What's the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent? A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors and is held to a strict code of ethics to protect the consumers interests. A real state agent does not have to abide by a code of ethics. The national association of realtors has nearly 1.5 million members and is the country's largest lobbying organization. Lobbying to keep home ownership a true American Opportunity!