Integrity & Care
Ethics
Insights to the 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.
We recognize the integrity and care of REALTOR® Members serving their community and leading by example. Striving for consistency of ethical, fair and equal treatment in all areas of focus.
What is the Code of Ethics?
NAR's Code, adopted in 1913, was one of the first codifications of ethical duties adopted by any business group. Specifically, it ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients' best interests.
Please reference The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for professional responsibilities & commitments of REALTORS® (consisting of 17 Articles and related Standards of Practice).
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® or contact the local association of REALTORS® nearest you.
Who Abides by the Code of Ethics?
REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. 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.
Required REALTOR® Education: NAR’s Code of Ethics Course
REALTORS® are required to take an education course in the REALTOR® Code of Ethics as a requirement of new membership either in the classroom or online, and once every three years to maintain that membership status. REALTORS® can take the Code of Ethics course through the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute. Completion of NAR’s C2EX Certification program meets the requirement for Code of Ethics education. You may access information about the current Code of Ethics cycle and sign up for NAR’s online New Member and Existing Member Code of Ethics courses here.
Without question, REALTORS® are the preferred partner in real estate AND FOR GOOD REASON
REALTORS® hold to the highest ethical standards in the industry. REALTORS® voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics, a professional standard that sets us apart from non-member licensees.
The National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics is available for REALTORS®, our clients and the general public to review online:
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. - Code of Ethics Preamble (Amended 1/07)
Duties to Clients and Customers
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® accept compensation from only one party, except where they make full disclosure to all parties and receive informed consent from their client.
Article 8
REALTORS® keep the funds of clients and customers in a separate escrow account.
Article 9
REALTORS® make sure that details of agreements are spelled out in writing whenever possible and that parties receive copies.
Duties to the Public
Article 10
REALTORS® give equal professional service to all clients and customers irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® do not discriminate in their employment practices.
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 honest and truthful in their communications and present a true picture in their advertising, marketing, 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.
Duties to REALTORS®
Article 15
REALTORS® make only truthful, not misleading, 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 and mediate financial disagreements with other REALTORS® and with their clients.
See our Resource Center for documentation & development assets in support of these standards