is MIBOR the same thing as the MLS?
Not exactly. MIBOR is the Realtor association; it operates the regional MLS that member agents use to list and search properties.