When people begin buying or selling a home, they often search online for "real estate agent." While that term is widely used, many consumers don't realize that not every licensed real estate professional is a REALTOR.

That distinction matters.

A REALTOR is more than someone who holds a real estate license. REALTORS are members of the National Association of REALTORS and their state and local REALTOR associations—that’s us here at EMTAR—and they voluntarily commit themselves to a higher standard of professionalism through the REALTOR Code of Ethics. They also gain access to continuing education, industry resources, advocacy, and a professional network designed to help them better serve their clients.

In other words, becoming a REALTOR is about making a commitment—not only to a profession, but to the people and communities they serve.

A Commitment to Professionalism

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will ever make. It often comes during seasons of tremendous change: a first home, a growing family, a new career opportunity, downsizing after retirement, or navigating a difficult life transition.

These moments deserve more than someone who simply understands contracts and paperwork. They deserve a trusted professional who values integrity, communication, education, and service.

That's what the REALTOR designation represents.

Continuing to Learn

If you’ve been around Eastern Middle Tennessee for any length of time, you are aware that real estate never stands still.

Markets change. Neighborhoods spring up. Laws evolve. Financing options shift. Technology continues to reshape how homes are marketed and purchased.

Great REALTORS understand that learning doesn't end after earning a license. They continually invest in education so they can provide informed guidance to the clients who trust them.

That ongoing commitment benefits everyone involved in the transaction.

Serving Communities

We also know that REALTORS don't simply help people buy and sell homes. They help strengthen neighborhoods.

Every successful transaction helps families establish roots, businesses relocate, retirees begin new chapters, and communities continue to grow. REALTORS® are often among the first people welcoming newcomers into an area and helping them discover everything that makes a community special.

Their work extends well beyond closing day.

Your Local Partner

At the Eastern Middle Tennessee Association of REALTORS® (EMTAR), we're proud to support more than 1,200 REALTOR members serving Wilson, Smith, and DeKalb counties.

Through education, professional development, advocacy, networking, celebrations, leadership opportunities, and more, we work every day to help our members continue growing so they can better serve buyers, sellers, homeowners, and communities throughout the places where we are blessed to live, work, play, and grow.

When you see the REALTOR "R," you're seeing more than a professional designation.

You're seeing a commitment to excellence. And that's something worth looking for.

Click here for a menu of Consumer Resources.

About EMTAR: Chartered in 1969, our Association’s 1,200+ REALTORS are a proud part of the 36,000+ members of Tennessee REALTORS and of the 1.5 million+ members of NAR, all working to serve the public and protect the rights of America’s property owners. EMTAR members are known not only for their unmatched real estate excellence and high ethical standards, but also for being generous, hospitable, others-focused, loyal, hardworking, and eager to help wherever and whenever help is needed.