Understanding the Distinction Between a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent Definitions of a Realtor or Real Estate Agent What is a Realtor, exactly? A licensed realtor acts as an agent between buyers and seller of real estate. They are all members of the National Association of Realtors. Real estate brokers, on the contrary, are licensed professionals and are not required to be members of the NAR. Real estate agents and realtors both help clients buy or sell property, but realtors also have access to more resources and opportunities for networking. A realtor has access to MLS (Multiple Listing Service),