Code of Ethics

NEED INFORMATION ON ETHICS COMPLAINTS, ARBITRATION, ETC? CLICK HERE!

 

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® 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.

 

Responsibilities to the Public

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® 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.

 

Responsibilities to REALTORS®

Article 15

REALTORS® make only truthful, objective comments about other real estate professionals.

Article 16

REALTORS® respect the exclusive, professional relationships that other REALTORS® have with their clients.

Article 17

REALTORS® arbitrate financial disagreements with other REALTORS® and with their clients.

2015-Code-of-Ethics

Code of Ethics Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions before filing a Complaint:

 

Q:           Where do the rules for the Arbitration, Mediation and Ethics complaint process come from?

A:            All Professional Standards rules and procedures are set forth in the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (CEAM).

 

Q: In order for me to arbitrate does the transaction have to be closed?

A:            Yes. For a matter to be arbitrable the transaction must have closed.

 

Q: Do I have to be the managing broker in order to file an Arbitration Request or a request for Mediation?

A:            For a matter to be considered a mandatory arbitration request, the managing broker must be the requesting party.

 

Q: Does an ethics complaint allow for damages?

A:            There are no provisions for damages for an ethics complaint.

 

Q: If I arbitrate with another broker regarding a monetary dispute as it relates to co op commissions is the Arbitration Award binding?

A:            Yes, pursuant to the CEAM (Section 56) the mediation agreement as well as the arbitration award can be judicially enforced in the event the non prevailing party fails to comply.

 

Q: If I have a dispute with a managing broker of a brokerage who is a member of another board can I still arbitrate or mediate?

A:            Yes, you may file the request for arbitration or mediation at your primary board.

 

Q: If have a complaint about a REALTOR® from another board can I file an ethics complaint? If so, where do I file?

A:            Yes, pursuant to the Multiboard Agreement in accordance with the CEAM you may file an ethics complaint at your primary board.