The Code of Ethics

The REALTORS®’ Pledge of Performance and Service

The National Association of REALTORS® adopted the code of Ethics in 1913 following the professions of medicine, law, and engineering.

The Code of Ethics is a detailed document spelling out the professional responsibilities of every REALTOR®. The following summary is provided for your convenience, but is not a substitute for the actual Code, including the Standards of Practice. The Code is your assurance of dealing with a professional having your best interests in mind.

The Code of Ethics consists of seventeen Articles and related Standards of Practice. The Code’s basic principles can be summarized as follows:

Duties to Clients and Customers

Article 1
REALTORS® protect and promote their clients’ interests while treating all parties honestly.

Article 2
REALTORS® refrain from exaggeration, misrepresentation or concealment of pertinent facts related to property or transactions.

Article 3
REALTORS® cooperate with other real estate professionals to advance their clients’ best interests.

Article 4
When buying or selling on their own account or for their families or firms, REALTORS® make their true position or interest known.

Article 5
REALTORS® do not provide professional services where they have any present or contemplated interest in property without disclosing that interest to all affected parties.

Article 6
REALTORS® disclose any fee or financial benefit they may receive from recommending related real estate products or services.

Article 7
REALTORS® receive compensation from only one party, except where they make full disclosure and receive informed consent from their client.

Article 8
REALTORS® keep entrusted funds of clients and customers in a separate escrow account.

Article 9
REALTORS® make sure that contract details are spelled out in writing and that parties receive copies.

Duties to the Public

Article 10
REALTORS® give equal professional service to all clients and customers irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

Article 11
REALTORS® are knowledgeable and competent in the fields of practice in which they engage or they get assistance from a knowledgeable professional, or disclose any lack of expertise to their client.

Article 12
REALTORS® paint a true picture in their advertising and in other public representations.

Article 13
REALTORS® do not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.

Article 14
REALTORS® willingly participate in ethics investigations and enforcement actions.

Duties to REALTORS®

Article 15
REALTORS® make only truthful, objective comments about other real estate professionals.

Article 16
REALTORS® respect the exclusive, professional relationship that other REALTORS® have with their clients.

Article 17
REALTORS® arbitrate financial disagreements with other REALTORS® and with their clients.

Please remember that this is simply a general overview of the Code’s key principles. For additional information on the Code of Ethics and its enforcement, speak with a REALTOR® or contact the local association of REALTORS®.