A couple of days ago I had a great conversation via Twitter with Lori Bee of Bee Realty in Charlotte, NC. We were discussing the fact that most people don’t know that there is a difference between a REALTOR® and a Real Estate Licensee/Agent.  Hence, this post.

A quick note: this is the process that we have in the state of Arizona it may be different in other states.

Both, REALTORS® and Real Estate Licensees/Agents must take a 90 hour real estate course, pass two school tests and two Department of Real Estate tests and pass a fingerprint background check.  Both must also abide by the Arizona Department of Real Estate’s Rules and Regulations, Commissioners Rules and Standards and the Arizona State Constitution.

However, that is where the similarities end, REALTORS® must then attend an Ethics Course every 4 years, adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and be members of a local association, a state association and a national association that polices their ethical behavior.

By the way, the National Association of REALTORS® is the largest trade organization in the United States.

So, what does all this mean?

It means that there IS a difference between a REALTOR® and a Real Estate Agent and after reading that, who wouldn’t want to hire a REALTOR®?

I know this will be hard for some to believe but there is evidence that Phoenix is experiencing a mini sales boom. In January 2008 there were 2,912 homes sold and last month, December 2008, there were 5,514 homes sold, that means a 90% increase in homes sold in 2008.  FYI, last month wasn’t the highest month either, just check out his chart.

Even in this economy and all the gloom and doom coming from the media the Phoenix area is not the only city experiencing this boom.  In fact, according to this article from REALTOR®.org there are at least 9 others, here, read the article for yourself, its short. You can find it here.

Max Pigman, Vice President of REALTOR®.com said, “There is more opportunity in this market than there has been in the last 30 years, for buyers and sellers.”

I agree and I think a 90% increase in one year proves that quite a few other people believe it too.