The terms REALTOR® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® are registered trademarks, authorized for use only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS®.
Not all licensed real estate agents in Hawaii are REALTORS®. To become a REALTOR®, a licensee must first join one of six local Boards of REALTORS®. He or she then becomes a member of the Hawaii Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.
With membership in these organizations, REALTORS® have special privileges and responsibilities. Most important is that REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics that governs their professional conduct with clients and other agents. This Code is like the Golden Rule. It requires REALTORS® to treat all parties with honesty. REALTORS® pledge to present all written offers promptly, respond truthfully to questions about properties, disclose all material facts known to them, and avoid discrimination.
In order to maintain their real estate licenses, all active sales agents complete continuing education courses required by the Hawaii Real Estate Commission. REALTORS® attend numerous educational courses developed and offered by the State Association and their local Boards to keep their skills and knowledge current. Many pursue specialized education resulting in certification. You can identify these REALTORS® by certain designations, or letters, following their name. Residential specialists may carry the CRB® (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager), CRS® (Certified Residential Specialist), or GRI® (Graduate, REALTORS® Institute) designation, while commercial and industrial specialists may carry the CCIM® (Certified Commercial Investment Member), CPM® (Certified Property Manager) or CRE® (Counselor of Real Estate). The CIPS® designation indicates a Certified International Property Specialist, a REALTOR® specialized training in international real estate sales.
REALTORS® are pleased to tell you about their education and credentials, and their firm's capabilities. Do not hesitate to ask for such information when selecting a REALTOR® to represent you.
