REALTOR® – A Title You Can Trust

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A few weeks ago, this blog covered the often-asked question, “How many real estate agents are there in Portland, Oregon”? The answer came from our local REALTOR® associations, whose memberships total nearly 7,000 – real estate agents as well as affiliates who work for title companies, home inspection agencies, banks, etc.

But what is a REALTOR® association, and why is the term capitalized and used with the register symbol? The best definition is that REALTOR® associations create the difference between a licensed real estate agent and a REALTOR®. According to the Oregon Association of REALTORS® (OAR) website, “The Association is the REALTORS®’ real estate business advocate, a force for education, and a legislative advocate for free enterprise and private property rights in Oregon.”

A REALTOR® is a real estate agent who has become a member of their local REALTOR® association, which not only requires adherence to a Code of Ethics, but also offers additional training and legal protection to members.

REALTORS® don’t join the Oregon Association of REALTORS directly – they join a local real estate association which gives them the benefit of membership in both their state and national realtor associations. In Portland, real estate agents are a part of either the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (PMAR) or the East Metro Association of Realtors (EMAR).

Membership in one of these two local Portland REALTOR® association also gives your real estate agent the benefits of membership in the Oregon Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

The NAR is no small organization. It calls itself “The Voice for Real Estate,” and with 1 million members, it is America’s largest trade association! The NAR takes on a political role and advocates for homeownership at a national level. The NAR is the reason that the term REALTOR® is actually trademarked, and can only be used to refer to a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.

What’s the bottom line for the Portland real estate buyer or seller? REALTOR® associations add another layer of protection for you, the consumer. Professionalism is of ultimate importance in the real estate business – after all, this is your home we’re talking about! The REALTOR® symbol on your real estate agent’s business card, website and yard signs says that this person can be trusted, is experienced, and is backed by a well established national organization.

As the Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® states on its website, “The more than 6,000 members of PMAR are committed to protecting and promoting homeownership, establishing and maintaining high professional standards of practice, and creating unity in the real estate profession.”

Looking for a REALTOR® with reasonable commission rates in Portland, hundreds of successfully closed sales, an amazing marketing strategy, and the knowledge to help you navigate the Portland real estate market, call me, Stephen FitzMaurice, Realtor at 503-714-1111. Customer service is my top priority!

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What My Clients Are Saying

We have worked with many Realtors over the years and Stephen is by far the best we have ever met. He's very knowledgeable and gets the job done quickly. We had multiple offers after one day, not because we were under priced but because we had maximum exposure at the appropriate price!

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