It's REAL-TOR! Not Real-a-tor ~

It's a regional difference how people say the word obviously! There's a whole book about these kinds of differences that is out now, called Speaking American. It refers to how different parts of the country say things differently or have different words for things. For instance the words syrup (SEER-up versus SIR-up) and pajamas (pa-JAM-ahs versus pa-JAH-mahs)are pronounced differently depending on where you live. Or what the words is for a big sandwich... sometimes sub, grinder, hoagie, etc, etc, there are about 6 different words for a big sandwich. Or saying "You guys" versus Y'all. This debate is one of those differences!

What a stupid thing to whine about. The word pronunciation is regional. Just like some people say Car-a-mel, and some say car-mel.

Some people say car-ibb-ean, and other say car-ibbean.

I tried to join the CIA once, but they found out my parents were married.

Maybe it's a conscious choice of the writers to make them seem more vapid.

I agree with the OP - this is NOT a question of different pronunciation, this is a matter of pronouncing a letter which is NOT in the word!!
My husband and his family say this, too, and they're anything but dumb...I pointed this out to him several times but he still says it incorrectly....

I work hand in hand with realtors every single day. Seems like everyone around here avoids the pronunciation by just always saying "Real Estate Agent." Or if they want to be more specific, "Listing Agent or Buyers Agent."