Additional Resources:
NAR Ethics Complaints, Arbitration Requests and Related Information
Conflict Resolution
Ethics & Professional Standards
REALTORS® & the Code of Ethics
The term REALTOR® has come to connote competency, fairness, and high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct in business relations. No inducement of profit and no instruction from clients ever can justify departure from this ideal.
In the interpretation of this obligation, REALTORS® can take no safer guide than that which has been handed down through the centuries, embodied in the Golden Rule, “Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them.”
What is the Code of Ethics?
NAR's Code of Ethics, adopted in 1913, was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to this strict Code of Ethics. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients' best interests. In addition, REALTORS® agree as a condition of membership to arbitrate contractual disputes and specific non-contractual disputes as provided for in Article 17 of the NAR Code of Ethics.
Violation of these Articles is taken very seriously, and violators run the risk of having their picture shared with other associations, taking additional training, being fined or even having their membership revoked.
Who does the Code of Ethics apply to?
The Code of Ethics applies to all active REALTOR® members locally, statewide and nationally. Those agents must adhere to the Code when dealing with other real estate agents, REALTOR® members, members of the public and clients- both theirs and others.
If you believe that a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, we have many options below to assist with conflict resolution. Our community relies on clear communication, ethical behavior, and the utmost professional treatment to all around us.
Conflict Resolution
