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When responding to a question by the public on this forum I tend to refer to the individual that they are referring to as licensee or real estate sales person. I do this primarily because I don't know if they are actually dealing with a Realtor.
I always call you sweet folks agents. It's just quick and accurate.
By the way, the ® means that it's a registered trademark, so you're both right.
Since I am a real estate agent and not a Realtor®, I always make sure to use real estate agent. My MLS gives us a choice. I think about 1/2 are Realtors®.
In my neck of the woods you must be a Realtor to be a member of the MLS and all the
big companies require you to be a member of the local board - so 98% of us are Realtors.
Almost everyone here in Columbia is a Realtor, and the public at large seems to call us Realtors more than real estate agents. So, I almost always use the term Realtor, but I do explain the difference.
Out of curiosity, do you tell all people not to use Realtors and that you don't like them, or was it just that one post on the Columbia thread?
shelleytc-I quite agree with you. Although I prefer the term "Real Estate Broker" over "Real Estate Agent". (I'm in NC where its an all Broker state)
Everytime I hear, "Agent" I want to start singing, "Secret Agent Man".
This will probably upset a few, but.............
I spend tens of thousands of dollars a year showing why my company is unique, different from everyone else. Being lumped in with all others as a "Realtor" is counter-productive to who we are, what we do and the image we are presenting.
I am sad to say that the majority of customers and clients that we come in contact with that voice an opinion of a Realtor has a negative comment and/or opinion.
I do not need to be associated with that. We'll rise or fall on our own accord.
I'm one of those that thinks language is important. In Oregon (an all Broker state) it is sometimes even more confusing.
Licensee/Broker - same here
Agent - based on the contractual relationship you have with a client (difference between a "client" and a "customer" is that relationship)
REALTOR® - Member of NAR (as well as state and local associations)
Real Estate Professional - the generic term I tend to use to lump us all together
Last thought - I wish that we could do MORE to make the REALTOR® brand powerful and stand apart from the licensee/broker who is NOT a member. We have the Code of Ethics, but the general public does not really understand the distinction, so I think that gets lost on them. I've often pondered the idea that we should establish (or formalize the existing) mentoring programs. In the same way that you can be a Doctor...you have to do some internship in order to be able to develop the broader skills and specialize. Just a thought - would love to hear other folks opinions on the subject.
Heck, soft drinks are called "Coke" all across Texas, in my experience. And have been for as long as I can remember (which is a disturbingly long time ).
LOL, they're called "Cokes" in AL, too. As in, hey, ya'll, let's go get a Coke! It's a southern thing.
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Counter Productive
they're "Cokes" in AL, too :)
).
As in, hey, ya'll, let's go get a Coke! 
