What is the difference between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent?

The terms "real estate agent" and "REALTOR®" are often used interchangeably — but they are not the same thing, and the difference matters when you are choosing who to trust with one of the largest financial transactions of your life.

Real estate agent: the baseline

In Alberta, a "real estate agent" (or more precisely, a licensed "associate" or "broker") is any person who has passed the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) licensing requirements. These include completing the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) education program, passing the licensing exam, completing the practice hours requirement, and maintaining ongoing continuing education. A licensed agent can legally represent buyers and sellers in Alberta real estate transactions.

REALTOR®: the higher standard

A REALTOR® is a licensed agent who has gone a step further — joining the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) through their local real estate board (CREB in Calgary). CREA membership requires the agent to subscribe to CREA's Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice, which impose fiduciary duties and professional conduct standards beyond what provincial licensing alone requires.

REALTOR® is a federally registered trademark of CREA. Only agents who are current CREA members can legally use the designation. The ® in REALTOR® is not decorative — it is a registered trademark that carries meaning.

Practical differences

REALTOR® membership gives access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) cooperative database — a non-CREA member cannot list properties on the MLS. This alone makes REALTOR® status significant: MLS is how 95%+ of Calgary buyers find properties. A non-CREA agent cannot legally put your home on the MLS.

Ryan's credentials

Ryan Van Spengen is a licensed REALTOR® and member of the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). He is bound by CREA's Code of Ethics, RECA's licensing standards, and CREB's local MLS rules. Every listing Ryan takes is on CREB's MLS — the primary marketing vehicle for Calgary residential real estate.

Frequently asked questions

Can any real estate agent in Calgary list on the MLS?

No. Only licensed agents who are members of the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) — which requires CREA membership — can list on CREB's MLS system. A licensed-but-non-CREB agent can represent buyers or sellers but cannot place a listing directly on the MLS.

What is the RECA and what does it do?

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is the provincial regulator that licenses real estate professionals, mortgage brokers, and property managers in Alberta. RECA sets minimum licensing standards, investigates complaints, and disciplines agents who violate regulations. All active Alberta real estate agents must hold a current RECA licence.

Is it better to work with a REALTOR® than a plain real estate agent?

For MLS-listed transactions in Calgary, working with a REALTOR® is effectively required — non-CREA agents cannot access the MLS. REALTOR® membership also adds the CREA Code of Ethics layer. For all practical purposes, the agents you will encounter in the Calgary residential market are REALTORS®.

Talk to Ryan Van Spengen

Calgary REALTOR® specialising in divorce, estate, and upsizing transactions. Free consultation — no obligation.

Book a free call

This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified Alberta lawyer or accountant for advice specific to your situation.