What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a realtor? Definitions and Background Realtor: A Licensed Professional In the real-estate industry, “Realtor” is often used interchangeably with “real estate agents”, but the two terms have distinct meanings. A real estate professional is a licensed individual who represents both buyers and sellers, and provides guidance to facilitate the process of buying and selling. On the other hand, a Realtor is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a trade association that promotes the interests of real estate professionals. To become a realtor,