REALTORS® Pledge of Performance

 

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 professonalism 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®.

Do not hesitate to ask a REALTOR® for a copy of the Code, including the Standards of Practice. The Code is your assurance of dealing with a professional who has your best interests in mind.

The Code of Ethics consists of seventeen Articles and related Standards of Practice. A general overview of the Code's key principles is listed below. View the complete copy of the Code of Ethics.

Duties to Clients and Customers

Duties to the Public

Duties to REALTORS®
  • 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 know.
  • 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.
  • Article 15
    REALTORS® make only truthful, objective comments about other real estate professionals.
  • Article 16
    REALTORS® respect the exclusive representation or exclusive brokerage relationship agreements that other REALTORS® have with their clients.
  • Article 17
    REALTORS® arbitrate financial disagreements with other REALTORS® and with their clients.