In the real estate world, misconceptions can spread like wildfire, leading to confusion and misinformation. One such misconception revolves around the ownership of Realtor.com®. Many believe that the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) owns and operates Realtor.com, but this is not accurate. Let’s delve into the facts and clear up this fugazi.
The Relationship Between NAR and Realtor.com®
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) licenses the REALTOR® trademark to Realtor.com (just like they do to agents, for a fee), allowing the site to use the REALTOR® name and branding.
However, NAR does not own Realtor.com. The site is operated by Move, Inc., a subsidiary of News Corp
This distinction is crucial, as it means that while NAR has a significant influence over the branding and standards of Realtor.com®, it does not control the day-to-day operations or business decisions of the platform.
Why the Misconception Exists
The misconception likely stems from the close association between NAR and Realtor.com®. The use of the REALTOR® name and branding can easily lead people to assume that NAR owns the site. Additionally, NAR’s involvement in promoting Realtor.com® as a trusted resource for real estate professionals and consumers further blurs the lines of ownership.
The Reality of Ownership
Who really owns Realtor.com? Realtor.com is owned and operated by Move, Inc., which is part of News Corp
News Corp acquired Move, Inc. in 2014, expanding its reach in the digital real estate market. This acquisition brought significant resources and expertise to Realtor.com®, enhancing its capabilities and offerings.
Despite this ownership structure, NAR continues to play a vital role in ensuring that Realtor.com® adheres to the high standards expected of the REALTOR® brand. This collaboration benefits real estate professionals by providing a reliable platform for marketing properties and connecting with potential buyers and sellers.
Conclusion
Understanding the true relationship between NAR and Realtor.com® helps dispel the misconception that NAR owns the site. While NAR licenses the REALTOR® trademark to Realtor.com® and collaborates closely with the platform, the actual ownership lies with Move, Inc., a subsidiary of News Corp
Why is it important who really owns Realtor.com?
I find this to be extremely important. NAR is full of fugazi‘s. If you ask a sample of people from the general public what the difference between a REALTOR and a Real Estate Agent is… I’ll bet they can’t distinguish.
REALTOR and Real Estate Agent ARE NOT acronyms… A Realtor, such as in the case of Realtor.com is just a trademark someone has paid to use. That’s it. The fact that through marketing NAR has generated this public misconception that somehow a Realtor is an elevation to a real estate agent license issued by the state is a fugazi. It’s about as much an honor as a paid-award – Like this one which Inman News just invited to purchase.
I find the extent to which NAR misleads both the public and their membership truly infuriating. No wonder NAR (and their members) are knee deep in lawsuits). What are your thoughts?
