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Defense of the R®

Correct Use, Importance & the REALTOR® Commitment

Presented by the PRAR Defense of the R® Committee · Aligned with the standards of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

Download the Official Guide (PDF)

What Does the R® Stand For?

The R® is much more than a logo:

  • →It represents professional ethics, service and trust.
  • →It is the official registered trademark of REALTORS®.
  • →Only active members in good standing with their local Board, PRAR and NAR may use it.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITYETHICAL COMMITMENT

In Puerto Rico, more than 85% of consumers recognize the R® as a seal of trust.

Source: NAR Consumer Perception Study

Real Estate Agent vs. REALTOR®

Real Estate Agent

  • →Licensed by the Puerto Rico Real Estate Examining Board (JECVEBR).
  • →May sell, rent or manage properties.

REALTOR®

  • →A licensed agent or broker who voluntarily commits to the NAR Code of Ethics.
  • →Has access to education, standards and additional protection.
  • →NOT every agent is a REALTOR®.

A license alone does not make you a REALTOR®. Membership, ethics and continuing education do.

Why the R® Matters in Puerto Rico

  • →Advocacy keeps the REALTOR® voice present where decisions are made.
  • →Raises the standard of the profession across the island.
  • →Promotes transparency and best practices.
  • →Sets apart professionals committed to ethics.
  • →Strengthens consumer confidence.
  • →Protects the value of the profession in a competitive market.
  • →Protects rights, expands access and builds prosperity.

Correct Use of the R® (per NAR)

  • →The word REALTOR® is always written in capital letters, with the ® symbol.
  • →It is never used as an adjective: ✗ “realtor agent”  ✓ “I am a REALTOR®”
  • →It is never used to describe a company that is not a member.
  • →The R® in logos must follow NAR’s official guidelines.

✓ Where it can be used: email signature, uniform, website, authorized materials.
✗ Where it cannot be used: company names, personal titles, slogans.

NAR Logos & Trademark Rules

How the R® Is Misused

Common Misuse in Puerto Rico

  • ✗Social media profiles claiming to be a “Realtor” without paying annual dues and being active in the association.
  • ✗Altered logos or incorrect colors.
  • ✗Use of the R® by companies that are not REALTOR® members.
  • ✗Confusing a real estate license with the registered REALTOR® trademark.

How NOT to Use the R®

  • ✗Changing the logo.
  • ✗Displaying it in your corporate colors.
  • ✗Using the R® inside the name of a non-authorized company.
  • ✗Calling yourself “Realtor” without being a member.
  • ✗Mixing the R® with other logos.
  • ✗Using R® in hashtags — #realtor does not imply membership.

Improper use of the brand may lead to sanctions or legal action from NAR.

The NAR Code of Ethics — Our Foundation

The Code of Ethics is what sets the profession apart in Puerto Rico. It prevents conflicts between colleagues and protects consumers. It rests on three pillars:

Duties to Clients

Honesty, loyalty and disclosure.

Duties to the Public

Non-discrimination, transparency and professional conduct.

Duties to Fellow REALTORS®

Cooperation, respect and fair practices.

Every REALTOR® must complete Code of Ethics training every 3 years per NAR (current cycle: 2025–2027).

Read the NAR Code of Ethics

Fair Housing

Every REALTOR® in Puerto Rico must:

  • ✓Protect every person’s right to buy, sell or rent without discrimination.
  • ✓Avoid “steering” (guiding clients toward or away from neighborhoods).
  • ✓Avoid comments about schools, safety or population profiles.
  • ✓Guide clients with official resources instead of personal opinions.

Common violations:

  • ✗“This neighborhood is quiet / safe.”
  • ✗“People of a certain profile live here.”

Fair Housing applies fully in Puerto Rico, even though our local legislation is different.

What Does the Defense of the R® Protect?

  • →The reputation of the entire industry.
  • →Consumer trust.
  • →National consistency as part of NAR.
  • →The value of being a member.
  • →Integrity in transactions in Puerto Rico.
  • →The value of the real estate market, by promoting uniform professional practices.

Defending the R® Protects Your Career

Being a REALTOR® represents:

  • →National and international recognition.
  • →Immediate credibility with consumers.
  • →Access to exclusive education and resources.
  • →Standards that elevate your business.
  • →An organized community with a strong presence in Puerto Rico.

Consumers prefer working with REALTORS® over non-members by 54% (NAR Research)

Your reputation is your business. The R® protects it.

What Can Every REALTOR® Do, Starting Today?

  • ✓Update your profiles and materials with the correct R® — social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) and printed materials.
  • ✓Report misuse or abuse of the brand.
  • ✓Take Code of Ethics and Fair Housing courses.
  • ✓Be an ambassador of professionalism on the island.
  • ✓Volunteer with your local board, PRAR and NAR.

To report misuse of the brand and/or logo, email the evidence to querellas@puertoricorealtor.org.

The Defense of the R® Committee

Compliance and protection of the REALTOR® brand in Puerto Rico.

Pedro Faberllé  ·  Xiomara Rivera  ·  Evelyn Osorio  ·  Kristina Fábregas

The Role of PRAR

The Puerto Rico Association of REALTORS® ensures:

  • ✓Continuing education.
  • ✓Correct use of the REALTOR® brand.
  • ✓Legal and regulatory resources.
  • ✓Communication guidelines and standardization.
  • ✓Protection against improper or misleading uses.

PRAR monitors use of the brand across social media, websites and promotional materials.

Available Resources

Defending the R® Is Defending Our Profession.

Puerto Rico deserves committed, informed and united REALTORS®. If you see the R® being used incorrectly, contact us — protection starts with you.

Download the Official Guide (PDF)

querellas@puertoricorealtor.org  ·  787-791-8555  ·  puertoricorealtor.org