A real estate agent achieves the status of a REALTOR® upon joining the National Association of REALTORS®, recognized as The Voice for Real Estate®—the largest professional association worldwide. The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark distinguishing a real estate professional affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS® and committed to upholding its stringent Code of Ethics.

Established in 1908, NAR has expanded from an initial group of 120 members to a current membership of 1.4 million. NAR comprises REALTORS® active in both residential and commercial real estate, serving in roles such as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others participating in various facets of the real estate industry.