Realtor Code of Ethics helps protect consumers

Working with a Realtor gives buyers, sellers and investors many advantages they need to succeed in today’s real estate market.

One of those advantages is the assurance that Realtors subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics that provides their clients with the highest degree of professionalism, ethics and service.

Not all real estate licensees are Realtors. Only those who are members of the National Association of Realtors can use the term “Realtor,” and those professionals subscribe to the Code of Ethics as a condition of NAR membership.

Realtors are a trusted resource for real estate information and have access to advanced educational opportunities and training in real estate specialties, bringing value to buyers, sellers and investors.

The Code of Ethics is a comprehensive document that spells out professional responsibilities owed to clients, other Realtors and the general public. All Realtors must take comprehensive training on the NAR Code of Ethics at least every four years to retain their membership.

Adopting the code in 1913, NAR was only the second trade or business group in the U.S. to adopt mandatory ethical standards for its members.

Consisting of 17 articles organized into duties to clients and customers, the public and Realtors, the code outlines numerous professional responsibilities.

For instance, Realtors must be honest with all parties in the real estate transaction, including their client and other Realtors or real estate agents and their clients.

Realtors should also be forthcoming with all parties by disclosing all pertinent facts regarding the property and the transaction. If something seems questionable about a property, the Realtor is obligated to investigate and make recommendations that buyers consult their own expert and inspectors.

In addition, Realtors must be truthful in advertising and communication with the public. When distributing newsletters, creating websites or placing advertisements, Realtors must represent only their work and not take credit for the work of another real estate professional.

To read more about the Code of Ethics and find a summary of the code that explains its benefits, visit realtor.org/code-of-ethics.

House to House is distributed by the Arkansas Realtors Association. For more information about homeownership in Arkansas, visit ArkansasRealtors.com.

i Realtors subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics that provides their clients with the highest degree of professionalism, ethics and service.” — Miki Bass, CEO of the Arkansas Realtors Association