REALTOR® Code of Ethics
Part of what distinguishes REALTORS® from other real estate professionals is the REALTOR® Code of Ethics to which members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® adhere.
The Code of Ethics defines the way REALTORS® do business, as well as how REALTORS® interact with clients, customers, the general public and each other.
The Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS® establishes objective, enforceable ethical standards governing the professional conduct of REALTORS®.
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.
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics is comprised of 3 sections: Duties to Clients and Customers; Duties to the Public; and Duties to REALTORS®.
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics was a precursor to many of today's state real estate licensing laws.
Click here to view the Code in its entirety
Ethics Complaints, Arbitration Requests and Related Information
REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. If you believe that a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, you can file an ethics complaint alleging a violation(s) through the local association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® holds membership, or participates in a REALTOR® association-owned/operated MLS.
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.
Below are several resources to help you understand what filing and processing an ethics complaint and arbitration request entails, and the general process you can expect when filing an ethics complaint or arbitration request with a local association of REALTORS®. Check with the local association of REALTORS® to ensure you have the proper forms required by that association.
Filing an Ethics Complaint:
Before you file an Ethics Complaint, read "Before you file an Ethics Complaint".
When you are ready to file a complaint, contact Thomas Roberson at the HIghlands-Cashiers Board of REALTOR'S office at 828-743-0423 or by email
Thomas Roberson or info@hcbor.net.
All complaints are held in the strictest of confidence.
Explanatory Notes
The reader should be aware of the following policies which have been approved by the Board of Directors of the National Association:
In filing a charge of an alleged violation of the Code of Ethics by a REALTOR®, the charge must read as an alleged violation of one or more Articles of the Code. Standards of Practice may be cited in support of the charge.
The Standards of Practice serve to clarify the ethical obligations imposed by the various Articles and supplement, and do not substitute for, the Case Interpretations in Interpretations of the Code of Ethics.
Modifications to existing Standards of Practice and additional new Standards of Practice are approved from time to time. Readers are cautioned to ensure that the most recent publications are utilized.
For more information, go to: http://www.realtor.org/topics/code-of-ethics
