What distinguishes a realtor from other real estate agents?

The distinction that sets a realtor apart from other real estate agents lies in the requirement to adhere to the ethical standards established by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This association provides a code of ethics that its members must follow, which includes principles such as honesty, integrity, and client confidentiality. By committing to these standards, realtors demonstrate a higher level of professionalism and accountability in their practices compared to non-member agents, who may not be bound by the same ethical guidelines.

The other options do not accurately define the distinction of a realtor. While all realtors are indeed licensed by their respective states, this aspect applies to all real estate agents, making it insufficient as a distinguishing characteristic. Additionally, realtors can specialize in various areas of real estate, not just commercial properties, thus negating the idea that they are limited to that specialization. Lastly, experience is valuable but does not inherently distinguish a realtor from agents who may have differing levels of experience but are not members of the NAR.