The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® adopted the Code of Ethics in 1913, following the professions of medicine, law, and engineering.
REALTORS® are real estate professionals who have chosen to join the National Association and abide by its strict
Code of Ethics.
What does this mean to you? It means that any REALTOR® with whom you work has voluntarily agreed to abide by a Code of Ethics, based on professionalism and protection of the public.
REALTORS® are subject to disciplinary action and sanctions if they violate the duties imposed by the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is a detailed document that spells out the professional responsibilities of every REALTOR®.
If you want to download the complete 2010 Code Of Ethics click here 
Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.
Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which REALTORS® should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves. REALTORS®, therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor.
In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to clients, customers, the public, and each other, REALTORS® continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals, they willingly share the fruit of their experience and study with others. They identify and take steps, through enforcement of this Code of Ethics and by assisting appropriate regulatory bodies, to eliminate practices which may damage the public or which might discredit or bring dishonor to the real estate profession. REALTORS® having direct personal knowledge of conduct that may violate the Code of Ethics involving misappropriation of client or customer funds or property, willful discrimination, or fraud resulting in substantial economic harm, bring such matters to the attention of the appropriate Board or Association of REALTORS®.
Realizing that cooperation with other real estate professionals promotes the best interests of those who utilize their services, REALTORS® urge exclusive representation of clients; do not attempt to gain any unfair advantage over their competitors; and they refrain from making unsolicited comments about other practitioners. In instances where their opinion is sought, or where REALTORS® believe that comment is necessary, their opinion is offered in an objective, professional manner, uninfluenced by any personal motivation or potential advantage or gain.
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.”
Accepting this standard as their own, REALTORS® pledge to observe its spirit in all of their activities whether conducted personally, through associates or others, or via technological means, and to conduct their business in accordance with the tenets set forth below.
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.
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® are truthful in their communications and 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.
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