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®.