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What Does It Mean to Be a REALTOR®?

Learn what distinguishes a REALTOR®, how membership is structured, and the professional standards, resources, and opportunities available.

Membership Information

Membership with the Lake Country Board of REALTORS® connects real estate professionals with local support, professional development, advocacy, industry resources, and the broader REALTOR® organization at the state and national levels.

Learn what distinguishes a REALTOR® from a real estate licensee, explore the value and responsibilities of membership, and find the resources that match where you are in your membership journey.

What Is a REALTOR®?

A REALTOR® is more than a licensed real estate professional. REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) who subscribe to its Code of Ethics and commit to professionalism, integrity, fair housing, and protecting the interests of their clients and communities.

Holding a real estate license alone does not make someone a REALTOR®. The REALTOR® designation identifies a real estate professional who holds membership with NAR and agrees to uphold its professional standards.

When an eligible real estate professional joins the Lake Country Board of REALTORS® (LCBR), REALTOR® membership also includes membership with the Georgia Association of REALTORS® (GAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

Together, these local, state, and national organizations provide advocacy, education, professional standards, business resources, networking opportunities, and member benefits.

The Value of REALTOR® Membership

LCBR membership provides access to resources and opportunities designed to strengthen professionalism, support members' businesses, and connect real estate professionals with their industry and community.

Professional Growth

Continuing education, professional development, certifications, designations, and industry training.

Business Support

GAR forms, legal resources, arbitration services, market information, professional standards support, and REALTOR®-only business tools.

Advocacy

Representation at the local, state, and national levels on issues affecting private property rights, homeownership, and the real estate profession.

Connection and Leadership

Committees, classes, events, community programs, networking opportunities, and association leadership.

These are only a few of the resources available through membership. Visit the Member Benefits page and Membership Resources section for a more complete overview of local, state, and national benefits.

Membership Options

Available options include:

  • REALTOR® membership
  • Affiliate membership
  • REALTOR® membership with LCBR MLS access
  • LCBR MLS access without REALTOR® membership
  • Appraiser MLS access

The appropriate option depends on your license, brokerage relationship, professional role, and need for MLS access.

Visit the Join LCBR page to compare membership options and begin the application process. Detailed annual dues, prorated costs, application fees, and billing information are available on the Membership Fees page.

Becoming a REALTOR® Member

New REALTOR® members must complete several application and training requirements within the first six months of membership. The steps below provide a summary of the process.

1
SUBMIT a completed application with the appropriate membership fee.
2
ATTEND New Member Orientation within the first six months of membership.
3
COMPLETE an approved Code of Ethics training course within the first six months of membership.
4
COMPLETE a NAR-approved Fair Housing / Anti-Bias training course within the first six months of membership.
5
SEND PROOF OF COMPLETION if you completed the Code of Ethics or Fair Housing/Anti-Bias Training online or attended a class not provided by the association.

Code of Ethics

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics establishes the professional standards that distinguish REALTORS® from other real estate licensees.

Members pledge to conduct business honestly, protect their clients' interests, cooperate with fellow professionals, and complete recurring Code of Ethics training required by NAR.

Fair Housing

REALTORS® are committed to providing equal professional service without discrimination while promoting fair housing opportunities for all.

Fair Housing and Anti-Bias education helps members recognize barriers to homeownership and better serve every consumer. This training must also be completed during each NAR Ethics cycle.

REALTOR® Marks

The REALTOR® name and logo identify members of the National Association of REALTORS® and distinguish them from non-member real estate professionals.

The REALTOR® Marks represent professionalism and NAR membership. Protected by federal law, they must be used according to NAR trademark rules in business and marketing materials.

Where to Go Next

Whether you are ready to join, comparing membership options, or looking for MLS information, use the resources below to take the next step.