Jump to a sectionLicensing, membership and choosing representation
A real estate agent holds a state license. A REALTOR® belongs to the National Association of REALTORS®, or NAR, and agrees to follow its Code of Ethics. Someone can be both. REALTOR® isn’t a separate Pennsylvania license or a higher license level. NAR explains the membership distinction here.
That answers the terminology question. It doesn’t answer whether someone will communicate well, understand your plans or give you useful advice.
Agent, broker and REALTOR® mean different things
“Real estate agent” is the everyday term most people use for someone licensed to help with property transactions. In Pennsylvania, a salesperson works under a licensed broker. A broker holds a different license with additional qualifications and responsibilities. Some brokers run a brokerage; others work for another broker. Pennsylvania’s licensing guide describes both licenses.
- Real estate salesperson
- A state license. The salesperson works under a broker.
- Real estate broker
- A different state license, with additional qualifications and responsibilities.
- REALTOR®
- Association membership, separate from the state license. A salesperson or broker can also be a REALTOR®.
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics adds professional standards and an association process for ethics complaints. Membership isn’t a guarantee of good service, though. You still need to ask how the person works.
Nor does it mean agents who aren’t members have no obligations. Pennsylvania licensees have legal duties, including honesty, reasonable professional care and disclosure of conflicts of interest. Those duties apply under Pennsylvania’s licensing rules.
Find out who the person represents
An agent might arrange a showing and answer questions without representing you as a buyer. If they represent the seller, their role is different from that of your own buyer’s agent.
Pennsylvania’s Consumer Notice explains the available relationships, including buyer agency, seller agency, dual agency and services without an agency relationship. The notice itself isn’t a contract hiring the agent. Read Pennsylvania’s Consumer Notice (PDF).
Before discussing your highest budget or negotiating position, ask: “Are you representing me, the seller, or neither?” You should get an explanation you can follow. If dual agency is proposed, ask what it would limit and what consent is required.
Look beyond the title
Ask what working together would actually look like. Who will answer your questions? Who will attend showings? What services are included, how is compensation handled, and what happens if the arrangement isn’t working?
Bring up something specific to your plans. Maybe you need to sell before buying. Maybe you’re comparing an older Philadelphia rowhome with a suburban townhouse. Or you’re not ready to move for another six months.
A useful response includes tradeoffs and things that still need checking. It shouldn’t make every property sound perfect or every decision feel urgent.
Also ask where the agent’s job ends. An agent can help coordinate the purchase, explain the process and connect you with appropriate professionals. They don’t approve your loan, inspect the sewer line or replace an attorney.
I’m Frankie Tang, a Pennsylvania-licensed real estate salesperson and REALTOR® serving Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. You deserve a clear explanation of what you’re signing and what it means for you.
General consumer information, not legal advice. Representation and payment obligations depend on your agreements and the circumstances of your transaction. Sources checked October 19, 2026.