The word "REALTOR" (two syllables) patented in 1948 is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS and abides by a strict Code of Ethics.
I'm not sure who or when the "ah" was placed in the middle of REAL"ah" TOR, but it's time to stop mispronouncing who we, collectively as a professional affiliation are!
Recently, I attended a video-conference for real estate professionals in Los Angeles. Dawn Wells, perhaps better known as Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island was one of the guest speakers, who so eloquently delivered a presentation on the topic of – camera presence.
In the course of her talk, she professed her love of real estate, having owned 11 properties at one time. During her talk on stage, she described her various experiences with "Real-ah-tors." After her talk, she very graciously took a photo with me, at which time I asked her if I could give her a tip. Upon sharing the correct pronunciation of "REALTOR" with her, she immediately felt that all the real estate professionals in the room must not have believed her credible. When I told her that many in my own industry pronounce it that way, she thanked me with a big smile and a hug.
So the next time you're discussing real estate or perhaps lucky enough to be stranded on a desert island with Mary Ann, and a friend or celebrity mispronounces my professional affiliation, kindly let them know it's pronounced – REAL-TOR (with two syllables!). But, don't always count on getting a big hug, because you just might end up with a big "HUH?" instead.
Can you guess this REALTOR's answer to the question, "Mary Ann or Ginger?"
If you're in the market to buy a tropical island or homes for sale in San Diego, don't feel stranded. Please feel free to call me, Robert Sizer, at (760) 519-8436 or email robert@andrewarroyo.com. I've been helping celebrities & castaways in San Diego since 1994!
