Code of Ethics
REALTORS!’ Pledge of
Performance and Service
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS!
adopted the Code of Ethics in 1913, following theprofessions of medicine, law, and engineering.
REALTORS! are real estate professionals who havechosen 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 Code of Ethics based on professionalism andprotection of the public.
REALTORS! are subject to disciplinary action andsanctions if they violate the duties imposed by the Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics is a detailed document that spellsout the professional responsibilities of every REALTOR
Do not hesitate to ask a REALTOR! for a copy ofthe Code, including the Standards of Practice. The
Code is your assurance of dealing with a professionalwho has your best interests in mind.
The Code of Ethics consists of seventeen Articles andrelated Standards of Practice. The basic principles of the
Code are summarized below.Please note that the following is not a substitute for the
Code, but simply a general overview of the Code's key
principles. For additional information about the Code of
Ethics and its enforcement, speak with a REALTOR! orcontact the local association of REALTORS! nearest you.
Duties to Clients and Customers
! Article 1 !
REALTORS! protect and promote their clients’ interestswhile 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 estateprofessionals 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 positionor interest known.
! Article 5 !
REALTORS! do not provide professional services wherethey 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 theymay 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 andcustomers in a separate escrow account.
! Article 9 !
REALTORS! make sure that contract details are spelledout in writing and that parties receive copies.
Duties to the Public
! Article 10 !
REALTORS! give equal professional service to all clientsand customers irrespective of race, color, religion, sex,
handicap, familial status, or national origin.
! Article 11 !
REALTORS! are knowledgeable and competent in thefields 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 andin other public representations.
! Article 13 !
REALTORS! do not engage in the unauthorized practiceof law.
! Article 14 !
REALTORS! willingly participate in ethics investigationsand enforcement actions.
Duties to REALTORS!
! Article 15 !
REALTORS! make only truthful, objective commentsabout other real estate professionals.
! Article 16 !
Respect the exclusive representation or exclusive
brokerage relationship agreements that other
REALTORS! have with their clients.
! Article 17 !
REALTORS! arbitrate financial disagreements with otherREALTORS! and with their clients.
