The top-level domain (TLD) “.REALTOR” is a domain extension specific to members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Like “.com” or “.gov,” it is an end part of a website name. Unlike these general TLDs, “.REALTOR” is industry-specific with restricted use.
The .REALTOR domain was introduced as part of the generic TLD (gTLD) program by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). This program aimed to enhance competition and innovation in the domain name market, allowing industries, communities, and brands to apply for dedicated TLDs (ICANN.org).
In September 2013, NAR and CREA won approval from ICANN to implement the “.REALTOR” TLD for their members’ exclusive use. This extension is aimed at helping members distinguish themselves in the highly competitive online real estate space (NAR.realtor).
Individuals, firms, or associations who are members of NAR or CREA are eligible to register for a .REALTOR domain. It provides an exceptional opportunity to strengthen online branding, improve visibility, and make it easier for prospects to identify a trustworthy, professionally aligned realtor (Productions™).
For example, an individual realtor named Jane Doe could secure the domain “JaneDoe.Realtor.” Alternatively, a real estate firm called “Sunrise Properties” might use “SunriseProperties.Realtor.”
As the National and Canadian Associations of Realtors exclusively control the “.REALTOR” domain, it provides a guarantee that websites ending in “.REALTOR” are run by licensed Realtors adhering to a strict code of ethics. This provides a level of trust for users navigating the real estate online landscape (.REALTOR: Purpose).
The .REALTOR domain is not just for websites either; it can also be used for personalized email addresses that project a professional image. For example, Jane Doe could create the email “Jane@JaneDoe.Realtor” to communicate with clients.
While the adoption of new TLDs has been a slow process, due in part to the dominance of .com domains, .REALTOR has seen relative success. It is a good example of an industry-specific TLD creating a distinct and trusted community online.
Sources:
- ICANN, “About the Generic Top-Level Domain Name Process,” icann.org.
- National Association of Realtors, “NAR secures .Realtor Domain,” nar.realtor.
- Productions™, “How To Use The .REALTOR Top Level Domain To Improve Your Real Estate Business,” getopenhouse.com.
- .REALTOR, “About .REALTOR,” about.realtor.
