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®.

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 National Association of REALTORS Ethics Information.

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.