Why is a name so important? First of all, the term "REALTOR" is a collective membership mark registered with the U.S. Patent Office, and designates only those real estate brokers and agents who are members of the national association.

Members of the national, state, and local REALTOR organizations display the Realtor identification--the stylized "R" -or the name Realtor in their signs, advertising and business cards.

Most importantly, if you use a Realtor, you can be assured that you are dealing with a "REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL", with personal integrity as well as competency in real estate matters.

Real Estate brokers and agents who wish to be Realtors must first be accepted through their local Realtor boards. Acceptance for membership is based upon good business character and demonstration of ability in real estate maters. Before attaining membership, the real estate broker or agent pledges to abide by the association's nationally recognized CODE OF ETHICS.

This code demands high professional conduct. It is a three-part document dealing with Realtors' relations with the public, the client, and fellow Realtors. The essence of the Code is the Golden Rule, contained in the code's preamble: "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

The Code is enforced through professional standards committees which are maintained by local boards. These, in effect, are grievance committees charged with the responsibility of hearing complaints and arbitrating disputes.

The public, as well as members of the board, can bring complaints before the committee. Disciplinary action can consist of suspension or expulsion from membership. A real estate broker or agent who is not a Realtor is governed only by state license laws.

Because Realtors have worked to unify and standardize their business practices since 1908, the term "REALTOR" has come to connote competence, fair dealing and integrity in business relations.

In addition to promoting real estate information and education, the association is involved in protecting the rights of all private property owners. It is the goal of the association to make home ownership affordable and accessible.

The COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS reminds you that Realtors are people in the real estate business who continues to be affiliated with well-organized real estate activities and business practices. Realtors have the knowledge generated by over 75 YEARS of ETHICAL STANDARDS, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND RESEARCH.